Turkeys M Hideaways Day 17
Turkeys M Hideaways
Day 17 - 04/23/06 Explore Ephesus/Epheseus Museum Visit
We slept well with the sound of the pounding surf and woke up a little before 7 AM. After a shower and leisurely breakfast we met at 8:30 in the lobby for our short trip to Ephesus.
There were no crew ships in the harbor today so Meltem told us we could expect a relatively isolated visit to the ruins. Tourism only began in Turkey in 1969 so the industry is relatively new and these destinations are almost unknown as far as European tourist sites.
Today is April 23, an important day to commemorate the original parliament after the creation of the republic in 1923. Ataturk, the leader, declared this day as Children Day - Meltem talked about this celebration that was taking place today.
We drove for less than an hour to the world-famous ancient Greco-Roman site of Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities in the world. We arrived at 9:00 - many tour buses and groups were already there. We could only imagine how busy it would be during the hot summer months and when the cruise ships are in port. As Meltem purchase our tickets, we got our first views of this well preserved and restored city.
We walked on the original wide marble streets, flanked by columns and temples. The Amphitheater we saw was the same one where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians. We saw the Library of Celsus, a tiered facade decorated with exquisite statues. There were also remarkably preserved baths, public latrines, and fresh and waste water systems. Ephesus was also the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. No longer standing, a smaller statue can today be seen at the Ephesus Museum.
This immense and widespread city was once home to 250,000 people at its height in the 2nd Century. The harbor was the center of commerce and trade at the western edge of the city. As the harbor silted in, the city center was moved several times to have access to the Aegean Sea. Although this area was built and rebuilt during many governmental eras, it was the earthquakes that were the most devastating factor for this destruction of the columns and arches.
Our good luck with the weather finally ran out today. As we were about 1/3 of the way through the city it began to rain heavily. We were still able to explore the sites and learn about the ancient people but our photographs were limited because of the weather. The most amazing thing that we learned was that only 20% of the city has even been explored, there is much more to this very layered and complicated history.
At 11 AM we met everyone at the bus to go to the Ephesus Museum in Selçuk. We had an hour to explore the artifacts taken from the excavations. Statues, furniture, dishes and glassware, and decorations in the form frescoes and mosaics were all displayed very artistically in this small but very effective museum. We understand from Meltem's discussions that there is an even more extensive collection in Vienna which also displays incredible finds taken from Ephesus.
We returned to the bus and spent the ride back to the city of Kusadasi reviewing the evaluations and procedures for leaving tomorrow. The bus dropped us off in town and we had free time to have lunch and to explore the city.
The rest of the group went to the Turkish Air office to arrange their seating on their return flights. As we are flying Lufthansa, seating has already been arranged for us. It was still raining so we walked to the internet café and while Gennie checked her UOP classes and mail, I uploaded yesterday's journal and did my own emails.
As we were leaving, we saw a young man from the cyber café was eating a sandwich. We asked him where he got it and he told us he would be glad to show us - it was his uncle's restaurant. We followed him through back alleys and side streets for about 10 minutes. Having a general idea where we were, but not where we were going, I must have looked a little puzzled. He asked me if I was worried, I said no, and then he said "it is very safe for Americans, here".
We have never felt unsafe in Turkey, and with the exception of a few people who did not want their pictures taken, most Turks welcomed American tourists who help their economy!
We finally arrived at the Esenay Pice & Kebab Salonu where we were introduced to the owner, the cooks, and the waiters! They provided us with menus, luckily with pictures so we could point and order our lunch. Gennie chose a boat shaped thin crust a "peynirly pide" (cheese) and I had a "kacisik pide" with ground beef and cheese. The waiter also brought us a fresh salad of tomatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers, and lettuce. We also ordered two sodas, all for 8 Lyra ($6).
When we finished our lunch, we thanked them and found our way to the beach front where we had a leisurely walk back to our hotel at the top of the hill. We worked on our pictures, journals and then showered in preparation for our Farewell Dinner.
Accommodations: Kusadasi Kismet Hotel - - - Meals: B, D
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