Greece 2008
Journey Day: 1
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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.
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Updated: September, 2008