Friday, September 7, 2012

Ismir, Ephesus, Kusadasi: Day 12

After a quick sightseeing tour of Ismir and coffee we had a 10am appointment at St Polycarp's Church. St Polycarp was the first Bishop of Smyrna (now Ismir) and our first visit for the day was to the church that honours him in this city of 3.5 million people. Relatively few are Christians today. Polycarp was said to be a convert of St John the Divine - we look forward to reading more about this early saint and martyr on our return down under. The church is elaborate without being too gaudy - with attractive statues, paintings and frescoes. The local Religious Sister was our guide with our tour guide Omer translating.

Then it was on to Ephesus - focus of a great deal of St Paul's life and work. After a quick overview of the crusader fort, the mosque and the temple of Artemis it was a traditional lunch on recliner couches and low tables. A hearty meal and then photos of Omer with his 'harem" before our tour of the ancient site.  This is one of the great archeological sites of the world - so rich in history every corner has one gulping in excitement and wonder.

Omer with his Aussie harem
 
You can't help but marvel at their amazing ingenuity and endurance - rows of ornate columns, marble roads and spectacular buildings. The archaeology continues and new things are happening all the time. The wow factor is around every corner - so many photos.  It has been quite a hot day but this did not stop everyone clambering around the sites to see as much as possible and you could spend days here doing just that.  The air conditioned bus was welcoming when we finished the expedition.

We were pleased to also celebrate with Don and Sally White their 44th Wedding Anniversary today; this was capped off by their being photographed with a young bride (Baha) and groom (Met) who were having their photographs taken at Ephesus.

Don, Met, Baha and Sally:  the happy couples  :)

We met the 3 musketeers (Peter, Hume and Judy) in the Hotel Foyer on our arrival at Kusadasi - there are great stories also from them of their separate few days at Cappadocia.  We said goodbye to Kathlyn who has been with us for a few days and tomorrow Penny White leaves to return to the UK. Finally we said farewell to Omer at our dinner on the pool deck here at the Hotel Onder.

Gay, Penny and Fr Ron at Ephesus

Tomorrow we board the cruise ship at midday but will probably have restricted internet so the next blog may be in a few days' time.

4 comments:

  1. Day 12 . I love your turn of phrase "Gulping in Excitement and Wonder".Sounds so wonderful and all consuming , your joy is almost tangible .

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  2. Nice photographs .Place are really good to see and i hope you are get some good entertainment. kusadasi day trips

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  3. Kusadasi is a small port town embracing the shoreline of a Mediterranean bay. The town boasts of extensive shopping, pleasant beaches and easy access to some of the most impressive ruins of the world viz. House of Virgin Marykusadasi day trips

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  4. Kusadasi is a town with a rich and varied history. Founded by Ionian settlers and known as Neapolis, a small settlement is known to have existed at the site even in ancient times, but it was always overshadowed by its mighty neighbor Ephesus. Kusadasi day trips

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