Adaland water park (by Niki)

Yesterday while riding the dolmus to Ephesus we noticed a huge water park and after inquiring, we found out that Adaland is the biggest water park in Europe. Anyone that knows Josh knows that he is just is big kid at heart and I knew if I said I wanted to go, he would be in for sure! It took awhile to decide because it doesn't seem like something you expect to do in Turkey but once we saw the slides, the adrenaline junkies in us could not resist!

We woke up early to beat the crowds and the heat, and we chose our dolmus with success! Who knew you should ask where it is going first before you just hop on lol? The park is massive and it felt as if we had it all to ourselves. There are about 14 slides in total, some that are pretty scary with long drops and others that are nice tube rides. Josh and I were hysterical after we randomly chose our first slide to go down and it was absolutely terrifying! It was enclosed so you could not see at all, and it throws you down this steep tube the whole time until it forcefully propels you out!

After that, I thought a tube ride might suit me better so we grabbed some tubes and moseyed on up some stairs to find more terrifying (to be fair, just in my opinion) rides! Josh really had to convince me to try these: you sit on a tube and once pushed off the ledge (pushed!) you fall practically straight down and all the way up the other side so you can fall straight down AGAIN! Unbelievable! But I will admit that after the initial fear, I went several more times and had so much fun! I won't lie and say I didn't scream every time though!

There were also pools and chairs to lay on so we made a day of it before leaving. We had the best time laughing through the adrenaline rush after each ride and relaxing in the gorgeous sunshine. (Side note: a Turkish man told us that we should have come in the summer because it is "not as cold!"- you have to love perspective.)

We came back into town around supper time and after a small rest, we went to this great off the beaten path place Josh had discovered. It was above a fish market so naturally it serves the freshest fish and at a very reasonable price. First we tried Turkish coffee called Turk Kahvesi which is served in a small cup and is so thick and powerful, you can see the grounds accumulating on the side. You are given water to cleanse the palate first, and should drink it in a couple of short sips. It is so thick with grounds at the bottom, we didn't know how to finish it! Unsurprisingly, this is not commonly consumed and I am not an exception but Josh really took to his! He then ordered calamari and although I was not so brave (I don't have a taste for fish yet and it is often served "unadorned" in Turkey), I had an excellent meal too.

We are leaving Kusadasi tomorrow so we bought a few items from the bazaar. (For interest's sake, i bought a cute t-shirt for 10 TL which is about $5). I find the bartering here difficult and sometimes I find myself wishing for a listed price, but I am sure I will get the hang of it. I saw so many beautiful trinkets and scarves but I am saving those purchases for when we are in the interior because I think they will be less expensive.

We walked along the promenade and enjoyed another traditional drink, black cay (pronounced the way we would say "chai") which we both really enjoyed! It is like a breakfast tea but more delicious. I will definitely be ordering this over Turk Kahvesi any day.

Tomorrow we are off to Pamukkale and I am so excited! We are making a special trip by bus but I know it will be worth while. Kusadasi has been a great place, and it has been so nice to spend three nights here, learning the city and familiarizing ourselves with Turkish culture and words. The people have been so kind, the attractions have been so breath taking and fun, and the food has been outstanding! It is hard to believe that anywhere can top this but I am excited to see what comes next!