18 September - Kusadasi, Turkey

Once again our trusty Captain Nicolas delivered us overnight to our next destination which is the port of Kusadasi, in Turkey. The key attraction for us here was the ancient city of Ephesus, which was first established as a Greek settlement in 300 BC and became one of the largest and most important cities of the Roman Empire in subsequent years. The city became 'lost' when an earthquake in the 600's changed the coast line and the city became landlocked and malaria ridden. The city was rediscovered by Austrian archeologists in the early 20th century and the excavation work continues to today. It is estimated that about 10% has been excavated.

We joined our bus tour at 8:30 and were greeted by Mahmut our guide, who as well as speaking excellent English also turned out to be the president of the local restoration society. His explanation of the role of Ephesus showed what a major cultural and trade centre it was. Thirteen Roman emperors visited here, as did Anthony and Cleopatra and St Paul. Excavation is slowly exposing broad marble lined boulevard, shopping centres, houses and public buildings.

One of the most impressive buildings is the Ephesus library. When you stand in front of it I'm amazed that it was a centre of learning nearly 2000 years ago.

One of the most moving sights are the numerous remnant of old buildings lying around with inscription in perfect Greek letters which means someone laboriously carved these letters into the stone some 2300 years ago. As we reached the end of the Ephesus valley one of the most stunning sights is the amphitheatre which was used for public events including gladiator contests and unfortunately the spectacle of 'throwing Christians to the lions'.

To imagine some 20,00 people attending events here is very powerful. After the Ephesus tour we attended the obligatory shopping and carpet weaving opportunities and then just after noon we were back to the ship and ready for lunch. Kusadasi is a beautiful Mediterranean city. Very modern and very clean with lots of shopping, accommodation and restaurants. Hotel rooms including breakfast cost about $20/night. This afternoon we did some shopping and Rosa bought a beautiful cream leather jacket which looks great on her. Tonight we sail for Istanbul where we stay on the ship for one night before disembarking the next day - the end of our cruise and the start of the next part of our adventure.