Saturday 3-22-25
“Kalimera!” with a a heavy emphasis on mera. This was our earliest morning yet. We had to meet together at 6:50 to disembark in Kusadasi… It was worth it, but whew that was a rough wake up.
Anyways, our travel agency had included an excursion to the Biblical site of Ephesus. Little did I know this would be one of my favorite places we would visit. Our guide picked us up and then we travelled to the site while she talked.
Two of the most prominent features of the ancient city is the temple of Artemus, the Library of Celcius, and the theater that could seat 24,000. It was one the most innovative and wealthy cities. The houses actually had indoor plumbing and heating, which was definitely a surprise to me. As some you may know, Paul along with Timothy, spent a large amount of time preaching and converting people to Christianity in Ephesus. So much so that he was run out. However, as a result of his work, the people quit giving the gods money and a church was started. This city was also one of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation written by John. He actually died in Ephesus at the age of 99.
As I got my first glimpse, I was stunned! It was beautiful despite being built hundreds of years ago. Emphesus had the prettiest architecture of the trip in my opinion. Not only was it visually appealing, it was well engineered. It was high quality marble, and each design was very well thought out. There is no telling how many tons of marble are in that city. However, one thing I did find a bit strange was the toilet area. There were no less than ten seats in against a wall and they were nice considering the time period. Our tour guide said it was actually a place used for conducting business. Who needs a boardroom when you have a bathroom right?
As we walked along the marble road, we saw the parliament, the agora (market), the theatre, the Library of Celsus, and temple. Once we reached the end of our tour, Dr. Carden and Coach Hooks spoke for minute about the importance of this place to us as believers. It was surreal to stand in the same place as Paul walked and preached the word. It was a reminder of our mission as believers to advance his kingdom with courage.
Once we finished, it was time to get a taste of the true Turkish culture. Our guide took us to Aladin’s Magic Flying Carpets to witness their signature art of hand weaved rugs. Let me just go head and say, I do not know how those women do that all day. We watched as a young lady knotted and looped a skinny thread around a loom faster than you could track over and over again. Each tiny knot of that rug is done by hand. It is without a doubt an art, and the prices definitely show that. There are rugs in there ranging from 1,000 to about 15,000 dollars if I had to guess.
Following the demonstration they took us in to the show room and offered us a choice of red wine, white wine, or sparkling apple cider before they got the show started. All of sudden there were carpets flying open left, right, up and down faster than I could look. By the time we were done, there were no less then what seemed like thirty rugs pilled up. My mom saw one she liked and I said absolutely not.
After, they gave us some time to look around at all the insanely expensive rugs and small stores in the little center… so thoughtful. On a serious they were all so beautiful and it would be very nice to own one myself, maybe one day.
Somehow I ended up being one the last ones on the bus, so I can see where they trap you.
Then, we headed back to the port and got back in the ship where we had some free time before stopping at the island of Patmos. Before lunch we headed back to the room to freshen up and then my mom and I ate at the buffett.
One thing I wanted to do was get a cup of Greek coffee and enjoy it on the deck agile looking out over ocean, so I did just that and it was wonderful. When I got back to the cabin to get ready, my mom had taken a nice nap.
We met our group about four to head to our excursion in Patmos. This one was a cool one, we got to to visit the the Monestary of St. John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where John is believed written Revalation. It was a small church perched in the side of a cliff overlying the island below. Everything about it was beautiful. One unique detail was the mosaic over the entrance that had symbols from Revelation and a scroll in the center. We also got to see the crack in the rock of the cave that some believe God caused.
Then we got to go up to the very top of the island and walk though the small town. Even though mosts things were closed, it was an adorable town with an even better view!
As we drove down to the bottom, it was easy to see why John lived here four one and a half years. The towering mountains, low, lucious, green, valleys, and the sea created a perfectly balanced landscape. We also drove past the place where John was believed to have done baptisms. There was a small little island called “Goat Island,” that farmers would take their goats to eat which I thought was kind of cool. The island is a natural oasis compared to the cyclidelic islands like Mykonos. There are not to many citizens, but lots of gardens, goats, and natural products. They sell them as a way to make money for the economy but tourism is the main source.
Once we reached the bottom, we got our free drink and then looked through some of the stores before getting in the tender boat back to the ship
When we got back, it was time for dinner so we headed straight up to the buffet where my friends were. After we ate I end up to find everybody at the karaoke before it was time to catch our second show. Tonight’s theme was the history of Greece. It was not as bad but we still got some good laughs.
There was just something so different about Patmos that I loved. It was like the out west of the states but the Greek island edition. Today was a surreal day and one that requires some reflection to fully comprehend I think.
Until tomorrow!
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