Ephesus

Today was a wow day!
Wow because what we saw was just……….…insane 🤯 and wow because I had no idea this place even existed; which I’m embarrassed about to be honest.
We began at a carpet weaving centre that still makes carpets by hand in the traditional way using looms - the skills that these women possess - are so impressive. Unfortunately it is a dying art because of mass production factories etc. The Turkish government is doing what it can to maintain the practice.
Whilst the carpets were just stunning, we didn’t buy anything but plenty of people did.
Next we went to The Virgin Mary’s house which was pretty ok but it was the city of Ephesus that completely blew me away.
We walked over 2km up and down, in and out of the ancient city buildings, ruin’s and roads. Every road was marble and very slippery (nope, I did not fall). There were bathhouses, public latrines (there used to be a pond in the middle filled with frogs so people wouldn’t be embarrassed “making noises”), a massive library, theatre, loads of columns (♥️), remnants of shops and houses, a huge wholesale market place and a government building kinda like a Parliament House. Ephesus was massive! I couldn’t believe the size. Even though it was mostly ruins, it was so easy to imagine it as a thriving place. The amphitheatre here fits 24,000!!
The city was originally built in the 10th century BC making it over 3000 years old.
Crazy.
Lunch was at another local place and this time we had pide which was amazing.
Next stop was a mountain village called Sirince which was super cute and famous for its wine and olive oil. The mountains are filled with olive trees as far as the eye can see. I bought some local magic oil which apparently cures every skin ailment, is great for menopause and will make me look 50 years younger. For $2 I thought I’d give it go 😂😂
My hands feel amazing and our guide was impressed I bought it even asking for some for a skin cancer scar he has. He said it is famous and revered. It seems I should have bought a litre of the stuff!
Our final stop was at the Temple of Artemis which once boasted 130ish columns but unfortunately there’s only one remaining. It is, however, one of the original Seven Wonders of The World!! (ancient world).
I think today may have been my favourite day on this tour so far.Read more