Ephesus

Ephesus, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

The city of Ephesus was once Rome's capital in the province of Asia. The best sight is the monumental library of Celsus.

I stayed in the nearby town, Selcuk. Because the price here is much cheaper than Istanbul. So, I had my haircut, enjoyed hammams (Turkish baths), tried the water pipe and had a big meal of lamp chop.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

As said in the guidebook, the beautiful photos of the white pools is no longer existing. Many pools have been dried out and people are no longer allowed to soak into the pool. However, the while color over the hill is still impressive and the Hierapolis ruins on the top is not bad, dated back around 1-3 century A.D.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

You can find fantastic natural rock formation in these area, especially in the town I stayed, Goreme. I stayed in the cave dorm, for around HKD60 per night.

The underground city in Derinkuyu is very big with many levels, the rooms are much bigger than I expected.

Also, you can found many rock-hewn cave churchs, the biggest one is Selime Monastery which happened in Star War movie.

Istanbul

Istanbul, originally uploaded by Tak from HK.

Istanbul is a special place for me, not because it locates between Europe and Asia continental, not because of the historical site as Aya Sofya, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace or Basilica Cistern, but the reason is my parents came and met me here.

We spent 5 days in Istanbul and the nearby town, Bursa, to enjoy mineral baths. To be honest, not much impressive sight to be seen. However, I really enjoy my stay with my father and mother. And.. the cup noodles that they brought to me.