Our sister and friend Maryanne died this morning after a long illness. A very sad start to the day. We are happy she is now at peace. RIP
Had a champagne toast to her and John and Chris. We will miss her dearly.
Kusadasi is a port we had not heard of but it turned out to be a real highlight. We were picked up at the port by Mray who was an exceptional tour guide with his vast knowledge of Turkey & fantastic sense of humour kept us interested all day. We visited the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. Once a thriving Port (3000 years ago) Ephesus is a mass of ruins (not all excavated as yet) and you can imagine the grandness of the city...marble streets (which were heated through a system of hot water pipes), temples, an arena (gladiator fights...& the best way to judge the size of the city...by type number of seats), the library & the public latrines (you sat side by side doing your ablutions...no toilet paper (some things have not changed!) however you used a sponge on a stick to clean your nether regions you used a sponge on a stick...which you rinsed for the next person!!!
Mray pointed out many sites including a Statue of Nike which provides a good photo opportunity...Mray tells people wanting to take a photo to 'just do it'...we thought it was funny at the time.
Our second stop was the house of Virgin Mary, she came here when she was 'very old' (probably younger than most cruisers) after fleeing from Bethlehem (for her own safety post the crucifixion...AD) it is said to be Mary's final resting place. A modest dwelling in lush surrounds...Mary chose this place for the natural spring...location, location location even in early AD!
We also stopped at a cooperative that showcased Turkish carpets. After a demonstration on silk production, rug making knotting techniques and a very informative lecture on the different qualities of rugs we drank tea, raki (ouzo) and walked on the most luxurious carpets...Steve made himself at home & rolled around on the rugs...
Steps :10,109
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