Istanbul 伊斯坦布尔

There is a fire burning in my heart,
I have to cool it before I could start.
There is an excitement growing within me,
I have to stop it before I am not me.

First arrival in Istanbul got me so excited to see such a beautiful place. The Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum and Basilica Cistern are just within minutes of walk from the place I was staying. The Tram station is also nearby. Actually I walked most of the time instead of taking the tram.

Yes! I joined the free walking tour.

Met up with the local people.

There are armed soldiers and military vehicles around the tourists area.

This is the train station.

You could take a boat ride.

The place where I stayed provide breakfast with a nice view.

The local food

Pamukkale

From Canakkale I took a bus to Pamukkale for S$38. This was a long and tiring 8 hours ride and the bus stopped in Denizli instead. At the bus terminal, I approached a policeman to ask for direction and finally I landed up in a small and cosy hotel for S$31 a room with buffet breakfast.   The  next morning I took the mini bus (S$1.58) to Pamukkale.  When I got off the bus, someone from a nearby travel agency approached me asking whether I would  like to join a day tour of Pamukkale for S$54. I told him I would consider about that. 

 
 After about 10 minutes of walk, another man approached me asking me to join his tour for S$36, which is one third cheaper that the earlier approach.
      
His group had 2 Canadians, 2 Indians, one Korean and 2 Singaporeans. Without second thought, I joined in the tour. 
Later I found out that the middle age Singaporean couple is a pilot and a teacher. 
I also met 3 young Malay Singaporeans while waiting for the tour. I think we have the Singaporean identity as when we look at each other, we know that we are from Singapore.
Pamukkale means Cotton Castle in Turkish. It is a natural site for hot springs. This is a rather small place but it has some remarkable spots, such as the Roman Spa and Roman Theatre. Though the ancient Roman bath has collapsed but the structures are still there. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    

 

Canakkale 恰纳卡莱 / Troy 特洛伊

Turkey 土耳其

Attractions in Ho Chi Minh

Notre Dame Cathedral

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Saigon Central Post Office and Saigon Opera House

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Ho Chi Minh City Hall  

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War Remnants Museum

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Water Puppet Show

Ho Chi Minh.232 Ho Chi Minh.130     Ho Chi Minh.117 Ho Chi Minh.137 Ho Chi Minh.138 Ho Chi Minh.142 Ho Chi Minh.146 Ho Chi Minh.133 Ho Chi Minh.136 Ho Chi Minh.128 Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

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