A Sunday break

Selcuk

Sunday, May 7.

For us today is going to be an easy day. To the Turks, it is parliamentary election day. But first of all, we join in another family Skype conference except that the Toowoombans could not join us.

Our somewhat meagre breakfast but not atypical. 

Part of our neighbourhood.

Pragmatic mix of Roman remains in an Islamic setting.

Generational differences.

As elsewhere, the Turks use schools and other public facilities to cast their votes. We stroll into the centre of this relatively small town of some 35,000. It is a very quiet and sedate morning. All the campaigning trappings have gone as if the town has been cleaned up. Around the polling places there are no last minute urgers for votes or preference. There are no candidate posters. Except that we know it is voting day, one would not know that this is a very important election for the Turks. Having done our small exploration, we conclude that this is a very pleasant town but by no means remarkable in its own right. We are pleased we are staying in the older neighbourhood. Of course, it goes without saying that, as well as some farming, the town is substantially sustained by visitor spending. They are largely drawn by the ancient legacy of Ephes.

You would not know it is polling day today.

The Turks seem to drink more tea than anyone else.

Yesterday, we thought we were following the signs to Mary’s house but ended up at the ruins. Today we make sure we do the Mary trail all the way. Unless you are a pious Christian, the fees are quite exorbitant. All up we hand over 50tl. The drive of some 6km is attractive. The grounds are pleasant. Mary’s house is said to have been located in some apparition by a stigmatised German nun who had never left her convent. By her description, the place was found. ‘Evidence’ is quoted as to the authenticity of the site. Whatever building was there when it was ‘discovered’ has been rebuilt a few times. Now there is a small chapel. Those of strong faith will accept anything. We are not sorry we have visited but for what it is worth to the non-believers, it is poor value. Dare I say, the magnificent views of Selcuk and the surrounds that the road down presents are for free. Having descended for lunch, we drive up the twisty road again to relish a few of the ‘lookouts’ once more.

Around Mary's House. 

Commercialising Mary. She has also become a product.

And more photo opportunities.

A testament to faith and hope.

The landscape is attractive, the views expansive.

While Ephes is said to have also had a harbour, the sea has receded. When up high, we see just how far from the old city the water now is. A lot can happen over 2500 years.

In ancient times, the water would have extended over the plain to give Efes direct contact with the sea.

We have enough time to post another blog as well as do some more writing up of our adventures. It has been a day of strolling rather than running pace. In due course we return to the Agora restaurant where we had lunch. We would nominate it as the best eating place for Turkish food since leaving Istanbul.

The presentation too is good.

It is warming up here. We even run the air conditioner for a little while before bedtime.

Good night.

The light coloured domed building is the mosque which is in our older neighbourhood. Above is the castle with the ruins of St. John's Basilica nearby. The new Selcuk extends to the right.