Port Of Kusadasi

My tour of Kusadasi and the areas nearby would soon come to an end. Turkey is such an impressive and beautiful place to visit, and if given another chance, I would absolutely visit again in the future. Historically and culturally abundant, Turkey is a gold mine for history and archeology enthusiasts. And even if you're not into history or archeology, you'll be left awe-stricken with how much this place has to offer. So as our tour winded down, although too tired and too hungry, our feet took us shopping - that is until it was time to go back to the ship.

I wanted to take home one or two of these lanterns, but I was afraid they might brake during the trip.

Shops near the port and yes, these shop keepers can get pushy. It's a very interesting experience especially with bargaining.

Night came too soon.

Sağ olun (thank you), Turkey!

Soon, we were sailing for our next destination - Santorini, Greece.

Guardians Of Ephesus

In my travels, I can't help but notice that I see more stray cats than dogs; Ephesus is no exception. These cuties popped and peeked through back alleys, grassy areas, toppled down columns, and cracked walls. They meowed and a few hissed as we walked through the ruins. They were a welcome break from the intense historical tour that we took.

Beautiful cats with different personalities.

Don't look at me.

I'm resting. Do not disturb.

The "what's up" look.

I don't care.

Oh the sun feels good.

Mix and mingling with the crowd.

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Part 3: Ephesus - Agora And The Theatre

Here's what's left of the agora. Once a bustling commercial area in its prime now lay in ruins with the still and quiet columns standing witness to history and time.

The center for business, politics and trade. I could still imagine how busy and crowded it would have been back then. People doing business, selling, playing board games etc. Now, only the silent columns remain.

Corinth column.

Part of the main walkway.

The Christian symbol carved on a marble tile. In Greek it is spelled as IXOYE = Iesous Christos, Theou Uios, Soter. Used to identify or acknowledge the presence of Christians.

While exploring the agora, the trumpets blasted and we were treated to a show.

Entrance of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra.

Dancers.

Royalty must be entertained.

I love their footwear.

Gladiator duel.

I waved back.

The Theatre - "this is where St. Paul preached against the pagans." (Source here.)

Unearthed sarcophagi.

When I saw these letters, I wondered who carved them on this marble? Who was he? He might be long gone, but his letters are still here - witnessed by many who luckily strolled through Ephesus.

Part 2: The Ephesus Stroll

Walk with me, as we stroll through Ephesus together...

 Greek goddess Nike

 So many visitors on the day we visited.

 Mosaic tile floor

 Doorway to the ancient past.

Public toilets

Library of Celsus, built in 117 A.D.

According to our guide, this was the "third richest library in ancient times after Alexandra and Pergamum."

Designed by the Roman architect Vitruoya, the library was built in memory of Celsus Polemeanus, who was a Roman senator, General Governor of the Province of Asia, and a great lover of books. Celsus' son, Julius Aquila, began the construction in 110 AD. The library was completed by Julius Aquila's successors in 135 AD. Celsus was buried beneath the ground floor in a lead container inside a marble tomb. A corridor behind the north wall leads to the vault.(Source here.)

The interior of the library was burned during a Goth invasion in 262 AD, and in the 10th century, an earthquake brought down the facade. The building we see today was carefully restored by the Austrian Archaeological Institute. (Source here.)

Please join me for our next stroll - the Commercial Agora.

Ephesus, Turkey: A Travel To The Past

After Croatia, my excitement started to build up for our next destination - Kusadasi (Turkey). To me, this was the highlight of this cruise; second is Santorini (Greece).

Performers preparing for a dance at the Port of Kusadasi.

The welcome bag waiting for us inside our tour bus - postcards, a necklace, an evil eye pin and a map inside.

The country side.

Upon entering Ephesus, ruins laid everywhere, waiting to be discovered.

I didn't know where to focus my camera.

I was mesmerized.

Ephesus astounded me. I wish I could remember all the details and history our tour guide was telling us. Every column, every tile, every chipped marble and rock is a page waiting to be turned. It is history in any and every form.

Ephesus is too much, too beautiful, and I love every minute of my stay there.