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An early-ish start this morning as we joined a shore excursion to Ephesus with our excellent guide, Suzet. She guided us through the ruins, from the baths to the library and the Great Theatre, identifying differences in Greek, Roman, and Byzantine occupation. Apparently Ephesus used to represent pretty much the shoreline, but it is quite far inland today. Stopping at a reconstructed temple, we learnt the popular nazar beads/symbols that protect against the evil eye supposedly represent the striking blue eyes of Medusa, who adorned the temple pediment. All of the standing ruins represented only reconstructions following the destruction of the site by earthquakes after it had been abandoned, and much reconstruction was still going on. The extensive white marble was apparently local, with much of the world's white marble coming from Turkey. The Grand Theatre was apparently being held together by cranes after the volume concerts by Sting and Diana Ross split the foundations of the 24,000 seater stadium. We had decided on the shorter excursion, not including the House of Virgin Mary which apparently was fortuitous as today was Assumption Day and would have therefore been very busy. Despite being the height of tourist season, Ephesus was not as busy as we expected, and the views (and weather) were beautiful.Läs mer