This is the second time I have been to Turkey, and the second time I was pleasantly surprised by Turkey. I think I like that place. Ephesus was the eastern capital of the Roman Empire and is an anthropologist's dream. Pretty much the entire city was preserved under ground. I have never seen "ruins" like this before and I absolutely loved walking through the town and imagining what it was like all those centuries ago.
Since I am a nerd, my favorite building was the library. With an entrance like that, you can just imagine how amazing the library must have been.
Maddie's least favorite part of the city was the communal bathroom. They thought their brains were particularly smart during the pooping experience, so they would have business and political meetings while sitting on the toilet. Seriously? Yes, seriously.
My least favorite part of the city was the feral cats all over the place. There were just about a million of them. Maddie is still mad at me because I absolutely forbid her from touching the little petri dishes of all things vile.
I have to say that another very pleasant little surprise was the Virgin Mary's last home. She had to escape persecution with Apostle John, and apparently this is where she lived until she died.
Josh lit a candle for his Grandad Harris, who died within a few days. Maddie lit a candle for her brothers. I like this tradition.
Maddie drank the "holy water" from the fountain there. She was disappointed that she still had a sore throat after. :o)
She also thought long and hard about what she would write on her tissue to tie onto the wishing wall.
Our next stop was St. John's Basilica. Another apostle's tomb. That is so awesome. Also, Maddie enjoyed "exploring" the ruins and particularly the baptismal font.
Next, we went shopping and tried out some Turkish delights.
We got to see a traditional Turkish dance.
And then we learned how Turkish rugs are made.
Maddie loved "shopping" for Turkish rugs.
I can't wait to find the perfect spot for my new rug!
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