Julian & Ali Travels


Ephesus, Turkey		Week 115 June 15th - 16th 2013

		We learned later this is Pamucak Beach. A quick drive down to discover that camping was ok. A small charge for the two gatekeepers but we are not sure what for.

		But first a trip to Ephesus. We started at the bottom car park. The distance to the top car park increased as we approached the ticket office and the horse cart drivers became more desperate for business. About a km. We walked to the top and turned for a slower walk down. This is the Baths at the State Agora (large open space where government offices were). We couldn't quite see the hypercaust.

		But there were a few water pipes, of various sizes, nearby.

		Quite a wide open space. The political centre.

		Behind is the theatre. Ephesus had traces of occupation back to 7,000 BC. Things became serious around 500 BC with Androclos founding the town. Conquered in 560 BC by Lydia, then in 546 BC by the Persians, then 334 BC by Alexander the Great. In the 3rd century BC Lysimachos resettled the town in the saddle between two hills.

		The 3rd to 1st century BC were the Hellenistic period. In 294 BC a 9 km fortified wall was added. This is the Prytaneum. The office of the governor.

		A first look at the Library as we walked down Curetes St (connecting upper and lower - port - areas). The sea has receded a bit (well, a lot really).

		Spot the error. This has absolutely no connection with anything antiquarian. A figment of someone's imagination.

		And we aren't too sure about this bit either. A bit of reconstruction for the Temple of Domitian. Part of the imperial cult, celebrating the Emperor. This is beginning to look like as many gods as the Chinese had.

		Under the arches (well it would be if they were still there) of Curetes St is this geometric mosaic. About 50m of it.

		Temple of Hadrian.

		Next to the public latrine.

		Across the street we traced some pipes. A neat looking corner.

		The Celsus Library. The facade was rebuilt in 1970 - 78. Originally built AD 100 - 110 by Gaius Iulius Aquila for his father Tiberius Iulius Celsus. A form of Heroon, built over the tomb.

		Exquisite.

		A little further on, in the commercial area, what we think are pipe joiners. A way of getting water through walls.

		The commercial area was a large square, surrounded by columns, and shops.

		Then we climbed up the theatre steps.

		Finally the street to the port.

		But needs must. A trip to the market in Seljuk. Convenient to the museum which is closed (for a couple of years).

		A look at the Bey Hamam Bath. Open for about 60 years in the 14th century.

		A glance at St John's Basilica below the castle. Before saying hello to Aussies Mike and Nora that we'd previously met in Greece.

		Then back about 10 km to our beach front camping at Pamucak Beach. The gate keepers had left for the day.

		Sunday the other end of the beach filled up a bit. Our end the locals occupied the narrow strip of drivable sand near the water and left us clear next to the dunes. The red Fargo truck to the right was employed for pulling cars out of soft sand. Its a little windswept, but that keeps us cooler. And there are some flies and small insects at night. And there's the usual plastic rubbish. Just a day at the beach. We decided to stay another day.

Aphrodisias, Turkey		Week 116 June 18th 2013

Gateway

Comments		Home

Willem	Tue, 18 Jun 13 16:29:37 +1000
Hi guys, what a fantastic blog. What a great adventure. And a very interesting look at the build of the vehicle. Reminds me of another vehicle. But 800 Watt of solar. Someone must envy you... How are you coping with the GVM when on the road ;-). Peter will want to know if you have been weighed ever.... And by the way, before you leave P&M, tell him how to do a blog like yours. Tell him we expect a daily update ;-) Cheers, Willem

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