Ephesus (Efes), Turkey

Last week we went on a tour to the ancient city of Ephesus with Mum and Dad. About 20% of the city has been uncovered from the 3000 year old city. It was in its height at about 100 BC and had a lot of significance to us due its role in biblical history.

Mum and Dad at the start of the tour

 The city was a commercial centre and was a port to the Mediterranean Sea. Its prominence declined as the harbour silted up and a large earthquake partially destroyed the city in 614 AD.
It is believed that the gospel according to John was written there and it is one of the seven churches of Asia referred to in Revelation.

An early medicine symbol

The medical school and hospital

The street of Curates with the Library at the end

The Austrians have had a major role in the excavation and restoration of the city so far. One of the key buildings that has been restored somewhat is the Library of Celsus.

Trajan Fountain

Hillside houses

Sam on the street of Curates 

Amazing mosaic detail outside the terrace houses

The impressive temple of Celsus

Some tourist

The main agora where Paul preached.

Believed to be the prison that Paul was held in

The Great Theatre

Backstage at the theatre

Theatre

Town of Corfu, Greece

On the second day of Mum and Dad’s cruise we visited the Greek Ionian Island of Corfu. This island is much larger and more “normal” (for want of a better word) than the islands of Mykonos and Santorini. On our first trip here with them we caught a local bus into the town.

Corfu adventurers

New fort

Old fort that thinks it's a boat

It was much like any of the other Greek tourist towns, but with more established and larger churches. Two main historic landmarks are the old and new forts. The old fort I named “the fort that thinks it’s a boat” and the new fort looked more foreboding and castle-like.

 There are a number of pleasant park areas around the town where the locals can be found fighting off the heat. We managed to find a spot to take a swim in the Adriatic Sea before hunting out some Gyros and heading back to the ship.

Venice

We have been very fortunate to visit Venice twice already over the last 2 months. From the Piazza San Marco, to the narrow canals, to the gorgeous churches and angled towers, the place oozed even more romance than I had imagined.

Sam relaxing on the water shuttle on the Grand Canal

Piazza San Marco

Sam being a cool guy at Saint Mark's

 Saint Marks’ square is the main touristic centre and is always bustling with people. There is live music playing from most of the bars, from instrumental covers of popular tunes, to Dixieland jazz, to chamber music, the different groups compete for the crowds.

Saint Mark's Basilica

The canals and the innumerable bridges crossing them are the real heart-stoppers, however. I soon realized that if I stopped at every beautiful/romantic/picturesque spot to “soak it up”, that I would never get anywhere!

The famous Rialto Bridge

On our second visit to the city we met up my parents! They had just spend a week split between Tuscany and Venice and it was incredibly surreal to have our first rendezvous organized for the Piazza San Margherita. Dad, however, surprised us by meeting us as we left the ship!

Mum and Dad at San Marco's

Mozart's house

 The main highlight of our time with them was taking a gondola ride. It cost us €80 for the 20 minute ride, but it was a very special experience. The ride took us past Mozart’s house, which was an unexpected highlight!

Gondoletta!!