Art and Photography Blog

Photos of Ancient Ephesus

Before we went to Ephesus we went to house where St. John and the Virgin Mary lived when St. John came to preach here. There was a wishing wall and of course I had to put a wish on. You can see the wall and the close up is of my wish. Thses are the first three small pictures below after the large one from Ephesus. You can click on any picture to enlarge it. 

Ephesus was amazing. It was a large Greek and then Roman city that had 250,000 people at one time. Only about 20 % has been excavated but that includes the city core. It was buried by an earthquake that that is why is was preserved. These are just a few of the many photos. These is one of a badgamon game that the Romans played like the current one in the seventh picture. Much was recontructed. Th eorginla parts are in marble and the reconstructed parts in concrete or stones. The marble streets are mostly intact. It had many the features of our cities today with healthcare, a public WC, a library, and a "love" house. In one photo you can see the symbol fo rmedicine today withthe snake to symbolize the the healthcare facility. 

We also went to house of Virgin Mary and John, as Ephesus museum and site of a large temple. Nizamettin Adsiz was our guide and did a great job (www.apasatravel.com). I usually do not do guided tours but this was mush more convient, included a good lunch, all admissions, and much transporation. 

      

                                  

                                                   

 

Photos of Kusdasi Turkey

I went here from Samos (so including it with Greek pictures) to see Ephesus but also to get a taste of Turkey.  It was an upscale resort that catered to the tour boats who come to see Ephesus and there are also water parks for families and other side attractions like in Orlando.  I got culture shock when I the s first things I saw were a Starbucks and Diesel outlet.  But then I found the less upscale tourist side and had fun the two nights I was there. I stayed at the Limon Hotel and recommend it as they were very friendly and made good suggestions for food and music. I went to a seafood place right over the water and watched the sunset while having a whole snapper (you paid by the weight) and two sides: an eggplant tomato dish and some garlic shrimp. After watching the street celebration of local football victory I heard music at the Orient Bar, a quiet pub.

The next two mornings I had a great breakfast from the rooftop of the hotel with view of the harbor. There was fresh fruit and omelets. After Ephesus (see separate post) I walked out to the old fort in the harbor and watched the sunset.

I went to dinner at the Avlu that the hotel guy recommended and a fine lamb kabob. After dinner I found much better music club than the night before great one. It was a type of traditional Turkish music that was very danceable and there were a lot of young people, no tourists. I was a place for locals. I watched and figured out you could do a fast sort of rock dancing to it. I want to find some of the music on the Web. It is called Turku music. There were two guys playing electric version of Turkish guitars and singing and then a guy with a big bass drum on was on the dance floor and everyone danced around him. Unfortunately I have no pictures. 

         

                                 

Photos of Posidhonia, Samos Island Greece

On the eastern end of Samos Island is a small fishing village, Posidhonia, where you can easily see Turkey less than a mile away. I had a nice lunch there of small fried fish, fried potatoes, and a carrot and cabbage salad. Thye seem to have salad with every meal so I feel I am eating healthy. Many cats eyed my mealas yu can see below. After I was done the cafe owner feed them the scraps - see last picture - no wonder the cats stayed around. 

                                             

Photos from Aghina Monastery and Mourtia, Samos Island, Greece

I went to the Aghina Pavlos Monastery on Samos Island as I heard there were good views and wa snot disappointed. While up ther I spoted to small harbor of Mourtia and drive down. It was full of boats but noe people and very peaceful I spent a good bit of time there hanging out. 

                                        

 

Painting of North Coast of Samos Island Greece

Here is a 16" x 20" acrylic paining of a beach on the north coast of Samos Island, Greece. 

Painting from the West Coast of Samos Island Greece.

Here is a 16' x 20" arcylic of the coast of the west side of Samos Island in Greece. 

Painting of Eggplants from Samos Island Greece

Here is a 16" x 20" arcylic painting of eggplants from Samos Island Greece. 

Painting of Tomatoes, Samos Island Greece

Herre is a 16" x 20" acryclic painting of freah home grown tomatoes from Samos Island Greece. 

Painting of Greek Lemons from Samos Island

Here is a 16" x 20" acryclic painting of lemons I was given by a local friend in Samos Island. 

Painting of Fried Potatoes, Samos Island Greece

Here is a 16# x 20# acrylic painting of froed potatoes from Samos Island Greece. They have the best potatoes I have ever eaten so I had to paint them. The Greeks say it is the potatoes because of the soil and they do a small production. So I bought some at the market and they were indeed the best fried potatoes I ever made. These are from a restaurant as a side dish for chicken with honey carrot sauce.