Erzin Kaplicalari - The Erzin Source - Hatay, Turkey (5th June: World Enviroment Day)

 ''The Erzin Source Gives Recovery''

The recovery and mineral water which comes out from different places of the rocks in the Amanos Mountain, is in a small village named Başlamış near the city of Erzin in Hatay.

The sources of running water  are 3 km far in the east Erzin and espacially in the summer, this place is important for the domestic turists. Particularly ,people come around for finding cure to their illnesses by drinking the water which is 24C,with pH 6,7 and mixture of bremide, calsiyum, magnesium, carbondioxide,  bicarbonate, sulfate and sulfur. The good benefits of this water are helping the people who have problems with their digestion, kidney, urin organs and metabolizm.

Başlamış is another small and old village which is taken place in the forest surrounded by the mountains. You can find a lot of cheap motels and pansions there. The streams coming from the sources are flowing through the village. At the end of the village  there are stairs leading to this place. On the way,you can see the fantastic nature of Hatay. You walk on the stone path which is surrounded with old trees decorating everywhere. On  the way, you can hear and enjoy the wonderful sounds of the running water. This place is very good for relaxing. There are several bridges over the large river and a lot of places on the ground or small rocks for sitting on. The source of the river  is in a cave in the mountain. Next to the cave, there are a lot of holes in the rocks where mineral water comes out. There is a special place where you can make ''care mask'' with  the mood of the rocks. It is claimed that it makes  your skin soft, beautiful and   younger. Next to this place,there  is a bath with warm water from the source. This warm water is very good for every part of your body espacially for your bones.

After this tour , you will feel yourself more relaxed. Not only your body but also spiritually cause of the climate in the nature. The best season for this trip is spring and summer. In the winter, the water is naturally warm.

Some tips for this trip:

*it’s better if you wear comfortable shoes; because of the much rocks there.

*if you cant drink bitter water then dont forget to bring your own bottle because you cant find another type of water.

*for sure you will jumb into the water, so dont forget to bring your swim suits and towels.

*there arent  any benches, this is why it will be better for you to take a small blanket if you cant sit on austere grounds.

*if you want to go on foot, take a map with you cause there are more then one way to there.

The benefit of this trip:

I advise to visit this place for finding cure in the hot water from the sources.

Accommodation

*Uğur pension

-0544 694 63 35

*Çağlar pension

-0505 562 14 64
-0326 694 64 13

Ojcowski National Park - Poland (5th June: World Enviroment Day)

1. What are the characteristics of this travel activity?

Ojcowski National Park was established on January 14, 1956. It takes its name from the village of Ojców, where it also has its headquarters.

It has an area of 1,890 ha of which forests occupy 1,349 ha, and 251 ha fully covered with forest which are under strict protection. It is a second smallest among the Polish National Parks. The wealth of the Ojcowski National Park includes rich plant and animal life, an unusual landscape made up of canyons, and white limestone cliffs containing great amount of caves (in fact about 215), formed by the eroding action of water. The Park's Museum, located in Ojcow, contains a rich collection of examples of the region's flora, fauna, geological samples and archeological discoveries. The village of Ojcow, with the ruins of a castle, and nearby Pieskowa Skala Castle, are tourist centers located within the park boundary.

2. What should there be in the travelers bag performing this kind of tourism?

The traveler who wants to discover the amazing power of nature should be well prepared for such trip. He/She should provide comfortable shoes and suitable clothes. T-shirts and trousers should cover arms and legs, even if there is hot outside. The traveler shouldn’t take any electronical equipment beside the camera because of the respect to animals living there. Besides he/she should take some insect repellent, sun cream if you travel in summer, bottle of water and some light meal. An umbrella and hut is sometimes helpful too. It would be more convenient to the traveler to take a rucksack not a bag.

3. How can transportation be provided for this travel activity?

The most convenient way to get to Ojcowski Park Narodowy is of course by car. Visiting this National Park is connected with walking in long distance so it would be nice to rest in car or a bus if you are in larger group. You can also travel by train to Krakow and then there is a bus from Krakow to Ojców which stops in front of the entrance to Ojcowski National Park.

4. Where can the traveler accommodate?

Ojcowski National Park is a popular place, visited by thousands of tourists every year. That is why you can find a lot of accommodation place around the park. There are hotels (eg. Green Hotel), agrotouristic farms (eg. Agroturystyka u Alicji) or just private houses where you can find room and nice meal. Of course, the closer to National Park, the more expensive accommodation is.

5. How long does this travel activity lasts? (in one day)

Everything depends on the trail you choose. You can walk for 3 km or for 12 km and you have to remember that longer trails are also more difficult. So, it’s your choice how much time you spend in this beautiful place.

6. How much money is needed for this travel activity?

If we talk about one person spending there free days (like weekend) you have to prepare about 600 polish zloties (150 Euro), including the cost of accommodation, 2 main meals during a day, transport and tickets. If you need guide or you want to buy souvenirs or something more to drink cost will be bigger.

7. Why should a traveler do this activity? What will the traveler’s benefit be?
   
   
   To answer this question I’d had to write all day long, but I’ll do my best to write it in few words. If you visit Ojcowski National Park, you will meet amazing and powerful nature in its pure shape. You will see different, sometimes rare, species of animals and plants, you will see amazing shape of landscape, you will breathe with pure and fresh-smelling air, you will visit the ruins of beautiful medieval castle, you will also hear lots of legends and see how people lived there in old times… and all that is only part of beauty you will see.