Basilica of St. John and Ephesus - Day 14 and 15

Nov. 10. Day 14

We had breakfast on the boat and then did a short cruise to the harbor of Marmaris.  We said our goodbyes to the crew and set off for a small fishing village (Akyaka), to talk to local fishermen, especially local fisher women.  We were met by the chairman of the board of directors for the Mediterranean Conservation Society.  He told us how his group was trying to bring back the marine life from over fishing.  We talked to a local fisher woman and a family fishing.  Then we went on a short boat ride up the Azmak, a beautiful crystal clear river.

We drove to the site of Basilica of St. John in Kusadasi (6 AD).  We stood over the burial site of St. John, the apostle of Jesus, who is thought to have authored the Book of Revelation and the Fourth Gospel of the Bilble while in Ephesus.

We stopped for a short time to Artemis temple which in ancient times was one of the seven wonders of the world .  Not much left of it.

We are staying our last two nights of our trip at Yedi Bilgeler Hotel and Winery in Selcuk.  When we arrived at the hotel we were greeted with a tour of their winemaking room and did some wine tasting.  Lovely setting for our last nights.

Nov. 11 - Day 15

We left the hotel early so we could have a lot of time in Ephesus (2 AD).  This is a world famous ancient Greco-Roman site and one of the largest and best preserved ancient cities in the world.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Below- the amphitheater where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians

The amphitheater - 

One of the thousands of cats at Ephesus -

After Ephesus we stopped at a charming village, Sirince, with cobblestone narrow streets for a delightful lunch and last minute shopping.

Next we visited the Ephesus museum which displays many of the artifacts found while excavating.

We drove to the House of Mary, supposedly the place where Mary, mother of Jesus, is buried.

The last night is always a Farewell dinner where we say goodbye to the wonderful friends we have met on the trip.  From left to right: me, Lynn, Jean, Barb, Jack, tour guide Ahkut, Carol, Ruth, Pat, and Coop.  Some are leaving earlier than others tomorrow so it was hugs all around and best wishes to all.

We will miss our zany tour guide and wish him the best in his future.

At airport on Nov. 16: