Ephesus, Turkey, Days 115-116

Friday, October 4, Day 115

We spent our day exploring the area of modern day Selcuk which is the main city that incorporates the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the House of Mary,

 the Seven Sleepers, and the ancient rural town of Sirince, known for its sweet wines.  Upon recommendation from a woman who lives in Turkey, but is an American citizen from Kansas City, we visited Sirince first

Cats are everywhere in Turkey.  This one had intriguing eyes.

House of Mary, and the Seven Sleepers

early in the day, saving Ephesus until later in the day after allor most of the cruise tour groups had departed.

Ephesus of course was the highlight.  

The ruins are interesting, particularly the library building

and the Terrace Houses which are a Unesco World Heritage Site.  The excavation of these homes with mosaics, frescos, fountains, baths, and the subsequent restoration efforts are very impressive.

The entire terrace area of multiple homes is covered and protected.

Friday evening was the eve of the Muslim celebration of sacrifice, where families select an animal from their lambs, goats, and cows  and ritually slit the animal's throat slit to remember those who have died.  Seems a like an odd way to remember the dead.  Traditionally, the families are not supposed to eat the meat of the sacrificed animal, but to give it to the poor and to their neighbors.  One Turk told us that about 1/6 of the animal is given to the poor, the rest to neighbors who reciprocate, leaving about 5/6 of the meat for feasting in the ensuing 4 days of the celebration.  Families gather in homes to feast, leaving the streets cleared and the few open businesses quiet.

Tonight there is celebrating in the park near us.  As the crowd noise dies down, we can hear the terrified bleating of sheep and goats, who can undoubtedly smell old blood on the ground from previous sacrifice.  I wear ear plugs to bed to drown out the sorrowful noise.  Tomorrow, we will eat no meat in tribute to these animals.

Saturday, October 5, Day 116

We awake early.  There is still some bleating.  We hear voices in song,  Then all is quiet.  We do not want to go to the park.  One of our fellow houseguests did, and was sorry he did so.  Our host Alibaba and his family have been most kind and we enjoyed our stay here, but it is time to move on, and by 10:00 am, we are in the car driving south to Marmaris.

Marmaris is where we would have had Worrall Wind shipped.  It is bittersweet to arrive here by car than by boat.  The area reminds us much of tropical Mexico with the hills that descend to beaches and a blue green sea.  We arrive around lunch, and enjoy the beautiful marina area and drive through the hill side.  We check in to our AirBnB about 7:00, and spend an interesting evening with our Turkish hosts.  We will be here for 4 nights.

Tomorrow we are off for a day trip to Daylan, more Lycian tombs carved into the cliffside.

All is well with the Worrall Travel R's in Marmaris Turkey