>We'll be there in April ... care to share don't miss highlights ??
The ancient city site of Ephesus itself is magnificent, and lots of
fun to walk around. Definitely don't miss the theatre (you can't miss
it--THE most prominent feature of the city), and the Library
(magnificently restored by the Italian archaeologists---every foreign
team of archaeologists is required by the Turkish government to fully
restore at least one building at their site--makes it a lot more
interesting to the tourists, and creates a fabulous opportunity to
really understand ancient techniques of architecture!). The "brothel"
is also fun to look at, and you will see little "markers" for it
carved into many of the paving stones in various parts of the city!
Izmir itself is ancient Smyrna, and there are quite a few temples
scattered around town that are also hard to miss and well worth a
gander. The main ancient city site is right in downtown Izmir.
In addition to Mary's house, don't miss the basilica of St. John just
on the edge of town. Another very famous Christian site, and very
interesting.
Restaurants along the water front are picturesque and serve very good
food (or at least they used to!!). Fresh fish is superb, or try
"Tranche Kabob" (shark meat grilled on skewers--delicious). Another
Turkish specialty that is out of this world is "Donnor Kebab"--thin
slices of grilled meat served on pita bread with lemon-butter sauce
and/or tomato sauce. My personal favorite--"Kufta", mildly spiced meat
balls/ thick patties, served with french fries, fresh sliced tomatoes,
and "Borek"--flaky cheese treats! YUM!
Cheers,
Peg
P.S. I lived in Turkey 1975 through 1978, and excavated at ancient
Sardis--part of the Cornell-Harvard Archaeological Team.
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