Visits to Troy and Pergamon

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Another bright sunny day with an early morning crispness. We are learning to layer with our clothes as the middle of the day is quite warm.
Our first stop was a visit to the ancient city of Troy. Over time nine cities were built on this one site and the Aegean Sea was much closer. To be met by the giant wooden horse was similar to being met by giant carrots in Ohakune, L & P at Paeroa, kiwi fruit at Te Puke, and numerous fish in the South Island. All a bit touristy but appealed to certain groups of tourists who enjoyed the photo opportunity.
While clambering around the ruins we half expected to see Brad Pitt appear brandishing his sword. But no such luck. It was an incredible feeling to know that great Greek and Trojan heroes walked in the same place as we were doing.
The next stop was the city of Pergamon and the site of one of the world’s first hospitals. It was amazing to see the incredible workmanship that went on to construct buildings and outdoor theatres. Recently a psychiatrists’ conference in the area used this same theatre for a series of lectures.
There are always little stalls selling a wide range of tourist gifts from clothes, books, postcards, trinkets, fake watches (advertised as such) and apple tea. It would be so easy to shop till you drop that in no time at all your wallet is empty and your bag is bulging. Not us!
Arrival into the port town of Kusadasi was close to six thirty so time for some clothes washing before dinner. We have two nights at this hotel so everything should dry before we leave. The view from our hotel looked out over the Aegean and seeing the sun set was magnificent.
Tomorrow we visit Ephesus.

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Comments

[G&G]

Turkish Traders
What !! you haven't at least been tempted with one carpet to be 'posted back home to your New Zealand address already for you when you arrive home from your trip"

[Leebee]

Pergamon in Berlin
If you happen to be heading to Berlin dont forget to check out the altar that the Germans removed from Pergamon and reassembled in the Pergamon museum in Berlin...

[Miltonrabbit]

Berin
Not on our plans to visit Berlin and yes we know all about the collections in Berlin. How's little Hooflet? All well and growing fast.