We docked in the town of Kusadasi, Turkey with its fort looming on one side of the ship and the statue of Ataturk looming over the town.
Here's our Turkish guide, Can, pronounced John. Quite the fountain of information both from the past and from the present. He had a great sense of humor too which was refreshing. Dan and I came away with a better understanding of Turkey.
The narrative below in quotation marks is from the summary that our Greek guide, Anastasia, emailed to us after we returned home.
"Ephesus, as you've told me, was the site you enjoyed the most. And why not. We had the great experience of walking in an ancient city very well preserved and restored. "
We learned from Can that only 1/30 of Ephesus has been excavated.
Who knows what is underneath the earth on the hillsides?
"Do you remember the amount of marble? It was everywhere!"
Another fact from Can was that all the mining of marble was likely a reason that this ancient city, once a seaport was now miles from any body of water navigable by boats. All the marble dust likely silted up the river.
"We have seen the streets, the houses, the theater of one of the most important cities of the ancient world. Our local guide Can did his best to bring to life the fascinating world of the Greek and Roman times."
The roadway and walkway would have been lined with shops. The walkway would have been covered. The roadway of marble showed evidence of the amount of traffic with grooves in the surface.
The hillside was full of houses. Only a portion have been excavated. You can see the roof on the top right protecting the excavations.
We walked up many steps viewing the houses that once were homes.
As with any house there were changes made over time.
When we came out we were at the top of the hill and had to walk down steep steps to join a few of the group who opted not to do the steps up and down.
The library was then on our left.
This huge amphitheater has been used in modern times.
"After our visit we drove to a village to have lunch and to learn a little bit more about the art of making carpets. The patterns, the colors, the textures were unique. We experienced the Turkish hospitality, local dances and great food. And then it was time to drive to Selcuk old town to visit the lovely archaeological museum with the statues of Artemis. After our visit we drove to a small mosque. In our way we had the view of the only preserved column of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. What follows is the traditional ceramic workshop with their beautiful patterns and colors! It was a long and absolutely amazing day!"
The Turkish rugs are made with silk. See the cocoons.
We did not succumb to the sales pitch to buy a rug nor did we purchase any pottery. Prices were extremely high.
Statue of Artemis.
For more about Ephesus go to Wikipedia HERE
Next stop: This island of Thera also known as Santorini to visit the Pompeii of the Aegean.
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