We sail into the sheltered harbor surrounded by an emerald green sea, rolling hills, and another sense of timelessness. The extensive and well-preserved ruins of Ephesus once rivaled the opulence and beauty of Rome. After an impressive tour, we venture back into Kusadasi for lunch. There are many charming seaside cafes. Our choice made, we are greeted by the proprietor as if we are guests in his home.
As we sit at our seaside table, literally in the shadow of our ship, we recognize another breathless travel moment. Our host brings us a dazzling array of salads from the sea, Turkish style. We sample octopus salad, lobster salad, squid, cheese-stuffed phyllo pastries, and other dishes we
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As we sit at our seaside table, literally in the shadow of our ship, we recognize another breathless travel moment. Our host brings us a dazzling array of salads from the sea, Turkish style. We sample octopus salad, lobster salad, squid, cheese-stuffed phyllo pastries, and other dishes we can’t identify, but find appetizing and delightful. Next, our host brings a large sea bass, flapping and breathing, to show us the freshness. We watch as it is grilled and served atop roasted eggplant and peppers. Topped off by a bottle of Dulca, the local Turkish wine, this is a meal to remember. (You have probably guessed by now our sense of taste is well-developed and food is an integral part of our travel experiences.)
Sated and mellow, we stroll around the marketplace. The markets here are more rustic than the Grand Bazaar, but equally filled with bargains. We buy saffron for everyone in our home cooking club for a mere .00 per bag.
There are large Eye of God blue stones set into the cobblestones of Kusadasi’s streets. We learn that they are symbolic of protection. We buy a dozen for gifts. A beautiful Eye of God hangs in my office window. It takes me back to Kusadasi in my daydreams as I pretend to work at my desk. We sail away at sunset as the hills are washed in the last golden hues of day.
Night falls. At bedtime, we leave our curtains open to the beauty of the night sky and the gentle, lulling sounds of wind and waves as our ship slides through the calm waters.
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