Ephesus (Port of Kusadasi)

The House believed to be Mary's later in life -

Outside Ephesus

SUNDAY
Sorry for the late post... Internet at sea is so-so reliable! But for us another Mediterranean mid-70's sunny day. Wish I'd brought closer to 20 SPF.

Western Turkey has many beautiful seaside towns that attract thousands to the resorts on the Aegean Sea. The proximity to the ancient city sights make it an attractive port of call.
Interesting Ephesus facts:

• considered one of the greatest outdoor museums of Turkey






• was once a seaport and now 6 miles away from the sea with roads & habitation






• ancient city was built 4 times in the history and the Ephesus of today is considered the 3rd






• the toilets of the ancient city were arranged side by side with no partition between men's & women's. Slaves heated them before their master's use in winter






• one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world here with the Temple of Artemis






• St Paul the Apostle gave lecture in the Tyrannus Hall and the synagogue for 2 years in his 3rd missionary journey






• only 35% of the city has been excavated

Performers in the 24,000 seat theatre (besides Apostle Paul) include: Diana Ross, Elton John and Yanni for fund raising efforts.

But of particular interest was the house believed to be that of the Virgin Mary in her last years. A small cottage hidden in the hills has been visited by Pope the 6th Paul and Pope Jean Paul. This place of pilgrimage is visited by millions every year, yet maintains its holiness for the Muslims as well as Christians. Drinking from the well here is believed to be sacred as wishes are made.

Much shopping is available for Turkish rugs, scarves, jewelry and fabrics.

All is well with the Travelers and we feel so blessed to have experienced today!

Rhodes, Greece

Enjoying the view as Dave & I walk back to the ship

It is 6:30 pm and we have just left the stunningly beautiful Greek Island. Known for its sandy beaches and 300+ days of sunshine each year, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands.
Many in the group took the scenic island tour to see Lindos and had lunch (with wine) on the mountaintop.
Or we ran into several exploring the archaeological treasures of medieval Old Town which once held the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Nothings remains of the bronze statue, but the medieval city walls are remarkably intact.
Either excursion made for a spectacular day, due to a cloud-less perfect blue sky.
Back on ship I expect to see many at the Ice Show; yes the ship has a rink, taking in the magnificent art collection, or even WINNING a few bucks in the casino. One of the highlights will be the Love & Marriage show tonight.
Tomorrow we make our stop in Kusudasi,Turkey for the full or half day excursions to ancient Ephesus.
We thank you all for following the blog, your comments and wishing all the ladies HAPPY MOTHERS DAY tomorrow!!!

SEA DAY #3

Derexa, Phyllis & Lois read poolside

Sea Days are WONDERFUL!
We don't care what day it is... because we really don't know!
Do everything there is to do on ship... or do NOTHING!
We opted for the latter... slept in late, read by the pool, watched the ice carving and played Mini-putt; as our new British friend Martin calls it. Dave is UP 1-0. Re-match tomorrow. Some things never change - I had 5 penalty strokes? And it's putt-putt at sea!!
The LaGranges and Heaths were going to play euchre in the card room - hopefully the girls really beat up on the guys! Derexa, Phyllis & Lois were reading pool-side also. There is a rumor that Hazel P went rock-climbing! Anyone surprised? NOT me!!! Hazel is a TROOPER at 84 years young; she doesn't miss a beat.
OK - so we visit the Greek island of Rhodes tomorrow with various history. I just realized we missed Cinco de Mayo - hope you all enjoyed. AND, by the way it was 84 degrees yesterday:)
Dh

ISRAEL (Day 2): Jerusalem & Bethlehem

GROUP PHOTO - standing across the street from the Garden of Gethsemane. The walled city of Jerusalem is behind us!

