Day 13, Friday October 15, 2004
Submitted by Betty Bonham Bettybonham@aol.com
Ephesus
13th day of unclaimed jewels of the Mediterranean travels
We are visiting Ephesus today, but first we stop at a lovely mosque to sit in the courtyard and listen to Meli explain the history of Ephesus. Ephesus began 4000 BC. It is a synthesis of the cultures and religions that have come before each other. Meli described it as a sieve, through which elements of each culture/religion have fallen through.
In the lovely surroundings of this mosque, Meli tells us about:
(1) The Amazons; (2) Androculeas of Macedonia and the oracle of fish/fire/boar;
(3) the 12 Ionic cities and how the first bank of Ephesus came about;
(4)persian invasion; (5) Alexander the great and the 3rd city of Ephesus;(6)Christians and the eventual abandonment of the city to malaria in 700AD.

In the Ephesus museum, we see how the marble of the Zodiac temple was used
as a quarry for the building of St. John's basilica. Recycling predates the 20th century?

Next we visit the house of the Virgin Mary, where Pamela is told by a British tourist that Virgin Mary is actually buried in England, where her son, Jesus, came many times to inspect the tin mines he owned.
What is it about Pamela that attracts these strange Brits?

Finally, Ephesus, itself. What a phenomenal place. Home to 1/2 million
people. Running water and a public toilet seating 42.

In the meantime, Ramadan has started. We hear the drumming at 3:30am reminding the faithful to make their commitment, and eat their last meal before fasting starts. After our wonderful tour of Ephesus, we return to our hotel in Selcuk to celebrate breaking of fast with Hussein, our wonderful, patient driver and to drink to future trips with Meli. Meli pours water into a plant with "may your life flow as smoothly as this water and prosperity come to you and your

loved ones". We tearfully say goodbye and prepare for the journey
home.
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