Early start again today . First stop a leather factory..... Big mistake!!!! They do it very well. First we have apple tea, then a fashion show. The models are real models, the jackets are gorgeous. Surprising us all the models come into the crowd and chose from among us to become models for the show. I am one. How glamorous I look in this lovely leather jacket with shorts and sand shoes on! My model is a bit cute and he quickly shows me what we are going to do o...

Early start today to get to Ephesus before the crowds and it gets too hot. We spend an hour with Omer getting the explanation of the ruins. We have been to Ephesus before but in the six or so years there have been further areas uncovered. A new accessible area is the terrace houses. There are 7 houses of the well to do people of the city. The area is completely under cover while the restoration and recovery is going on. There are trestle tables full of pieces of ...

Early start this morning to get to Troy before the crowds. Omer gives us a talk about the archeological history of Troy not the mythical history. Troy was destroyed and rebuilt 33 times starting in the 24th century BC. It's going to be a warm day again and Troy is very hot and dusty. Our group is a collection of Aussies, NZ, Americans, Canadians and South Africans. Still haven't spoken to everyone yet but will get around because we have to move seats everyday o...

Izmir is the 3rd largest city in Turkey. It's a beautiful night and we are in a beautiful hotel right in the city. Ore dinner drinks are in order so we walk along the seafront and stop at a bar. Fantastic sunset!

This morning we have bags out at 7.30am for an 8.30 am departure to go to Haggia Sophia. It is a magnificent 5th Century building which is very well preserved and beautiful. We depart Istanbul at 10.30am to go to Gallipoli. Outside of the city the countryside is very dry. most of the middle class people live in apartments and these apartment buildings are generally built very close together in densely populated areas. We are driving along the edge of the Sea of ...