Ozcelik Kusadasi

... locals did their weekly shopping was refreshing. But even when we started looking for clothing there were calls from the shops and pushy sales tactics.

Here's looking forward to moving away and seeing some 'real' Turkey again.

We had a great time going through the museum and seeing some interesting sites. As well, the food's still amazing here and we've had the chance to sample many different dishes and even try some raki!

... that it was the elderly man in the black fedora(of course!). Well, no way I was missing this photo op. I worked my way right through about six rows of secret service, smiling and apologizing and holding my camera in front of me. I got about 10 feet from him, no-one between us, and took about three good pictures. Then I hopped three rope fences to follow his entourage down to his car. Nobody stopped me. Nobody checked me. They didn't even sick the rottweiler guard ...

... me the bike, "all fixed!" I smirked, shook my head in amazement and exclaimed "No," pointing to the bigger, newer looking bike behind him. 10 minutes later the alternate
moped and I were on our way. My first stop was a town about eight km east called Sirince. To my delight, large signs with arrows directed me towards Sirince. Once out of the town and
on the open road I spotted my destination, nestled comfortably up in the hills ...

... is still being excavated and we were fortunate enough to see the teams doing the reconstruction.





A few miles away at the Basilica of St ...

... a lunch table setup. But to get into the way of life, we had to dress the part.That meant Roman togas and olive branches. We didn't want to go along but we were hot and hungry (and it makes for great photos) so we did. The meal consisted of dried fruits, flat bread with cottage cheese and tomatoes, beef and vegetable casserole-stew, lamb meat pounded, with whole wheat and boiled wheat, walnut and fig cake for dessert and iced fruit juice with rose honey (an ...

... was built in the 6th century. This is where disaster struck. My camera friggin broke and it was my fault. I was using the self timer and placed it on a wall so I could be in the photo. I thought the wind was a bit powerul so I just stayed by my camera to make sure it wouldnt fall off. It seemed like it was ok. After the picture was taken, I ran to my camera just in case the wind was about to blow it off and I must have jinxed myself as that is what ...

... enclosed area of the city.  They have uncovered 7 houses in this area.  They have lots of mosaics and frescos still in place.  The colors and designs are clear and brilliant.  They have set up stairs and glass walkways so you can really get a good look.  Some of the tours skip the Terrace Houses but we found them to be a major highlight of the day.

... we drove for about 6 hours to Selcuk and found another cool Pension to stay at. We are off to Efesus tomorrow (there are some ruins and stuff there) and then onto our next place tomorrow. Traveling with the in laws is going well. I only had to tell Jim once to get on the right side of the road otherwise it has been all happy families. Thanks to everyone who has written or blogged to us. I really appreciate it. Until later, take care, Katie

... cosmopolitan feel and there are many high-end designer stores. When we last visited, there was nothing here to speak of except the local bazaar. At that time, it felt very foreign to us. The only downside to this development is that the art of bargaining for goods has pretty much become a thing of the past. The ancient Roman port city of Ephesus (Efes) was first settled in approximately 1000 B.C. It is described as "one of the best-preserved ancient cities on the Mediterranean." Over ...

... knotted beauties. My new 'friends' are laughing, teasing me - asking : do I know what I am getting into? Well, I don't think it's much, so I keep on walking on the rugs, crawling around, looking at the knotting and marveling at how tiny the knots are on these things. Then I spot a tiny sage green carpet, rolled up, standing on it's end in the corner of the room. I love green, and I ask to see the carpet. " No, don't!" everyone cries - but it's too late: the rug is held up in the ...