We began our 2nd day in Israel very early (although not as early as our guide Moshe) to travel inward from the port of Ashdod. The major highway is very busy and we saw an unfortunate accident involving a truck that had caught fire.
A special treat right away was a view of the new & old cities of Jerusalem from Mt. Olive. Yes it was the traditional sermon on the mount and making of scripture of the Beatitudes! Then down the mountain to visit the garden of Gethsemane - a very peaceful garden among olive trees and next to the Church of All Nations (also known as the Church of Agony). It is commonly known for the place of Simon Peter's betrayal of Jesus.
Then it was into the Old walled city of Jerusalem and visit to the Wailing Wall (or Western Wall). It is the closest location to the place where the temple used to stand. The wall we know today was part of the temple's western wall, hence it's name.
The walk thru the Via Dolorosa (or stations of the cross) was ONE of the most impressive & humbling yet. We were not able to walk all 14 stations, but concluding at stations 10 - 14 and inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre ; where Jesus was crucified, died and buried was beyond words!
After lunch we were taken to Bethlehem. Still being a Palestine-controlled area, our Israeli guide could not accompany us. We were, however, treated with Salwa who has ties to Indiana.
We concluded our day with a visit to the church of the Nativity - the birthplace of Jesus. The church is built over the grotto where the Virgin Mary is said to have given birth to baby Jesus.
All this in a 10 hour day...... Both of these 2 days we did as a private tour, on our own coach with the guide (who happened to sell olive oil from his cousin's farm). We promised Moshe we would be GOOD ambassadors for the Country of Israel and he and the drivers treated us very special! Several more stories, but I'll save for another day.
PEACE!

ISRAEL: (DAY 1) NAZARETH & GALILEE

Deb steps in the Jordan River

Shalom to our friends back home -
Again, please be re-assured that we our very safe and secure. Royal Caribbean would not risk the safety of over 3,400 passengers AND the tourism dollar is VERY welcome here.
We began our day in a comfortable motor coach to the village of Nazareth; the boyhood home of Jesus. Our guide, Moshe, is Russian-born, but very knowledgeable regarding the somewhat short history of Israel as country, but deep in Biblical history.
In Nazareth, we toured the Basilica of Annunciation - the sight where angel Gabriel spoke to the Virgin Mary announcing the coming of our Lord.
We drove a little farther east to the Sea of Galilee; to almost the spot where the River Jordan meets the Sea and where John baptized Jesus. It is all very surreal...
After a traditional lunch of fish (the whole one complete with eyeball) we boarded a wooden vessel and sailed across the sea to Caperneum. This area, combined with Tag bu is where Jesus and many disciples performed acts of miracles; specifically the Multiplication of the loaves & fish!
St. Peter is also revered is this area as the next leader and Saint.
Agriculture is the next largest form of the economy with Olive tree and by product exports.

"Arise, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for unto you I give it" GEN. 13,17

Good day from your weary travelers,
Dh

Photos - Still a no, BUT we are SAFE!

Well it's NOT 3 G on the ship and at .60 cents a minute, I'm not going to keep trying to download photos, but please know that we are completely SAFE in this part of the Mediterranean and thank you for your prayers!!!!
We had a 68 degree sea day today and nice, calm seas. The Mariner of the Seas is a floating city and there is so much to see and do!
Tomorrow is our first stop in Israel - the Sea of Galilee, Caperneum and Nazareth. We will have an English-speaking guide and a private motor coach all day. Looking forward to beginning our journey on the path of Jesus and his Disciples!

Love to all,
Deb, Dave & the Travelers

Mediterranean Sea & Athens Greece

Ada C & Eva K taking in the sights atop the Acropolis

After a much needed rest day at sea where we basked under the sunny 70 degree skies, we arrived in the Port of Piraeus, Greece to meet a tour guide and take in all that Athens (ancient & new) has to offer.


Walking on the same paths (treacherous & cobbled) as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Roman emperors was surreal; Really - hard to take in that we are truly here.


The hilltop Acropolis was breathtaking! The Greek architecture beyond words - so just enjoy the photos and next time I plan a trip like this, join in!

We are safe & secure and ecstatic with the US news from overnight!!
So glad you are following along......
Deb & travelers