Arrived in the resort town of Kusadasi, Turkey. Some went on an excursion to the house of St Mary, mother of Jesus, where she lived her final years. They have a church there now built on the ruined home's foundation, a holy water spring and a prayer request wall. They say healing miracles happen there all the time.
House / Church of St Mary
Picture of altar inside church (no photos)
Holy spring water
Prayer request wall
Others were off to Ephesus, the ancient first capital of Turkey. Started 2400+ years ago it was home to over a million residents, had running water thru aqueducts and pipes, bath houses and a 50 seat public bathroom. They have uncovered 15% of the ruins and it is a 1 mile walk. The library of Celsus was the third largest of its time - 12,000 scrolls.
Ruins with piping remains
Parliament and playhouse
Ruins
Ruins
Library of Celsus
And then to a carpet factory to see how hand made rugs are created and how you produce silk thread. Another chance to purchase a local product. (Ask Maria about hers :))
Learning how to weave
How silk is made
Learning how to buy
Others stayed on board and relaxed after a late night at the disco. All aboard at 1 pm and off to the island of Patmos.
Second half of the day - Patmos is where St John the Apostle spent 9 months when he was 90 and dictated the book of revelations. He had visions while many meditating / living in a small cave. He also was inspired to write and preach the idea of the trinity after the cave cracked and formed an image. They have a monastery dedicated to St John.
Needed tenders to reach shore
St John cave entrance
View of Patmos from the monastery
Frescos in the monasteryTenders took us back forth to the ship. All aboard at 9:30 for our departure to Heraklion. Greek night! Opa! Dancing until the wee hours again.
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