Mediterranean Cruise: Part VI

Monday, May 30, 2011 {Ephesus, Turkey}

- First stop: House of the Virgin Mary. This is where Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the last years of her life. It is believed that Jesus asked John to take care of his mother after he died so John took Mary here and kept her hidden.

[The sacred house where the Virgin Mary lived]

[Me getting water at the fresh water spring by the house]

- After visiting the sacred site we headed to Ephesus. This ancient city used to be an important port city until it was abandoned in 700 AD. Since then the city has been destroyed by earthquakes and was completely buried before excavations started. Excavations have been going on here for over 100 years and only 15 percent of the city is revealed!

[The symbol for medicine]

[Temple of Hadrian]

[Public toilets. The men used to come here to do their business while they talked with other people about politics and news]

[Nike]

[The famous Library of Celsus]

[The Theatre]

- Ephesus was one of the most spectacular sites I have ever been to. As Heidi and I were walking around the area we were in shock! I wish we could have spent more time here but, alas, we had to head back to the ship so we could head to Santorini!

Mediterranean Cruise: Part V

Sunday, May 29, 2011 {Mykonos, Greece}

- We arrived in Mykonos!

- Met our gorgeous tour guide, Constantine, and then took a ferry to Delos.

- Explored the ancient city. Only about 10 percent of the city is excavated so there is much to discover and learn.

- Took the ferry ride back to Mykonos, walked along the sea, got gelatos, and headed back to the ship.

Mediterranean Cruise: Part IV

Friday, May 27, 2011 and Saturday, May 28, 2011 {Istanbul, Turkey}
Istanbul was Constantinople
ANow it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Now it's Turkish delight on a moonlit night

- We arrived in Turkey Friday night, left the ship, and headed to the Spice Bazaar.

- Next, we headed to the largest cistern in the world: The Basilica Cistern

- Before heading back to the boat for the night we took a boat ride around the Golden Horn

- Saturday morning we woke up, left the ship, and headed to a carpet demonstration

[I bought a handmade silk carpet!]

- Next, we headed to the Hippodrome of Constantinople

- Onto the beautiful Blue Mosque (we were allowed to take pictures inside the mosque but I didn't feel right about it... sorry!)

- The day continued with a walk through the Topkapi Palace

- Before leaving Istanbul, we went through Hagia Sophia [was a mosque and church but is now a museum]

- Istanbul is an incredible city with a rich history. I would love to come back here and spend more time exploring the city!