- 3/31/2006
Today visited the renowned Roman remains at Ephesus, which included temples, full marble streets with evidence of street-lighting, arcades and an agora,
the famous and very recognizable two-story facade of the 2C AD Celsus Library, and a giant 3C BC Hellenistic theater with a capacity of 24,000 people.
Next went to the Basilica of St. John, with a view of a Seljuk castle at the top of the hill that we couldn't visit. Next at a Turkish carpet shop, Karen
and I splashed out on a very unique-looking piece for our living room.
After paying our dues at the temple of commerce we went to Maryemana and took a walk up a quiet tree-lined hill to a chapel where the Virgin Mary is
believed to have spent her last years. After the sacred came the profane, as the on-site men's room here has the best view of any such establishment we're
familiar with. After a male bonding visit, the ladies were allowed in to take their turn standing and meditate on the panoramic view of the countryside.
More shopping ensued at a tile store, which also had a lot of very nice bowls. Holli got tiles; Alan bought a coffee set.
Drove on to Izmir, where we were to spend our final evening in Turkey; briefly walked the Ataturk Caddesi promenade area along the Bay of Izmir but it was
a little on the breezy side, so we went on to our restaurant, Borsa. The mezze and fish were very nice and the rake flowed at an appropriate rate for our
last night, but the live music was a little on the loud side. Afterwards we went to a tea-shop with Ruya for sahlep and quieter conversation.
