Izmir, Turkey (Ephesus)

Next port of call--Izmir, Turkey. This was our very first visit to Ephesus, Turkey and we were all very excited.

After arriving Izmir, we met our guide from "Hello, Ephesus" tours at the port gate and got on the bus that would take us to Ephesus for a one day tour.  This was a private tour just for the eight of us and the bus was big and comfortable enough for all of us.

We saw a couple of fortresses on the way and Chuck, our tour guide, told us all the history about how the Turks came from Mongolia (?) and chased the Christians away. 

We arrived at the upper entrance of Ephesus and took the easier walk down from there.

Only 15% of the ruins were excavated at the site.

A very crowded day.

The "building" is where the Terrace Houses are. It cost extra to get inside the Terrace Houses but it's included in our tour.

Inside the Terrace Houses.

The Terrace Houses (7 of them are on display now) were housing for the rich people at the time of Ephesus. The mosaic pictures on the floor and walls were so detailed and pretty. Chuck said the workers are very happy because they know they have years of work ahead of them. Workers were trying to put the "puzzle" pieces together

Jonathan saw the company name of his former employer posted as one of the sponsors for this project of the Terrace Houses. 

Exiting the Terrace Houses.

The Celsus Library

While taking pictures near the Amphitheater where Apostle Paul preached, there was a show going on at the other side. 

Our next stop was to the Virgin Mary’s House where we were told that Mary spent her last years there with Apostle John. It was up on a hill.

The pool.

Waiting in line to get inside the little house.

Entrance to Mary's House

The house is very small and you are not allowed to take pictures inside.

We exited the house from the other side.

Getting water.

People tied papers with prayers and wishes onto the wall.

After that we were taken to a carpet factory to have lunch (included in the tour). It was a really pleasant outdoor lunch with traditional Turkish food.

Lunch was family style.

Grilled eggplant

yogurt

string beans

salad

chicken skewer and meatballs (they called them meatballs but they are actually flat)

Drinks were extra

It was a nice, relaxing lunch.

After lunch we toured the carpet factory.

Demonstration of getting silk from the cocoons.

We were told that there's no pressure to buy but they kept rolling out carpet after carpet for us to see.

Those were really nice carpets though.

Of course, we didn't buy anything.

Back in town.

Before going back on the Gem, we went to a supermarket across the port and got a few things.

Sailing away from Izmir.

Dinner was at Magenta for a change. 

Another day of fun and adventure.