"Selcuk, a gateway to history" Selcuk by Snipernurse

My introduction to Turkey was Selcuk. Rather, my introduction to Turkey was the train ride from the Izmir airport to Selcuk, during which I was cozied up in a train car with 5 Turkish men who entertained me with their heated conversations. They were even kind enough to try to include myself in their discussions. This friendliness extended into my visit in Selcuk, where I was more than pleased with my accommodation, the food, the siteseeing, and the cultural experience. I learned about apple cider tea, I learned about how to identify quality Anatolian carpets and offered rides to attractions by carpet salesmans (in return for the latest and greatest pick up lines that American girls like to hear). I was introduced to some great food, muslim prayer time calls and fellow tourists. I must say, my travels in Turkey started off with some great success

Ephesus

The Roman city of Ephesus is an impressive site. I gained new found respect for these civilizations. It was amazing to walk the streets of a city that housed one of the first christian communities, and a place were John, Mary the mother of Jesus and Paul (among others) once walked. I feel that after touring this city and learning about this site I have new creativity and understanding when I read the letters of Paul and other New Testament books. Luck enough I landed in Ephesus on August 15th, the day that Catholics celebrate the death of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Touring the house, which is claimed to have been the place she lived until her death, was another great experience and some serious bragging rights. And if this isn't enough, don't forget that one of the seven wonders of ancient world is right by Selcuk, the Temple of Artemis, and the Basilica of St. John, which was once an incredibly impressive building for it's time in it's own right. Overall the amount of sites one can see in this area is rewarding and exciting. Study up on the book of Ephesians for additional value, and investigate other mentions in the Bible of Paul in this area and reflect.