Day 04 - West Central Turkey: Laodicea, Hierapolis

Today marks the fourth day of our amazing Turkey trip.

For some we were up before the sun, standing in 40 degree weather while we watched our hot air balloon being inflated. We started to lift on the ground & away we went. Each basket held about 16/18 people. As the sun began to rise over the horizon, the sight was breathtaking. The glory & graciousness of God is unbelievable. Touching down (directly on the back of a truck), we disembarked and had a celebratory toast!

Our first stop was Laodicea -
The city is 4 miles east of Denizli, near the Hisar village. The city was situated on the road which is connected trade centers such as Ephesus and Miletos to Mesopotamia, and this was linked to Rome in the 1st century B.C. One of the first seven churches during the spread of Christianity was in Laodicea. On the walking stones were drawings to communicate with fellow travelers sometimes to see if they shared their faith. An early Christian symbol, the transl iteration of the Greek word IXOUS, “fish” the letters are the initial letters of the Greek word for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

Lunch - Was a beautiful restaurant with a refreshing waterfalls. Fish, chicken or kufta (a small football shaped meatball) where the entrées of the day. Some of us even tried their local Zafir, which is similar to Sprite, but so much tastier.

Our last stop of the day was The Waters of Pamuukale (Hierapolis)
The famous travertine terraces are caused by the waters which are a mixture of carbon dioxide and calcium running down the southern flanks. The carbon dioxide compounds in the composition of the water, the water comes up above the ground, and as a result of this, the calcer, which would get separated from the carbon dioxide gas, precipitates to the ground, and forms white layers and dregs on the soil. Because of the mixtures of all components it was believed to have “healing effect” - many brought there ill and sick here to be healed.

So, when in Rome (or Turkey, in this case) do as they did. We had fun getting our feet wet. The water and the surface was a bit strange & slippery, but I feel everyone had a great day!!! Until tomorrow… Good night & God bless!