It was a bleary eyed room-service breakfast at 6.30am this morning, for our day in Ephesus was to begin at 7.40.  Much as we’d have liked a later start, it was a Good Thing, because we watched four huge cruise ships appear as our bus left the parking lot and we were ahead of them all.  Not only that, but it was comparatively cool still.

We were a little cool about returning to Ephesus so soon after our last visit.  Not that we didn’t enjoy it, but there were other places we’d have preferred to spend our time – Miletes, Didyma, Priene.  Anyway, here we were with Hakim, excellent guide, determined to make the most of our day.

I didn’t want to take the same photos again, so looked for different aspects.  As is often the case, I was glad to find patterns in the stones.

Of course, the sight of the arch with no other person in view is too good an opportunity to miss.

And really, how could I pass Nike by without taking a photograph?

More patterns

Hakim was good at finding shady spots and we did well at keeping ahead of the game.

Even so, we didn’t want to miss anything.

It was starting to get rather warm.  Hot, even.

I’m admiring the wonderful lettering, finding it hard to imagine the age of these stones and wishing I could read ancient Greek.

Our tour then takes us to somewhere new to us – the Terrace Houses.  Described as the biggest jigsaw puzzle on earth, archaeologists are working to piece these stones together to get a better picture of what these houses were like.

It being Sunday, no-one was at work but it was fascinating to see a process underway.

I’d say that they’re doing pretty well so far, with these beautiful frescoes bright and detailed.

Looking over the site from a steel and glass walkway, there were fine mosaics and beautifully preserved wall decorations.  We had seen none of these on our previous visit and were thrilled to be able to visit this part today.

We were also lucky that it was Sunday, because the Marble Street was open for us to walk along – it has been closed on weekdays because of the work taking place using that crane.

Looking back at the library from the Marble Street, it’s easy to pretend we had the place to ourselves…

But that was far from the truth, of course.

The Marble Street leads to the Theatre, where St Paul spoke to the Ephesians.

I don’t suppose he encountered quite the number of shopping opportunities, though.  Genuine Fake watch anyone?

Back in Kusadasi, the shopping is a little less tacky but equally good natured.

Our ship was never far away!