Ruins everywhere

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Life on an overland truck is interesting to say the least. Some nights you get to stay in a hostel or campsite and get a decent shower. Other nights we have bush-camped, which means going without or having a "Wet Wipes" rubdown. Everyone has a duty (mine is the AM back locker which means loading and unloading rucksacks every morning) and is put in a cook group. However everyone pretty much mucks in and helps out wherever they can. Best part so far has been going to the local souqs and markets to buy food supplies when it's your turn to cook for the group. It really adds to the experience.

This is a combined blog entry as internet access is few and far between until we hit a major city.

2 Nov - Went to visit Troy, which even has a replica of the Trojan Horse (very kitsch). If you don't have a guide to explain the history, it basically looks like a lot of random rocks and rubble. Homer wrote about this city in "The Iliad". Troy consisted of 9 different cities between 3000 BC - 500 AD. Supposedly Troy 7 was the time of Paris, Helen and Achilles.

3 Nov - Ephesus was our destination today. It is one of the world's best examples of Roman ruins. The site is enormous and was the 2nd largest city in Roman times, and believed to have a population of around 2.5 million people.

4 Nov - Went to Pamukkale, and had our 1st night of bush-camping which was freezing as it snowed overnight!

5 Nov - Guy Fawkes Day. Visited Termessos, whose main claim to fame was being the only city that could not be defeated by Alexander the Great in 334 BC.

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Photos

Trojan Horse
With Lisa and Will

Where's Brad?
View from Scaean Gate in front of which Hector and Achilles fought

Stone ramp
Constructed during the time of Troy 2, between 2600 - 2300 BC

Cult of Bes
A protecting god of Egyptian origin. It keeps watch over pregnancy, birth, mothers and children. Also believed to guard people during sleep

Gladiators
Efes Museum had a great gladiator display. Weapons of choice included a spear with 3 points, scissors, spear with 4 points, bended dagger or sword

Ephesus ampitheatre
Gladiators fought here

Marketplace
Where goods and slaves were sold

Sign
Follow the direction (foot), pock-marked heart and Venus (goddess of love) to get to the local brothel

Keep digging
Only 5% of Ephesus has been excavated

Pamukkale
Hot water at approx 35C mixed with calcium hydro carbonate in large quantities. When it contacts with oxygen it settles to form these travertines

Konya kebab
Fatty lamb dripping in grease. Delicious!