Selcuk, Turkey (Ephesus)

(Lesley) Ephesus was a treat. We walked there and back (3 km each way) which was a nice physical thing to do and the day wasn't too hot so we didn't suffer much at all. We saw the Great Theatre, the famous library, lots of columns, old streets, a big public latrine, and thousands of other foreigners most of whom we could not understand (Turkish, Bulgarian, Russian, Japanese...). We quite enjoyed the crowds since much of our year had been spent 'off season' in places: just us, echoing around old ruins or big museums. Ephesus was once (, twice, three times,) a big city so it made sense to enjoy it with crowds.

The library was quite elaborate; very carved and detailed. I enjoyed playing with the camera there, and have tons of photos of walls and carvings and such.

Many tourists were fascinated with the large latrines and men sat down to try them out. One tour guide undid his pants and made as if to take them off. His group loved it and roared with laughter. The latrines were very crowded; no tour missed them.

We had a picnic in the ruins (far from the latrines) and took some family pics; we had tried to find some in our photo folders and found we hadn't taken many so we have started to make up for that with one every few days.

On our way home from Ephesus, we saw the last remaining column from The Temple of Artemis (one of The Ancient Wonders of the World). It was there, though I can't say I was super amazed by it. I was however, happy to see all the little turtles in the marsh around the column. There were lots of them (25 at least )in various sizes. One was as small as coin. There was a swimming lizard too and ducklings and goslings as well.

Sulcuk, the town near Ephesus, was a nice place to spend a few days although we didn't love our hostel. We felt a little bit like second class citizens there. We didn't receive the attentions of the owner like other full paying guests, and we think the cousin who cut us the deal was in the dog house. Almost literally as he slept in the dorm room with us. When he showed us the room it was clear there was one other occupant which it seems was him. Sam got his haircut at a local 'man hairdresser' salon, the museum was good and we found some nice restaurants. We enjoyed the Turkish pizza (vegetarian), the mezzes plate from the Kebab Shop and kebabs from the bus station. Bus stations, we have found, always have good food in India, Egypt and Turkey. The bus to Pamukkale was a good ride but it wasn't a techno bus like our first big Turkish bus. It started raining during our ride. The clouds thickened and the damp set in to stay. The views were still great; Turkey is very beautiful.

Photos: One of four Genuine Fake Watch stores at the Ephesus exit; Great Theatre, Ephesus; Poppies and Ruins; Public latrines; a highlight for many; Proper footwear for exploring ruins.

The library

The remaining column at The Temple of Artemis; It is useful for something; John and Mhari got tangled up in a cactus.  It took 20 minutes to get them out; Statue of Artmis;   ACrowded City Street.