Sigh, the week is over. As the end of the project gets closer and
closer, we are working longer days and spending more time pulling everything
together into our recommendations. By
Friday, I am tired and mentally drained.
But there is only one weekend left and I’ve already made plans to travel
with four others to Ephesus and Pammukkale.
The 5 am departure from the hotel is not very appealing but we all
promise we will sleep on the plane.
What a change from Istanbul! The pace even at the airport is
relaxing. We are definitely entering a
more touristic area. The mountains in
the distance and the rich agricultural plots in the valleys are beautiful. Our tour takes us to the House of the Virgin
Mary just outside of Ephesus where we light some candles and tie a wish to the
Wishing Wall.
 |
| House of the Virgin Mary |
 |
| Tying a Wish to the Wishing Wall at the House of the Virgin Mary |
Then we are off to the ancient
city of Ephesus. The weather is so
pleasant, our guide is entertaining and informative, and there are many
pictures taken of the unbelievable artifacts and buildings. Our hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea in
Kusadasi which makes for a pleasant evening walking the shoreline and enjoying
some laughs at the local wharf.
 |
| An ancient Backgammon game |
Sunday we visit the ancient city
of Hieropolis and Pammukkale. The city
contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by
the flowing water. It is quite stunning
to view. It is a pleasant afternoon
strolling through the ruins of Hieropolis.
 |
| Entrance to the Agora (market) in Hieropolis |
As we board the plane to fly back
to Istanbul, we take one last look at the peaceful surroundings. It has been a great break and now the final
week of the project begins. #ibmcsc turkey
No comments:
Post a Comment