July 2

Ephesus, Turkey

Both our tour guide and our bus driver are named Hakon, which is a very popular name.  We got a lot of statistical facts on the way from the port to Ephesus.  I've written them all down and will save them to dazzle you with when I get home--lucky you.

We went first to the House of Mary, which is visited by 11 to 12,000 visitors a day--and most of that day's allotment seemed to be there already.  

Then we went down to the partially excavated city of Ephesus.  While it was hot and crowded, it was very interesting.  It includes the Odeum, which seated about 2,000, and the much larger amphitheater where Paul preached.  The facade of the library is still standing with reproductions statutes in the front niches.

For lunch we went to a combination Turkish carpet factory and cafe.  Not as weird as it sounds.  The carpets were wonderful, but too expensive for my budget.  They take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete, so the prices are not unreasonable, but I'd like to eat for the rest of the year.

DJA

I asked to buy a flying carpet.  The sales person said he had to check my carpet flying license.  I bought a carpet guarenteed to fly (via UPS).
ML