Ephesus And Izmir, With A Little In Between

I finally have some time to write and update....two months. I'll get caught up...eventually. Hahaha...enjoy the story!

September 8th: We started out the day looking around Kusadasi for their Wednesday bazaar that was said to have various items, like Turkish towels and an Egyptian-cotton robe. However, instead of finding that, we ended up on a gravel-filled dirt road (VERY dusty) in the middle of nowhere. Pantomiming, I believe, actually DOES get you some where - at least when you're in need of directions to civilization! Regardless of the help, though, we never found the bazaar...twas a pity, but what can you do?

Ancient Road Leading Up To Ephesus

Our next stop was to Ephesus, which was fascinating (despite the bloody heat). There were two amphitheaters, a library, an arch of Heracles (Hercules), and a private house (which had been mistaken repeatedly as a brothel). The architecture was very advanced and had the three separate styles of columns commonly found in Roman and Greek ruins. We noticed while there that all of the tour groups congregated under what little trees surrounded the site. It was funny to watch them move when the sun did. It made me smile a bit, seeing as I was concentrating on getting a tan (or burn, depending on how well you know me).
It was rather hot (being in the desert), so it was a blessing from God that the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers was literally right next door to Ephesus. It was at the top of a large hill that overlooked the city - breathtaking. The legends say that seven boys made a deal with God (or Allah) to sleep for 309 years and tell the world of what it once was when they awoke. Of course, the Christian version is slightly different. The seven boys and a dog hid in the grotto because they were being pursued; they were murdered in those caves. Others heard of this story and wanted to be buried in the grotto along with the boys who stood up for their faith. Both are great stories, in my opinion. Interesting fact: the Arabic word for seven sleepers is ashabi-kehf.

Cat Leading A Tour Of Ephesus

We passed by St. Mary's House next (funny, how these attractions were practically in a line). It was practically on top of a mountain (Mom was not happy about this). When we first walked into the area, a huge empty hole littered the ground - it apparently was an ancient spring with healing waters. Next was a sacred temple that the Virgin Mary worshiped in. Alas, we didn't want to 1) put on the head scarves found next to the temple and 2) bring dishonor to the temple (kind of a stupid excuse, but I suppose you could call it being humble not entering such a sacred place in my mind). We passed Mary's house and the fountain that (along with ash from St. Mary's fireplace) is said to have extraordinary healing powers that can cure cancer, let the blind see and let the crippled walk. Amazing, eh?
Our final stop was to St. John's - the ruins were surprisingly still fairly intact. An accomplishment? You bet. From what the locals (and Mom) said, St. John's bones are actually buried under the ruins. Mary and John (people believe) traveled to Ephesus together and, once Mary ascended to Heaven, John traveled until he was banished to the island of Patmos.

Ancient Amphitheater Where Paul Made His Message

Another important man from the area was Paul (named Saul until he converted to Christianity after being blinded by Christ on the way to Damascus). While in Ephesus for 6 years, he challenged the pagan goddess of the town - Artemis (goddess of the hunt and young girls). Ultimately, the people of the town chose the deity and Paul (who had been imprisoned) got the boot and was sent packing. In the end, that was probably a blessing in disguise. Otherwise the other books of the Bible (Thessalonians, Ephesians, Corinthians, etc) wouldn't have been written.
Once finished with Ephesus, we drove to Izmir and, after a time, found our hotel, where we proceeded to collapse. Of course, due to the huge demand for gifts, we stopped by a local shop and bought Turkish delight, shoes and hats, a chess set, and some coins. Dinner was okay (it didn't taste like lentil soup, though) but the waiter kept bringing us items that we never ordered. Plus, apparently, they can't do math either. Then again, I'm not one to talk about that subject. *shudder*
Since it was the last night of Ramadan, there were men out on the streets selling shoes, leftover fruit, you name it! The only bad part, in my opinion, was the shameless gawking that we were getting by the men. Mom and I counted the women on the streets - around 6...do I feel safe now? Heck no!