Kusadasi

Arrived in Kusadasi, Turkey at 7am. This is a resort town on the Aegean coast. Population is about 180,000 with many foreigners who have bought houses here since the government relaxed restrictions on purchasing. An overcast day with a few showers and temp around 20C. Majority of the tours from here go to the nearby ruins of Ephesus but I went on a tour the other direction, leaving at 8am. This was to the ancient sights of Priene, Miletus & Didyma. Our guide for this tour was Ahmet who spoke good English and was very knowledgeable. 17 of us on the bus so only a small group. About 1 hour drive through the countryside and passed many fields of cotton which is the main crop. Turkey is one of the only countries which is self sufficient in food. Passing through the town of Soke we came to the slopes of Mount Mycale overlooking the Maeander river. Half way up the mountain we left the bus and climbed up the old stones steps to the ruins of Priene. This is the remains of the ancient city built by the Ionian Greeks in the Hellenistic period before 350BC. It was dedicated to Athena and you can see the remains of the temple and council chamber. Later the Romans came here and built the stadium which is still there. The standing pillars are really impressive. Good views across the valley from up here. It had been raining so the stones were very slippery. A cautious walk back down took us to our bus again

Another 45 minute bus ride to our next destination of Miletus. This was an important trading city built by the Ionian Greeks initially around 3000BC and dedicated to Apollo. The remains of the temple and old city can still be seen. It was eventually destroyed and the Romans built the 15000 spectator stadium which is now the highlight of the city. Very well preserved stadium which we were allowed to explore and climb over. We were then taken a short distance to the museum with the various artifacts from the sight.

Another 30 minute bus ride through the valley took us to Didyma. Here we visited the ancient sanctuary and seat of an oracle of Apollo. The original construction dates back to 6th century BC but was plundered and destroyed in 494BC. It was reconsecrated in 331BC and dedicated to Apollo & Artemis, these are the remains we see today. Very impressive ruins with the standing towers and stones. We were allowed to explore and roam the site.

An hour later we taken to locally owned restaurant for a typical Greek lunch which included appetizers and a fish dish. Back to the bus for our return to Kusadasi an hour later.