After the mini show, we explored the marketplace near port. I bartered for a red knockoff purse, whi

Before I start, a few readers asked why The House of the Virgin Mary (and other sites in this area of Turkey) are both Muslim and Christian sites of pilgrimage. I want to preface this by saying that I am not an expert on either religion, so feel free to correct me if I am wrong (I certainly don't intend to offend anyone). From my understanding, Mary (Isa in Arabic), is believed to have given birth to Jesus through immaculate u2 tour dates conception in the Islamic religion. In Islam, Jesus is a prophet, and his birth is documented in the Qur'an. So while Jesus and Mary hold different significance in Islam and Christianity, both faiths have reason to revere religious sites linked to them. You can read more here , but that is my very basic understanding of why this is a religious site for more than one faith.
Now, on with the recap! We moved from The Library of Celsus in Ephesus to the ruins of the Basilica of St. John, constructed in the 6th century, which contain the believed burial site of John the Apostle.
Although in shambles, you can imagine how glorified it must have been, considering how impressive the remains alone are. The best part of this stop was getting to see the remains of an Ancient World Wonder!!!!!!! The Temple of Artemis. Can you see it below??? Don't blink or you'll miss it...
Yes, it is that singular pillar you see in the distance! Sadly, this is all that is left of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. ( Here is an image of what it would have looked like in its prime.) It was originally built in the 6th century BC to honor Artemis, the Greek goddess of the hunt. That would have been incredibly impressive for that time! On the plus side, the Turkish countryside u2 tour dates around it is incredibly gorgeous and a delightful vista.
Although it was very hot when we visited (the reason for all the face shine), the breeze up at these ruins was oh so nice , and I really enjoyed the stop! After all the excitement of the morning, we had a wonderful Turkish lunch at a beautiful hotel on the coast. There were so many treats and savory delights, that I naturally didn't get any photos because I was too busy stuffing my face. But here is a nice view of the "lobby"....
Our final stop on our tour was a Turkish rug store. They of course want you to buy, but it was still pretty fun and felt like a scene out of a movie. We all sat around the wall and were offered a beverage. Some chose Tiger's Milk (sort of like ouzo), but I opted for the Turkish Apple Tea. A little spicier than apple cider and served in a cute cup and saucer. With drinks in hand, five or more men came out with their rugs and threw them out all at once in a fantastic visual show. The carpets unrolled right to our feet on all sides without actually hitting us.
After the mini show, we explored the marketplace near port. I bartered for a red knockoff purse, u2 tour dates which naturally u2 tour dates reminded me of my trips to New York. And if someone from the law comes upon this someday, I have not, nor never will go into a shady elevator in Chinatown in the depths of New York for a bag. haha! The market was a blast- filled with everything from beautiful jewelry to clothing to food and drinks. I also picked up some delicious apple tea there (the best discovery ever) and some beautiful u2 tour dates turquoise earrings to match the necklace you see me wearing in the photos above, which I purchased in Rhodes. I think jewelry makes such a nice souvenir, because it is not too cheesy and will always give you happy memories when you wear it!
That makes a lot of sense, thanks for answering :) These pictures are incredible! Wow! The beauty around the world astounds me! I completely agree that buying jewelry when you travel is the best type of souvenir. Reply Delete Selena u2 tour dates @ Oh, the places we will go October 11, 2013 at 1:59 AM
I really loved Turkey. I want to go back and spend some more time. The people were so friendly and it s just beautiful. You captured it perfectly. (The rug display convinced us and and we did come home with a rug which I love.) Reply Delete Susannah October 11, 2013 at 11:18 AM
wow!!! i have never been to turkey u2 tour dates before, so your pictures make me want to go there. i did get a set of jewelry from a friend who went there a couple of years ago and love it. Reply Delete Arni @ Travel Gourmande October 12, 2013 at 12:08 AM
I totally agree with you, we attended a Ramadan feast once in the Middle East where there was a brief overview of Islam and Jesus and Mary are documented in Q uran. I ve always wanted to go to Turkey. Beautiful landscape! The apple tea sounds refreshing too. Reply Delete Irene October 14, 2013 at 3:43 AM
WOW! Looks beautiful! :) seems like you had a great time. www.truesoulandspirit.blogspot.com Enter our fall must have giveaway! :) includes a $25 giftcard to H M :) xoxo, -A Reply Delete his little lady October 16, 2013 at 8:39 AM