[The four "Catching Up" posts were composed during our four days "at sea" -- and far away from any Internet connection. They were added to the blog on Monday, May 19, 2014, after our arrival at our hotel in Kusadasi, near Ephesus.]
Antalya proved one of those world cities we both would love to return to visit, taking more time to explore and appriciate. Two nights just are not enough. But leave we had to, fortunately on to an even better destination.
Another long day in the bus, but one that took us along an incredibly beautiful coastal route between Antalya and the port where we boarded our gulet for our forthcoming four night Turquoise Coast cruise.
Along the way we stopped off in Myra to see an outdoor theater and an adjacent ancient set of stone tombs set into a rocky mountainside.
Further along we visit the ruins of the cathedral associated with Saint Nicholas. Evidently this church (in which the saint was initially interred) is a popular pilgrimage spot for Russian Orthodox Christians, a number of whom we observed placing the palm of a hand reverently on the stone tomb originally holding his remains. There are lovely wall and ceiling frescos and stone floor mosaics visible throughout the building as well:
Our arrival at the port lightened everyone's mood as we settled into our small cabins, gathered on deck for dinner and watched the full moon appear over the peak of a harbor-side mountain. Ahead lie several lazy days broken up by shore excursions and hikes - if the weather holds, that is. Storms are in the forecast, but one never knows around here. Wish us luck and better than expected weather.
Antalya proved one of those world cities we both would love to return to visit, taking more time to explore and appriciate. Two nights just are not enough. But leave we had to, fortunately on to an even better destination.
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