Adventure Traveler Stories

I've been learning a lot about Turkey these days, and this country, steeped in history, contains something for everyone. There are biblical tours of Anatolia, horseback riding adventures in Cappadocia, and balloon tours of Western Turkey, as well as customizable trips of any length, to virtually any destination. I, however, am most intrigued by the gorgeous hot springs of Pamukkale.

Like Gob Bluth, I hear the jury's still out on science, but in brief, here's what's going on within the terraces of this UNESCO World Heritage Site: The water from the hot springs (95-212 degrees F) is full of calcium carbonate. When the carbon dioxide contained therein escapes (think opening a can of soda), the calcium carbonate is left behind in a soft, gooey form that hardens into the rock, travertine, that forms the terraces (fun fact: the Colosseum is mostly built from mined travertine, as is the Getty in LA). Enterprising early tourists have been making their way to Pamukkale for thousands of years. I can just picture the present-day crowds that must gather in the region during Turkey's searing summers.

In case Turkey seems a little far, check out Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone, a bit closer to home.

Comments

1. Ugg Boots
   And i want to say everytime i see the picture, i just wanna say that i love Turkey..

   4 months ago

2. Ugg Boots
   Really cool and beautiful...

   4 months ago

3. Angelica Nava
   Thanks, Ugg Boots! Have you been there?

   4 months ago

4. B Mo
   I want to go there!!! Whenever I see that picture, I can't get over it!!

   3 months ago

5. Angelica Nava
   We'll go, B Mo! Soon, someday...

   3 months ago

Add a New Comment

Name:

Email:

Url: