Day 7 (Kusadasi/Ephesus, Turkey)

From Istanbul over to Kusadasi it is 341 Nautical Miles.

We did not spend much time in Kusadasi itself. It functions as the port and gates into Ephesus. After ths ship docked in Kusadasi, our tour guide met us and we drove about 20 minutes before reaching the old city of Ephesus.

Ephesus was an ancient Greek city, then later a Roman city before becoming a Turkish city. It was a major port for trade and fishing back in olden days. The sea use to reach the city walls, but over time, land built up and is now no longer near. It is also a biblical city. The people of the city are known as the Ephesians. It is also said that the House of Virgin Mary is in that city (we didn't visit it though). It is the house she moved into after the death of Christ until the day she died. Two thousand years ago, 250,000 people inhabited this city. This city was destroyed overtime by earthquakes

Old Ruins

They used that for their drainage system

In the smaller theatre

Old pillars

The front of the hospital or doctor's office?

Nike, the goddess of Victory

The front pillars of an old temple

Major puzzle!

Inside an old "condominium"

Check out the old frescos that still remain

The Library

Inside the bigger theatre

The Grand Theatre

Another cat picture

After walking around under the heat for several hours, it was very relaxing to go back on the ship, jump in the pool and watch the ship sail away. We were able to see some very pretty scenes on our way out too!

Pretty sunset

And for dinner.....well it was my birthday that day.....and Germain told the staff and I got a special little cake................and a birthday song =P

Crispy Beef Tartar

Onion Soup

Braised Osso Buco wrapped in Proscriutto with Spagetti Squash and Haricot Verts

Chocolate Mouse Cake with Candied Mandarins

My birthday cake ^_^

So yesterday was Germain's birthday. He had class until late so I just made him food at home. But on Saturday I took him out for dinner. He picked the place (since I don't know the restaurants very well here) but it was a first for him too. It was pretty good. My pictures, however, did not come out very good. It was a dark restaurant.

Our appetizer: buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes

Germain's cow cheek stew over mashed potatoes

My foie gras ravioli with truffle cream sauce

Dessert: a house Napoleon...very good.

On Sunday night his parents were in town and we went to a restaurant known for it's meat. It was good too. Then we walked around the city. It was chilly, but we passed by the Louvre and the night view was very nice.

That's all. Last week of school. Finals coming up. eep! Gotta study!