Ephesus, Turkey - Ancient ruins

As we disembarked the ship at our next stop, we were treated to a performance by Turkish musicians and dancers.  My excitement built as we traveled through the hills to the Virgin Mary's house, then on to the ancient city ruins.

It's amazing to see the ruins of Ephesus.  As we wandered around the excavations, it was incredible to see the remnants of the ancient city.   So much that time has erased, but enough left for you to be able to envision what it may have been like.  

Once again, the ancient architecture and the details carved into the marble astounded me! The years it must've taken to create something so magnificent.   As we walked through the mazes of column remnants, listening to the guide give us a history lesson, my eyes couldn't take it all in.  I was trying to capture everything I could in my camera lens so that I wouldn't ever forget this once in a lifetime experience.  

I was impressed as we learned that the stray animals from town were spayed/neutered, given their vaccinations, then brought to the ruins and public parks and fed and watered daily by the staff.  I don't believe in reincarnation, but if I did, I would have sworn the  cats were brought back to guard the ruins.   They seemed so wise as they perched atop columns and stared down at us.  I even found the physician among them! 

When we got to the Celsus Library,  I was overwhelmed by the beauty that remained.   It's amazing that anything is still standing.   The intricate details in the carvings was more beautiful than any words can describe.  The remains loomed high above us making me wonder how, in a day without the technological advances we have now, they were able to create such an incredible piece of architecture.  Nothing created today can compare to the beauty of the ancient ruins.  The crowds looked small next to the gigantic columns. In all of its splendor, it had to be the most gorgeous sight to see!

Then, we traveled through the columns on the road down to the amphitheater where the Apostle Paul preached to the multitudes.  The history seeped deep into the earth was enveloping me.  I won't lie, I shed a tear or two as I took it all in.  

 From there we visited the Basilica of St John.  I couldn't help but be distracted by the beautiful flowers and butterflies after we toured the ruins and visited the Apostle John's tomb. 

Following the tour, we had a buffet of Turkish foods and desserts, followed by an entertaining reenactment of Roman gladiators.  The Turkish coffee was wonderful!!! The costuming for the actors was well done, and watching the show was a pleasant break from so much walking!

Then, back to the ship with little time to spare before departure time.   Another amazing day which left me exhausted, but thrilled!  This destination is definitely worth the visit!!!

Athens, Greece - Ancient History

Arriving at the dock

The 2nd stop on our cruise was Athens, Greece.   We docked in the very early morning and got our first sights of the sunrise over the water.  The port was quiet as we ate our breakfast and made our way down to the tour meeting spot. I was already in love with the scenery before our tour even began!  This day was filled from the time we were cleared to leave the ship until the time we made our way back to the ship with 15 minutes to spare before leaving the dock.

As our tour bus started winding through the busy streets to our destinations, I was mesmerized by the buildings of marble, some pure white and others pale pink, all reflecting the sun. The city was bustling as the day began.

Then, we passed the first of many ancient ruins on our tour.   I was in awe.  Here by the road in the middle of the busy city. The most amazing columns I'd ever seen in real life.  To think this was constructed before all of our modern technology.  The years it must've taken to build.

Our first stop was the Acropolis.   As we hiked from the parking lot up the trails, we learned about the olive trees and how they hung nets under them to shake the olives into during harvest.  Our tour guide was wonderful and very informative.  From the heights of the trail, you could see the city, gleaming white below us all the way out to the sea.  We were surrounded by the most beautiful views in every direction.  Below us stood the ancient library.  And on a hill far away, remains of an ancient temple. 

We reached the top and were completely amazed by what stood before us! The elegance of what remains of the Erechtheion temple was breathtaking.  I can only wonder what it was like in it's full glory!  The skill it had to have taken to construct.   I was enamored by the Caryatids supporting the roof above them on their heads.   

Walking up further to the Parthenon, I couldn't help but wonder how in the world they got that horse and man up there!!! I zoomed in as close as my Canon would zoom, thankful that I had purchased the zoom lens before the trip!

The massive structure towered above us.  The weather was beautiful, and the sky was a pure blue.  We simply stood and stared. Crowds of people wandered around looking so tiny compared to the enormity of the remains. Standing close, I could use my zoom lens to get the details of the building. Then we had to hike further out over the rocks to take full pictures, careful not to stumble over the uneven ground.  Our time here was almost up, and we slowly made our way back to the meeting place, in awe of the splendor we had seen!

After a lunch buffet of delicious Greek food, complete with my favorite Baklava for dessert, we left to drive along the sea to the Temple of Poseidon.  On the way passing the 1st Olympic Stadium.  Stopping briefly to get pictures. 

As we drove the winding road along the coast,  my eyes trying to take it all in.   The water was an alluring blue, sparkling like diamonds in the bright sunlight.  We drove through small villages with tile roofs, and by fishing villages along the coast.  

Then, we could see it in the distance.   A small winding road leading us up over the cliffs, taking us to the top to the ancient temple.  As we exited the bus, I couldn't decide if the ruins were more amazing or the sea and cliffs below us. I marveled at the beauty of the landscape and the deep history you could feel envelop you with the history lessons being given by our informative tour guide. As we looked across the sea to islands nearby and in the distance, I knew this was going to be one of the best memories in my life!