Denizli to Izmir

After another great breakfast in a hotel we were told was less than best, but turned out to be as good as the rest, we headed south towards Ephesus. We had a few stops along the way including leather and carpet merchants and the reputed home of Mary outside of Ephesus (Efes). Mary's little shack has lost some of its charm with the souvenir and ice cream stalls that I am sure weren't there originally. The leather retailer put on a catwalk show with some stunning Turkish models strutting their stuff in highly expensive outfits.

Then it was onto Ephesus with many warnings about the heat and the size of the city. This was one of the first outposts of Christianity with St Paul having delivered a sermon to the Ephesians in the amazing theatre. The place is mind boggling and by far the most impressive of these historical sites for me, so far. The city is so easily imagined because of the extent of the ruins. The theatre, the library, the baths and the terrace houses are all in good enough shape to see how the city would have functioned from day to day and the incredible richness of the culture we inherited from this part of the world is palpable. An amazing place, despite the crowds and the heat.

Then it was onto the seaside city of Izmir for a meal of Fish (to keep the Christian theme going)  and then a walk along the seaside. The city was really hopping with lots of seaside cafes and bars as well as families out walking and men fishing with luminous lines. We sat down in one of the bars and had a shout of wine and beer, watched a little soccer on the big screen, then back to our hotel. It is a real luxury joint this one. Classy. 

Off to Troy tomorrow. Famous for its horses apparently. Might be able to get a bet on with some luck.