Ephesus

---

After a good night sleep and a very nice breakfast we set off for a visit to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. What an incredible place it must have been two thousand years ago. This was the first time we experienced the real tourist crowds. Thankfully it wasn’t the height of summer when it gets very crowded and very hot. This day was pleasantly warm.
Like many of these ruins it is still a work in progress uncovering the wonders of the ancient world. The information we are getting from a very passionate tour guide, Tibet, is greatly appreciated. How she remembers all the details of these ancient cities and the names of famous people who lived during the glory days of the Roman Empire we don’t know, but we are full of admiration of her. A lasting moment is the site of the men’s public latrine where much “business” and political discussion was carried out. Where the women went one just wonders.
Our next stop was a lunch at a carpet factory sponsored by the Turkish Ministry of Education. Women from the local villages are taught the art of carpet weaving and they then take these skills back to their villages. Lunch consisted of pide bread and drinks (from apple tea to soft drinks, wine and beer). Then the action started. Wool on wool carpets, wool on cotton, cotton on cotton, silk on cotton. The carpets just kept on coming. By the end the floor was just thick with carpets. Now the real action started. “Which carpet would you like madam/sir?” We left with our wallets and credit card intact.
The final visit was to St. Mary’s house, said to be where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her last days. It was a lovely peaceful setting high in the hills.
It was now back to Kusadasi for our second night before heading off early in the morning.

---

Comments

[Leebee]

Carpets
What, they let you out of the room without making a purchase....very lucky!!!

[Miltonrabbit]

Carpets
Yes very lucky, and even luckier when posting cards in a carpet/bag shop but we are very wise now. Ignore them and then they don't know what language you speak. Not so wise in the leather jacket shop but then some of us have birthdays, wedding anniversaries, christmas' for the next ten years. And they are beautiful jackets.