Kusadasi

We have and early start today so that we can beat the crowds from the 2 large cruise ships in port to the gate of Ephesus.  This is one of our favorite antiquities of all those that we have had the pleasure of experiencing over the years.   This marvellous place takes you back to Greek and Roman times as well as biblical history (St. Paul’s letters to the Ephesians).  At one time this place had a population of 250,000 people and the throngs of tourists make it feel like it has that many now!  We visited the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan and the steam-heat Baths of Scolastika and then continued to the majestic Temple of Hadrian, Latrines (public toilets) and the marble Library of Celsus, built to hold 12,000 scrolls.  From there, it was an easy walk to the Great Theatre, the largest in Asia Minor with a capacity of 24,000 seats (that’s how they estimate the population) where St. Paul preached and then along the Arcadian Way, the same path that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. 

Roadsign in Selcuk

A nice look down the Marble way where it was orginally lined with shops

A piece of an architrave showing  Nike, The Godess of Victory.
Her wings are the inspiration for the Nike swoosh logo

 ZJ and a feline tour guide

The Library of Celsus

The large theatre.  Some stories suggest that this is one place
that the Christians met their fate with Lions.

A look at Arcadian Way where there is a costumed re-enactment for the tourists.

We move from Ephesus to the house where it is believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus lived out her days, escorted by John the Apostle.  The site has been visited by several popes

The queue for a glimpse inside of the house of Mary

The many prayers of petition.

Consensus determines that we forgo our scheduled lunch stop to return to the hotel for free time, which we happily use in many ways.  Vicky and Bruce join Linda, Cindy, Frank and Pete for lunch by the harbour and a stroll through the Turkish Bazaar.  This is a fun place for souvenir shopping as well as the occasional artisan shop.  Bruce scores a pair of leather slippers and Cindy and Linda make off with some lovely linen that will find its way under the Christmas tree for family members.  Others stay behind and enjoy the hotel and all it has to offer or make their own way to the Bazaar for treasure hunting. 

Hamming it up at the hotel.

Another swim in the sea, which is likely our last for this trip and we watch the cruise ships leaving port by literally sailing into the sunset. One of them is the twin of the Celebrity ship we will be on next year to this very place on almost the same day next year.  How grand!

Celebrity Equinox leaving port  (we will be on the Silhouette next year)