drron29

A model of the temple of Artemis.

A large display of coins found at Ephasus. probably not the ones offered by the numerous touts.

St. John's initial grave site. Now it was down to the museum. Fortunately the rain eased for a couple of minutes when we walked from the bus and again when I walked back to the bus.

Next to the Church of St. John. Unfortunately as we got there the heavens opened up. so it basically was a quick run around. Just before we got there storks on nests were seen. What's left of the temple of Artemis.

And once again a collection of retail outlets at the lower entrance with typical Turkish treats. And lots of busses.

Now walking the major road that led to the port. The bay and canal basically no longer exist.

Now we come to the major theatre. Now only used for smaller special concerts.

Legend had it that there was a secret underground passage from the Library to a nearby brothel. This is a sign to the brothel.

The Library of Celsus which was the third largest library in the ancient world. It was destroyed by an earthquake about 1000 years ago but rebuilt between 1970 to 1978. by an Austrian team. There were statues that were put into storage but disappeared. Somehow they have ended up in the museum in Vienna.

Hadrian's temple. Now to the men's public bath.

Mosaic on the footpath outside the Terrace house.

The library comesinto sight.

It just keeps going.

So we will walk from the top down.

A couple of shots as we left the house and through the group of retail outlets set up at the bus pick up point. The bus area wasn't even coping with the late April numbers. The overflow bus parking was also full. Back down the hill and it started to rain. Another larger retail outlets outside the upper gate to Ephesus. Traffic was a shambles. A queue of busses waiting to drop off then off they went as soon as empty. Not helped by flocks of us tourists crossing the road to get to the entrance. One shop was at least honest. Then into the archeological site. There were several groups who entered at about the same time but it wasn't too crowded. It also rained intermittently and I didn't have an umbrella however it wasn't heavy and I dried off quickly.

Our first stop was at the Virgin Mary's house where she and John were said to have lived. Near the top of the mountain so some good views on the way up. There was a long line to get into the small stone house. First feature was the water storage. A mass was being celebrated outside the house. The house. No photos inside. When you leave you pass the source of a spring. Several taps from which you can splash yourself with holy water and make a wish which you are supposed to hang on this wall. I would hate to do this in summer when there would be hordes more tourists.

Soon in the countryside and pass a fun park. Lots of orchards and a few vineyards.

26/4 and for an Australian a significant day to be in Turkey being the day following Anzac day. We are backing into our dock in Kudasai. Beside us the Enchanted Princess which does not enchant me. Also in port was Seabourn Encore. From the Moon some other scenes. As probably usual for first timers to Kudasi it was off to Ephesus. I think this greeting by locals was for the Princess passengers. But I tagged along. Then off on the bus.

some of the Connoisseur's list at the moment. Not easy to photograph as in a binder.