Travels in Turkey: Around Selcuk

Travels in Turkey, Part 9 of 12

(I am resolved to finish up this series before 2011 gets here!)

For one week of our trip to Turkey, we stayed in a villa in Selcuk, the modern city near Ephesus and close to the Aegean cost. From there, we took some day trips, like to Hierapolis and Pammukale, but there was plenty to see and do near Selcuk, too!

On our first day in Selcuk, we enjoyed visiting the market in the center of town. Produce, cheese, olives, shoes!

The following day, we headed out to do a bit of exploring of the ancient sites. First mission was to get gas for the van, but it turned into a bit of a comedy routine as we had no idea if the van was diesel or not — it was), we took the road by the upper gate of Ephesus and switchbacked up the mountain to the House of Virgin Mary, where it is said that Mary lived until she died.

Mary's House

A few days later, we walked, across the street, to St. Jean’s, the “burial place” of St. John (not, as I mistakenly thought John the Baptist, but the other John). I cannot even fathom having such a historic place in my front yard!

St. Jean's

Later that day, we headed down to the main street for a ride to the upper gate at Ephesus then walked through the site back towards the villa. The remains were quite amazing, but it was hot, way too hot. And I was tired, just too tired. As we wandered through the amazing ruins and then down the road to where we visited the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World), I got more and more dehydrated and more and more tired. By the time we got home (I carried Chloe on my back for some of the way), I was so thirsty, so hot and so tired, all I could do was drink a gallon of water, take a shower and collapse into bed!

Ephesus Toilets

Ephese Library

But there was more to see than just ancient historical sites! One day, Rob and the girls headed out to the nearby waterpark, Aqua Fantasyland while I rested, read and caught up on photos and journals. Two other times, we went to a “touristy” (tour bus?) place, Dereli Restaurant, on Pamucak Beach for lunch and a swim.

Lunch at Pamucak Beach

Aqua Fantasyland

Another day, we headed out for a ride to Sirince. Sirince is supposed to be an old hillside village, but really seems to now be a tourist trap. We walked around a bit, but then got out quickly. We were amused by the garbage truck there — a tractor pulling a trailer.

Sirince

I love this way of traveling — creating a home base for ourselves and then taking day trips from there. Some long days, some closer to home days. The balance seems to work well for all of us, kids included.