Day 5: Kusadasi, Türkiye

I was up way earlier than planned. Not much going on at 345am. I turned the TV on and found nothing that interested me so I logged on the internet. As part of my package, I got 150 minutes of free internet. I’m guarding that like its gold! Colin had texted so we chatted a few minutes. For me one of the hardest parts of travel is being less accessible to him. If he needs me, I want to be there because usually it is a matter that needs attention quickly . . . you know he waits until last minute and then panics! Thankfully all was fine with nothing urgent but something we can do when I’m in a port and can call. Land phone use is way cheaper than ship middle of ocean cost. So, I tossed and turned and finally got out of my cabin at 530. Why not? Not much to do at this hour so I decided to have a super early breakfast at The Local Bar & Grill which is open 24 hours.  Since it was still so early, I took some time to explore some more areas of the ship especially the Studio Cabin Lounge area.

This area is only accessible to people staying in the solo studio cabins.  It was a nice place to hang out but no one was there at the crack of dawn.  Then a quick powernap before we dock around mid-day.  The weather is fabulous and the Aegean Sea is beautiful.

I have yet to see a cruise ship manage to effectively get a lot of people in one of their organized excursions off the ship in an orderly fashion.  The system is too many steps!  Well, and people don't listen and follow directions either.

Shore Excursion: Ephesus and Terrace Houses

I really didn’t do much research for this trip. I did pick a shore excursion for each port. It amazes me people don’t pick excursions before the cruise and then get mad when they are not available or sold out. Trust me the line was long on boarding day, and I know this because I had to stand in it due to a time change for one of my planned excursions. Anyway, back to the excursion.  I had no idea what to expect.  I was pleasantly surprised with Ephesus.  It is much larger than I expected and amazing . . . oh and look at that blue sky!  Ephesus is important as a major trading center in the ancient world and a significant hub for early Christianity, where figures like Paul and John were active. It was also the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making it a key religious center before its Christian transformation.

Then our group climbed through the Terrace Houses.  They are under a roof and in the process of preservation.  The mosaic tile floors are just everywhere!  Not going to lie climbing the stairs up so high did play with my fear of heights!

Of course, at end of tour got sucked into the let's stop by the shop of my friend a carpet presentation but no pressure and honestly it was interesting and informative presentation.  They were very friendly, and the apple tea they served was tasty too!

It was quick walk back to the ship to grab food at The Local Bar & Grill.  Boy it wasn’t a long excursion, but I’m tired.