Child free in Turkey

Between visitors we had about 4 hours to ourselves to quickly clean up the house & freshen the sheets before heading to the airport for our new arrivals.  Carrie, Alicia and Kirsten have left their kids and husbands at home to enjoy the sights of Turkey. Their flight was on time but their baggage chose to layover in Istanbul for a few more days. The adventure begins- no baggage, no idea where or when it will arrive and 3 weary travelers in need of freshening up. Thankfully they had travelers insurance, meaning if the bags did not arrive in 24 hrs they received shopping spree money, and these gals are shoppers!

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The next day they are off to Bodrum all dressed in some of Rena's clothes for a few days of beach time, boat cruise, touring, dancing and yes shopping.


I chose to stayed home and let them have some girl time. 

They had a blast and came back to Izmir dressed in the latest Turkish fashions, a bit more tan and full of tales to tell of their Bodrum escapade.


 Now it is their turn to see Ephesus. We hired a car for the day and headed down to Selcuk.

Our first stop is the last home of the Virgin Mary.  Here is, Her last home and a wishing wall filled with prayers people have written on bits of paper and woven in the wall. Below is the line to draw water from the natural spring...the same water source Mary may have used.


Strolling through Ephesus, the dwelling houses and sitting in the main theater in the direct sun took its toll-  it was over 100º!  It was time to head to the cool hills of nearby Sirince for lunch...and of course some shopping.

 So long Izmir and look out Istanbul! Finally the bags arrive just in time to repack for the trip to Istanbul. We have found a fantastic pension just behind the Blue Mosque, close to everything but off the beaten track... and the view from the rooftop balcony was incredible!

  We hit all the historical and hot spots of Istanbul- Hagi Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topaki Palace, the Grand Bazzar,  the Spice Market,  Taksim Square, and even a little time to relax in the Hammam...all in a few days. A whirl wind of site, smells and shops and the evening are filled with great food, drinks and laughs until the early hours.

The verdict- they loved Turkey! We said our farewells and Rena and I stayed in Turkey awaiting the arrival of or next visitors. Thanks to the husbands and friends who supported the ladies while they came to Turkey. It was a wonderful visit and we thank them for taking the time to visit us.