Ephesus, House of Mary and Izmir shopping

Today our day started off with a stop at a leather factory and shop. Before we viewed the factory and retail showroom, we watched a fashion show as the models showed off the leather jackets.

Then I got pulled on stage to give it a try. I had a bit too much fun!

Then we headed to the showroom where we tried on the coats that are way too expensive to buy but fun to try on!

Then we headed off to Ephesus. Ephesus is the city where the Ephesians lived and Paul spent time with them there and then wrote the book of Ephesians.

gymnasium 

Linda

Linda, Ann, Olwyn and Jennifer trying to find shade to rest in. This was the beginning of our super hot days!

mosaic floors

the fancy and expensive shopping street

Public toilets and a sweet little model

The Marketplace

The library- my favorite part of Ephesus- so detailed and beautiful

After Ephesus, we stopped for lunch where this sweet lady made all of this food for us

Then we headed up the hill to the House of Mary where John brought Mary after Jesus was crucified.

We could not take pictures inside so this gives you an idea of what it looks like inside.

Love this nativity scene

statue of Mary

After our hot hot day of sightseeing, we headed back to the hotel in Izmir. Then we ventured out to the local market/bazaar in Izmir. It was a short walk from our hotel, had great reviews on Trip Advisor and did not disappoint! It was the best bazaar and marketplace I have ever been to! The prices were tagged (set but the shop owner often dropped it slightly at the end), the shopper owners were very kind and did not hassle us, and it had good quality items. Loved this shopping trip so much!

This is very common here- it is the evil eye. It protects you from evil and you put it in your house.

The inside markets

Loved these flags in the courtyard

For dinner, our group went out to a nice seafood restaurant right on the water. It was great food, great company and great views!

This was the best fish ever! I do not like fish and this one was just marvelous- moist, tender, flavorful and most importantly, boneless!

The sun starting setting during dinner so I ran out to watch it set. Just marvelous!

Good night Izmir!

Day of Ruins: Troy and Pergamon

Today was a day full of sightseeing ruins in the sun! And this was only the start of the ruins...

Our first early morning stop of the ruins on the city of Troy.

Jennifer, Olwyn and Lesley listening in the shade

A replica of the famous Wooden Horse

Next stop was for lunch at this Turkish restaurant/truck stop. It was mighty delicious and Aunt Jeanne and I finally got to try a Turkish Pizza and it did not disappoint.

Rolling out the dough

Minced meat and tomatoes, 

then add the cheese

Into the oven it goes!

The country views at lunch were gorgeous

Loved this Telephone booth- I like to think it is vintage ;)

After lunch we headed to ancient city of Pergamon, which had the ancient Asclepion Medical Center.

The main road in

Loved to see the columns standing

Pretty view inside the arch of the mountainside

Best part of the ruins were these gorgeous poppies growing from the wall!

The toilets from back in the day

Gorgeous sturdy arches

Loved this tunnel 

After we walked around the ruins, they had a market outside that I finally got to shop and bargain at... it was exhilarating and felt good to finally shop! 

I did not buy these plates but they were gorgeous! Loved the colors and designs

Oh the tiles in Turkey are my FAVORITE part and I loved how they put them into the step outside of Pergamon

Then we headed to Izmir... my favorite stop of the tour!