July 18 2014 Kusadasi

July 18 2014

This morning we arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey.  Kusadasi is the port city which is bathed in sunshine for over 300 days per year.  It is perfect for enjoying the beaches and crystal clear waters.

We met Ata, our private guide at 8:15 a.m. to start our tour.  We first went to the Basilica of St. John and the Tomb of St. John on our way to Ephesus.  

The Ayasulek Inner Castle is built above the Basilica of St. John.  It was built in the Byzantium Period in 6^th century A.D.  There is a beautiful view from the castle.  Last year when we visited the castle, Jamie, Peter and Michael were able to climb up the tower since the castle was closed to the public (but we were able to arrange a special visit).  This year the castle has been open to visitors and now the tower is closed off.  Jamie, Peter and Michael were able to experience that last year and since Michael was the only one to return this year with our group, he was happy he took advantage of the opportunity last year.

The great Basilica of St. John was built in the 6^th century and was known as the Justinian Basilica to honor the burial place of the Apostle St. John who came to Ephesus in Company with the Virgin Mary mother after the death of Christ.  The tomb of St. John is located here.

The Baptistry at the Basilica of St. John is also located here.

Olaf got a picture at the Basilica

After finishing at the Basilica, we worked our way to Ephesus.  There were 4 ships in port this morning, so we knew that Ephesus would be really busy.  Ata took us on some back pathways so we could avoid the crowds as much as possible.

There is continuous restoration work going on at Ephesus

We also went by the prehistoric graveyard of “tires"

We then went to the family farmhouse for a delicious Turkish lunch

After lunch we went to the local Turkish Ceramic Center where ceramics are made.  We spent a few minutes with the master craftsman and then we were able to shop in their store.  I bought a few souvenirs for family while there, all handmade in Turkey!

Next we went to the House of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  The presence of the first Basilica of the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary is located here according to scholars.

By the it was close to 4 pm and all aboard was 4:45 pm so we worked our way back to the ship.  All 4 ships had the same all aboard time, so the terminal was crazy.  Everyone finished boarding by 5:15 p.m. and we were the first ship to leave at 5:30 p.m.  We had some beautiful views of city as we left.

We played Bingo before dinner, but our losing streak continues…..

Dinner was in Carioca’s and we were treated to some dancing by Minnie after dinner.

Upon returning to my room after dinner there was another commemorative gift from Disney Cruise Line for this inaugural cruise to Crete and Santorini.

Another long and fun day aboard the Disney Magic.  Tomorrow we are in Rhodes, Greece and we plan on taking an easy day in the Old City exploring and shopping.

Goodnight from the Disney Magic!