The Edifices of Ephesus

We pulled into the thriving town of Kasadaski, the best port to visit the ancient city of Ephesus. Cruise ships assault this town on a constant basis. And the town has responded by putting up a solid defense of souvenir shops and rug stores. When you walk through the bazaars, storeowners constantly are calling out asking where you are from. They are naturally friendly but sometimes a bit aggressive in trying to lure you into their shops. You soon learn that a quick smile but continue to look straight ahead is the only way to maneuver through the maze of tourist traps.

Just a short bus ride from here is the ancient city of Ephesus. Yeah that same city Paul wrote those letters to that made their way into the Bible. John also spent time here and legend has it that he brought Mary, the mother of Jesus, here to live out her final days. There is a little home nearby where she was allegedly to have lived. John is suppose to be buried nearby in a tomb that is surrounded by an ancient Basilica of St John fallen in ruin all around his final resting place. What is known for sure is that the city of Ephesus was once a major metropolis with a population of around 200,000 inhabitants. The ruins attest to its former glory. I think it is one of the biggest ruins ranking easily with Pompeii and Herculean in size and grandeur. Lots to look at and learn about as you walk the broad marble streets of this once great city. Ephesus eventually declined because the harbor finally silted up for good. By then, a new power in the region, the Byzantines, took over and the city was eventually abandoned after a few earthquakes hurried the process along. It is now about 40km inland as the river continued to deposit thick layers of silt between it and the sea. That night we met a nice Turk as we were getting ready to go back to the boat. We invite him on board and give him a ride to the boat. I thought the guy was straight, but Steve is chatting outside in the cockpit area. It soon becomes apparent that is not straight at all. He ends up hanging out with us for a couple of hours.