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We started off with an okay breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Izmir. Didn't take any pictures as the food was not all that great. The buffet was cafeteria style. Hundreds of people just making an absolute mess.
We did what we could with the food. I stick with potatoes and coffee when I'm not sure.
We loaded up on the bus and headed out. We all are just amazed at Abdullah, our driver. For such a small man he is strong and just as suave as he wants to be. His shirt is always bright white, tie is just right and he actually has a little swagger.
We headed towards Ephesus. Everybody is dead tired. Of course, along the way, we all take a nap or two until the next bathroom/shopping stop.
After about an hour, we reach the archeological museum at Selcuk. Here we toured:
The Basilica of Saint John
The church is constructed in the burial place of Saint John the Divine. Then ,the original mausoleum is changed into a marvelous Basilica during the reign of Justinianus 1. (527-565AD) The church is destroyed by the serious earthquakes, so some artifacts of the church has still hidden in the dark, and some parts of the criss-cross planned construction has been repaired carefully.
The monograms Justinianus 1 and his wife Theodora strike on some capital of columns. "The Gate of Persecution" is the entrance of the Basilica. It takes its name from a relief displaying Archilles dragging the dead body of Hector.
The Basilica is located in the center of Selcuk.
Isa Bey Mosque
Isa Bey Mosque is one of the most delicate examples of Seljukian architecture, situated below the Basilica of Saint John. It was constructed between the years of 1374 and 1375. An inscription from the God decorates the doorway.
The mosque is built by the master builder Ali, son of Mushimish al-Damishki. Crown-like doors from the Seljukian architectural style, later combine with the decoration elements of Ottoman style. The influential details including the plant motifs and the beautiful marble workmanship with the variety of faience mosaics create the marvelous atmosphere of Isa Bey Mosque. Some parts of the mosque is repaired in 1934.
Isa Bey Mosque is situated in the center of Selcuk.
The Citidal of Ayasoluk
It is built in the Byzantine period and expanded by the Seljukians. The citidal has 15 towers approximately in the length of 1.5 km and surrounded by the stone ramparts. The citidal also includes the remains of a Byzantine church, a small mosque and several water cisterns.
The Selcuk Archeological Museum
Housing some very important artifacts from around the region, Archeological Museum offers a glimpse of the areas rich history. The two statues of Artemis, a tableau of Odysseus blinding the Cyclops, erotic statues from Ephesus brothels and exquisite statue of a boy riding a dolphin are the most admired pieces in the Selcuk Archeological Museum.
The museum is in the entrance of the town on Kusadasi road.
Once the commercial center of the ancient world, Ephesus is a must see in your any trip to Turkey. The extensive remaining reveal the city's former importance and attract throngs of visitors every year. Also the Cave of Seven Sleepers, where legendary seven young men had slept for about two hundred years, is located in the area of Ephesus.
The Temple of Artemis
It is one of the highlights of ancient sites in Turkey, that is once considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The main part of the temple is displaying in the British Museum of London today, but only the foundation part and some columns are enough to prove its former magnificence.
The House of Virgin Mary
It is a popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics, where Virgin Mary spends the rest of her life and dies. Located on top of Bulbul Mountain, it also gives the visitors a panoramic view over the town.
This had to be the best stop of the day. We were allowed a bit of free time and I walked along the wall, where people pay homage to The Virgin Mary. There were a couple of women crying and several people praying. A few even kissed the walls.
The Arcadian Way, the main street of Roman-era Ephesus, leading from the city's busy harbor to the foot of the Great Theater.
Imagine merchants hastening toward you, down to the harbor, to inspect newly-arrived cargoes. Toga-clad matrons shopping in the best places on either side. Porters moving wares on donkey-back. Children rolling hoops along the marble paving stones.
After this stop we headed to lunch. I think after tomorrow, I may be tired of eating. Our hotels have scales in the bathrooms, I dare not place one foot upon.
The restaurant is called Bizim Ev Hanimeli in Selçuk. The restaurant was quite quaint. A family owned restaurant. The owner actually autographed a few of her cookbooks that were purchased by a few of the ladies of our group.
Most of the food placed family-style on a huge table, was cold. The lentil soup had to be the second best so far. I've never had lentil soup, but will make sure to try it when I get home. Berna told us that most of the foods are prepared with olive oil, so they must be kept cold, not to turn rancid. The food actually looked good, but of course, the okra, caught my eyes.
It was not as good as the previous restaurants, but it was good. I love this, but it's just missing the corn, that my Mom cooked with it.
After a nice lunch, we headed to Naturel, a leather shoppe. Now, I actually had no plans on buying any leather. I've passed up so many of these places on many trips. Some I actually never stepped foot in.
We were all led into this dark room. The walls were covered with black drapery. There was a catwalk and tables all around. I said, "Oh, we're going to a fashion show." And fashion show it was. We were even served tea in the traditional serving cups with little glass stirrers.
The tables were covered with leather tablecloths too. Quite an effect.
The manager (can't remember his name), was quite suave and debonair. He began his sales pitch with, "you sir (referring to Bert), I must say that I am quite jealous. You have 30 ladies to choose from." Everyone laughed, because Bert was the only gentleman with us on this tour.
He went into his presentation, the lights went out, the music was pumped up and the show began.
I tried to remember the numbers on the tags of two coats that really caught my eye.
The models (male and female) put on a fantastic show. Bert, Jean and Carolyn were then chosen to model several jackets. They did a bang-up job too.
After the show we were all led to the showroom. I really, really loved the reversible leather jacket, but the inside patterns were just a bit racy for me. But then I tried on the second that I loved, with a removable hood.
I guess these guys touch so many people they had no problem with buttoning and turning down collars with us.
I mulled over the purchase and really couldn't make a decision. Bunny (the negotiator) walked up and chimed right in. She said a price and then sealed the deal with, "Debra, just walk away." DANG! It actually worked.
This guy had some leather I really hadn't seen before, but then again, I haven't been in the market for leather in a very long time.
I walked out of there, truly happy with my purchase. I try to remember what my Mom told me, many moons ago. "Debra, if you like it, buy it, then you won't have to worry over it, that you should have bought it."
To see pictures of the store and grounds, copy and paste this link into your web browser.
http://naturelgroup.com/en/index.cfm?action=stores&page=store
We had a short 30 minute drive to our Hotel, The Fantasia in Kusadasi Aydin.
The gift shoppes didn't reveal very much and there were no elevators. We were told our room was on the second floor, but that actually meant 2 flights of stairs and down a long hallway.
I didn't take many photos of the grounds, not did I have a chance to try that "Turkish Bath" nor make use of the pool. Go to http://www.fantasia.com.tr/Fantasia/eng/Kusadasi_en.htm, to see photos.
The dining room, seemed a bit dated or the fixtures were dated. The food was a bit bland here. All selections were spread out at different bars. My favorite tonight was the herbed yogurt cheese. A bit salty, as a lot of the food here in Turkey is, but it was good.
After sifting through our luggage to prepare for our departure in the morning, Bunny and I called it a night.
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