27, 28, 29 September—Santorini, Greece, Bodrum and Kuşadasi, Türkiye

eylarson

Sep 30

3 min read

Dolly and I have both caught colds and a cough and after the hard day at found it difficult to stay awake and make the updates. Feeling better today on our way to an overnight stay in Istanbul.

27September—Santorini, Greece. We booked an independent tour that included a bus tour of the island, a wine tasting and a walk through the often-pictured village of Oia with its whitewashed walls and blue domes. The day started rainy but cleared. We lost a member of the group at the beginning and spent time looking for her but never met up with her. The wine was OK, the village crowded as usual. It was my second time here and Do9lly’s first. Don’t think we need to come back. Once is enough.

28 September—Bodrum Türkiye is a smaller city with a broad sidewalk surrounding the bay. There were people on the beach sunbathing and even some getting in the water on a windy 68F degree day. Dolly stayed aboard and I walked to the AI recommended sites, the castle and a mausoleum that AI didn’t know was closed on Monday. The marina by the castle had some beautiful sailboats manned by uniformed crew. Fun to people watch. By now the souvenir stands are beginning to look the same. Refrigerator magnets are the big thing and knock-off CK, Polo and Lacoste shirts. I got a T-shirt to commemorate the visit.

29 September—Kuşadasi, Türkiye is the port for a trip to Ephesus on of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. We booked an independent tour that included just one other couple, our guide, Adam and a driver. We arrived at Ephesus just as the site opened and managed to stay ahead of the crowds most pf the way. After we went to the almost mandatory carpet weaving school for a demonstration and a semi-hard sell to buy a carpet. Lunch was served after, a variety of mezze dishes. Most interesting and new to us was a carrot yogurt dish. Next was a stop at a leather fashion show and once again another push to buy. Have to admit I was tempted. The styles and variety were remarkable, but I restrained myself. The final stop was a wine tasting. Adam led us through about six different red, white and dessert wines. While none seemed remarkable to us, it was nice to sit in this little shop, sip and talk. A couple from Liverpool wandered in and benefited from Adam’s knowledge as he served them samples too. Never did see the owner of the shop.