Yildez

This is an interesting post for me as I've been to both Pammukale and Ephesus many times but not since 1995. The pool now called Cleopatra's pool is the original sacred pool that was inside the temple precinct, hence the columns etc in the bottom. It used to be surrounded by the Efes Motel along with several man-made pools. I knew that it had all been pulled down - good, it was extremely tacky - but had no idea that Cleopatra had been introduced!!! The lady certainly got around and did an awful lot of bathing!!!The Necropolis at Pammukale is absolutely superb - huge and with tombs from many periods up t0 the Christian era. There is also another village further along the ridge which has red water, stained by iron deposits I believe.

The best way to visit Ephesus is with a good guide book on your own. Go in by the top entrance on the Seven Sisters road; this allows you to walk gradually downhill all the time with a continual vista opening up as you go. Don't miss the stepped houses on the left of the Marble road as you approach the Library.

Aphrodias is one of the best and least visited classical sites in Turkey. Exquisite and very important in classical times, it was only rediscovered in the '60's and was being excavated by a French team when I was there last in 1990. It's on my list for another visit along with Hattusa near Ankara, the Hittite city, and Iskanderum and Antakya - I hope to meet Shirleyanne and have a night out on the town!