Ephesus

Our Ephesus tour started late because of tour bus availability.  Our guide was a retired teacher with an edge of Western resentment.  He wasn’t thrilled that he needed to work to supplement his income.  He was very knowledgeable, and soft-pedaled his Muslim faith to his perceived Christian audience.  We first visited the supposed mountain home of the 'virgin' Mary, who went into hiding after John was exiled from Ephesus.  We joined crowds of people who waited in long lines to walk single file for one minute through a small humble stone structure.  Down the mountain was the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus which was at one time close to the sea.  The ruins were very impressive, but we were a little frustrated as our guide quickly scurried through the city, explaining very little and giving photographers a fit trying to keep up.  It was enlightening to see the world of the apostle Paul and the early church with its preoccupation with the mythological gods.  The bus took us to a hotel with a great brunch before dragging us through a Turkish carpet store near the ship. Esther and Camie stopped in a jewelry store and after much consideration purchased a couple of necklaces and some ear rings.  Before dinner, we took a ride on the 'North Star' that boomed us far above the ship for a bird’s eye view.