Turkey Talk: Ephesus

After a day in Istanbul, our ship traveled back through the Aegean Sea and into the port of Izmir, which you may know by the name of Smyrna. Izmir is a more recent development, geologically, and a port city, as erosion led to the receding of the harbor of Ephesus. Now, an hour inland from the port.

Our tour took us into Ephesus, driving through what used to be submerged in water, but now is an almost Californian landscape. Brown rolling hills, dry and smattered with trees.

Once we arrived in Ancient Ephesus, we were greeted with a large area of excavated ruins.
Our tour guide took us along the main thoroughfare where Cleopatra and Mark Antony once paraded through town on their chariot.

Ephesus was my second ancient city, last year we toured Ancient Corinth.
There is something about seeing with your own eyes, and walking with your own feet, in towns you have only read about in the Word of God.

One of Ephesus' theaters, the Odeon, or small theater.

Among the ruins and rubble were so many marble pieces, and columns. Two that stood out to me because of their familiar carved symbols.

First, Nike, the winged goddess of victory.

The second was probably once a part of the hospital, the snake and staff medical symbol.
What I loved about Ephesus was that you could see how life played out thousands of years ago.
It seemed to come alive before my eyes. 

 And by far, my favorite part of ancient Ephesus was the library.
I mean look at this thing. Only the facade remains standing, but how incredible is it?
It might have been the fact also that it made the biggest shadow and was the only relief from the sun on this blazing hot day in Turkey.

You can see the fillers in the columns where they helped make them complete, but all in all, this structure is pretty intact.

I could absolutely imagine this place back in its golden day.

And finally, as we walked away from the ruins, and back to our buses we passed this shady path, the commercial agora.
I know the picture is blurry, and sadly its the only one I have, as this is likely where the Riots of Acts 19 occurred, due to the loss of business from silver idols the Ephesians were buying and selling, which Paul had reprimanded.
(Here is an awesome site with a lot of historical and biblical references for Ancient Ephesus)



As we drove out, we passed the Great Theater.
It was huge. Imagine the days long since past, and this theater full of Ephesians, the crowds and excitement bustling through the ancient city.

All of these sites combined are only 15% of what has been excavated to date. And the excavations continue.

Compared to what I had seen in Ancient Corinth the previous year, which was awesome, but not even close to what I saw here, this was unbelievable.

I may never return to Turkey, but if I do, I would love to see more of what has been uncovered.

The Insta's that Didn't Gram

Sometimes I post pics on the 'gram, change my mind, and then delete them real fast.
{I have issues.}

Sometimes I edit them, and get ready to post, and for whatever reason, change my mind.

Sometimes I have two or three that I want to post, but hold back from over posting.

A lot of times they are pictures of Mylie.
I mean, I already post a zillion. Imagine if I didn't restrain myself.

Downtown got Yarnbombed.
It's pretty awesome. And intentional.
A little promo for the city, and beautifying while they are at it.
A week ago, I was meeting some friends for dinner and saw a mailbox with monster feet.
A few days later I saw this article. Pretty awesome.

The San Francisco fog has a mind of it's own.
And a twitter of it's own.
It creeps like none other.
Here it is, literally rolling in over my head as I headed out for a run.
By the time I got back it was gray and dreary all around.

I mean, cutest. Right?

I like her.
In case you couldn't tell.

I heart The City.
I am pretty sure there is magic in every particle of the air.

Anyway, just a glimpse into a few recent things that didn't really make it on their own.

Side note, this is the post that almost didn't post.
Sometimes blogger kills me.

The Mamacita Weekendlies

Another beautiful weekend in the bay.
Foggy mornings, bright blue days, warm spring evenings.

After a lovely friday night dinner under these lights...

I woke up early to meet Cari and Jordan in the city for Brunch.

As I was driving around looking for parking I noticed a place with a line around the block.
Turns out, it was the place we were headed, Mama's.

We waited an hour and a half to get in.
And you know what, it was totally worth it.
Not just because the french toast was AWESOME, but because if you're going to wait an hour and a half in line, it may as well be with a friend you don't get to see that often.

I dropped Cari and Jordan at their hotel, and since I was right there, hopped over to the ferry building to pick up a few mother's day goodies. Fresh flowers from the Farmer's market, and a slice of cake for my mom from Miette Bakery. I may have gotten myself a strawberry and chocolate cupcake as well.

Headed home and spent a little time whipping up these for the moms in my life.
Headed to my grandma's to drop hers off, only to learn that she had left that morning for an Alaskan cruise.
Welp, I guess it truly will have to be the thought that counts on that one.

Spent an afternoon relaxing, watching the Giants win, and then picked up these two for our once a month outing.
McDonald's, every time.
Their request.
I was not comfortable allowing a cat to come along, but I guess I didn't really have a choice.
Also, we LOVE vanilla cones.

Mylie seems to have an affinity for cats these days.

It's making me very nervous. 

Also, after McDonald's we always hit up the dollar tree.
I may have not so subtly suggested these ribbon dancers.
Kept them busy, got the wiggles out,
and it was pure magic as the sun went down.

Sunday, I concluded the weekend celebrating my Mom.
She is crazy and quirky and will often surprise you with her humor.
We took her to Panera Bread - which she kept referring to as "Paner-o"
(Tomato, Tomahto, right?)

And then back into SF to the Asian Art Museum.

Where we saw the Terracotta Warriors exhibit.
Which, despite everyone and their mother being there (literally),
was really awesome.

We explored the rest of the museum a bit, before heading home.
Where I put new pillows on my bed, and took a magical nap.
Nothing better than new pillows and a Sunday nap.

Happy Monday, friends.
Here's to another fantastic weekend!