In order to miss the crowds that visit Ephesus first we started the day by going first to Mary’s house. The drive was pleasant and the visit was reminiscent of our visit in 2013. It seems like nothing has changed except the size of the crowd.
Then we made a stop at a rug making cooperative. Here they are trying to preserve the art of carpet making by placing looms in the homes of interested ladies and teaching them the art. This not only preserves the art it increases the supply of handmade carpets and provides a source of income to the villages.
We were shown how Silk is extracted from silkworm cocoons. This material makes the most expensive rugs. Then a master craftswoman showed us how the knots are tied in the pattern, the rows of knots are tapped down for uniform tightness and finally how the yarn is evenly sheared to a smooth finish.
We then moved on to the showroom where carpets of many sizes and designs were spread on the floor before us. After this we spent some time with a salesman who showed us rugs in the sizes and colors of interest to us. Ultimately some of us purchased carpets that will be shipped to our homes.
In a short time we were At Ephesus. This is another case of nothing being changed. It all looked as amazing as before. the big difference is that the marble walkways have become more slippery. Also, the terrace homes were closed to visitors. They are currently undergoing further reconstruction.
It was a pleasure to visit here again and see how well these sites are standing up to the crowds.
Izmir is Turkey’s 3rd largest city. Our hotel was located a short walk from the shore of the Aegean Sea. Tonight featured an optional dinner at an outstanding seafood restaurant. The 15 minute walk to the restaurant was separated from the shore by a lovely park. Here we saw many homeless dogs lolling about. They were very docile and paid us no heed. Dogs abound here and people provide food and water for them. Many people young and old ere enjoying the walkways through the park.
Dinner was very good. I enjoyed the sea bass while Alice regretted that her lack of fondness for seafood, not prepared at home by me, caused her to opt for chicken. The chicken was tough and bland. Fortunately she enjoyed the hot and cold starters.
We had come to the restaurant in a large group, but we returned to the hotel at our own pace. Alice and I took pictures on the way back. The dogs were still present, but they were sleeping soundly. As we approached we saw why they slept. Near each of them were what looked like stripped slabs of ribs and other bones. Apparently some restaurants or butchers provide an end of the day feast. How humane is that.
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