Greece 2008 Day 13

Greece 2008 Journey Day: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Day 13 - September 23 - Samos

In the steps of Paul. Trip to Ephesus, Turkey, was a go, barely. After breakfast on the terrace of the hotel

Ino, we traveled down to Samos Town and joined the queue. After delays, the line started through passport

control until we approached - a temporary Customs stop. A cell phone was handed to us and a local travel agent

explained to us that a potential strike had started. Returned to the ticket office across the street and was given advice

to sit and watch for changes. Sure enough, thirty minutes later the boarding process started again.

Departed on the Samos Star boat for Turkey about an 1 and half late. Wasn't sure if a reinstated strike would

strand us in Turkey. Anyhow, the hour long trip to the Turkey port of Kusadasi was worth the effort. Partly sunny

skies provided a good view of Samos island.

On board, the cafe stand had fresh squeezed orange juice, extra large croissants, and very popular instant

Nescafe coffee. Arrival to the port was effortless - the city and area has been upgraded with new shops and

apartments. We expected a somewhat older and somewhat Casablanca look; however, looked like other Euro ports.

Our bus and guide were easy to locate (Meander Travel). Ephesus is only 13 kilometers from the port. Passing

grove after grove - oranges, lemons, pomegranates, and endless citrus - was a surprise. First sight was Chapel

Hill - home to the Apostle Paul's exile.

Arrived to a fleet of buses and matching tourist masses. Entry is one way and the same tourist buses pick up

a couple hours later at the exit. Our guide began at the upper level - start of the great baths. Ancient visitors

were required to bath upon entry and exit of the city.

Next stop was the parliament type building remains and then down the marble road to the House of Love

(brothel), a deluxe warmed marble latrine building, business stalls, and icon building Library of Celsus. Another

main feature is the sizable Great Theater where the Apostle Paul received verbal and potential physical feedback

on the Letters to the Ephesians.

Afternoon stop included lunch - 6 Euros for full buffet and 2 Euros for salad bar. Rear of the restaurant was

a large overhead aluminum canopy with surrounding groves. An non obligated stop was next - overview of

the making of Turkish rugs - thread by painstaking thread. Amazing that pressure was not great to make any

purchases. After a couple of juice drinks at the port, postcard writing time, and some last minute souvenirs,

it was time for a returned boat back to Samos.

Return trip included lively discussions from three Canadian women - a wives vacation - that provided insight

of Alberta life, Canadian Rocky hiking, and one that is climbing to Mt. Everest base camp. The passport log

showed a variety of travelers from all continents.