Kusadasi, Turkey-July 3

Kusadasi, Turkey

The city of Kusadasi, Turkey has grown from a tiny fishing village to a sprawling city that attracts many tourists each year. One of the main attractions along the Aegean Sea are the beaches but each time we have been here we have explored the Ancient City of Ephesus. Long held as one of the showpieces of Aegean archaeology is the reconstructed and still emerging city. It was once a powerful trading post and a center for the worship of the goddess Artemis. The Roman counterpart for Artemis is Diana, both goddesses of the moon, hunting, and chastity.

Celsus Library in Ephesus

The Ionians built a temple to her honor in Ephesus and this became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. During the Roman period the temple honored Diana. Naturally today only remains can be seen.  Other important structures in Ephesus include the Celsus Library which was the largest of its day, ter Terrace Houses with their beautiful mosaics, and the 25,000 seta amphitheater where the Apostle Paul preached. There are also the remains of the municipal baths and a brothel….plus the ever popular public toilet.

The guide our group had was wonderful with good stories that, according to all who went, made the place be more alive. Unfortunately Bill returned with Ethan who had gotten sick. He took a nap and then recovered. He and Ella hung out in our suite for the afternoon. Gradually all the little kids ended up here. With the attraction of the iPad. Who can remember life before all these electronics?

Kusadasi Yacht Basin

Ataturk Statue

The harbor is lovely with lots of yachts and other small sailing ships. The Turkish flag flies very prominently on the shore and the statue of Ataturk guards the city. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was an Ottoman and Turkish army officer, revolutionary statesman, writer, and the first President of Turkey. He is credited with being the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Atatürk was a military officer during World War I. 

After the tour the guide had recommended a spot for lunch so all our crowd ate yummy food. Bill dropped Ethan off and he was able to meet up with them for a little shopping and lunch.  They had a great rug weaving demonstration at the Women’s Guild- a very special place where what the women earn actually goes to them and not their husbands. They learned a great deal about the process of silk worm to silk thread. Jack and Christopher even got to tie a few knots. The Cheeks bought a rug- small enough to carry it home. 

We had made an appointment with the photographer to come here and do a family portrait. Was may hope to get everyone in a pictures since we haven’t all been together since November 2007 and have no idea when it will happen again. Overcome with being tired and other issues, Ella wouldn’t be in the picture. We all tried hard. She and Kathryn looked lovely in almost matching white dresses.

Christopher is doing a great job trying different foods. Tonight he ate 4 bowls of chilled strawberry soup. He has had coconut soup, rhubarb soup and something peachy, I think. 

Bill was really under the weather  in the evening so they didn’t come to dinner. He did manage to struggle through the picture.

 Later Bill, Kate and the guys did come down to watch the sunset and once again say thanks for, as Jack keeps saying, “this amazing cruise.” It is amazing!