Norm Luiken Family

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Day 4 Laodicea and Pamukkale

A long three-hour ride (in a soft top Jeep at 70-80 MPH) to Laodicea (Laodikeia) makes one appreciate anything, and the ruins are again fascinating, quite unique to this city on a hill. Overlooking an expansive valley below, one of the two ruined outdoor theaters overlooks this vast now irrigated lowland. Again we are attracted to all the city highlights, amphitheaters, temples, dwelling places, roads and fortresses, (cranes used in restoration) with no mention of the church to which the Apostle John wrote. (Note the pictures on the blog since I have picked out a doorway I am naming “The Church at Laodicea”.)
Following our visit to Laodicea we drove another 12 KM to Pamukkale to observe and walk on the mineral water deposits (mountain side) that produces “Travertine” in Turkey. Glassy pools of mineral water, cascading streams down the hillside covered with pure white, produced sun-glowing spectacle. We had to remove our shoes and go barefoot in our accent up this Turkish tourist/historical site. You’ve seen nothing like it unless you have been there. I’m a real tenderfoot so putting my shoes back on was pure delight. Can’t help but wonder if the “eye salve” referred to in Rev. 3:18b maybe came from these mineral deposits. Again many bus tours, and many nationalities ever seeking the wonders of Turkey. This was our longest venture away from Izmir and we are glad to be back in our daughter’s apartment.

Norm's "Door into the church"

Reconstructed Pillar/Gate

Norm and Trish on the street of Laodicea

Amphitheater in Laodicea

Entrance to the "Temple"

Pillars

Temple Entrance

Reconstructed Street of Laodicea

Sign into Pamukkale

Pamukkle Mineral Flats

Trish

Pamukkale from Laodicea

Climbing up Pamukkale

Pamukkale Pools

Sunset over the bay from Trish's Condo - ending to a perfect day!

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Third Day - John's Basilica and Ephesus

Weather and time caused us to change plans today as we headed east and south, it was Ancient Efas (Ephesus) that became our aim. Having seen so many pictures ahead of time made me wonder if the actual visit would be a disappointment. WOW!!! Our daughter Trish, having been there several times before acted as our guide, but let us wander and explore on our own some. Our first stop was the Castle and Monument of St. John, reportedly this Basilica was built over St. John’s grave (the one Jesus loved) in the reign of Justinian (wife-Theodora) in 527-565 CE*. The intact castle on the crown of the hill behind the Basilica predated St. John’s church and he supposedly wrote his book and prayed there as a old man. (Won’t it be fun to know the truth in the future – Maybe that won’t be important then) These structures are still phenomenal, beautiful and precisely made with decorative stone carvings baffling to the imagination - how they were made and constructed? So much yet to be uncovered and discovered. Time, earthquakes, wars, plundering and powerful reigning monarchs have much to do with these once magnificent ruins.

John's Baptistry

Columns in restored John's Basilica

Castle

On the road to Ephesus

The Roman Road

Fountain Traian

Ancient Library of Celsus in Ephesus

Norm & Jan in front of the Amphitheater

N & J in the public bathroom

The Roman Road

Street to the Library

Norm and Jan with Library in the background

Drive home along the Aegean Sea

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Izmir, Turkey Day 2

Just a few picture to go along with Norm's narrative of Day 2 in Izmir Turkey Out into the evening with daughter Trisha leading the way down to the subway at least 40 feet below the street level. Very new, clean and electronically controlled with self-absorbed travelers avoiding eye contact. Glances at this gray haired lady and her tag along, we emerged in a large shopping mall, and flea market area. Merchants using a few English words to draw you in “hello”, “bless you”, and “friend” causes a momentary pause when they display their variety of wares. An open air potato bar in an alley mart area allowed us respite from the bartering hounds. A stop at a candy shop, a picture of the Izmir Clock Tower (their city symbol), back on the subway, up 108 stairs (again), a ride in the 4 person elevator to the 5th floor apartment/condo, balcony pictures of the city lights, some Turkish ice cream completed another day. Travel tomorrow to Laodicea --- “So because you are lukewarm…I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:16) Then Rev. 3:20 “Behold I stand….”

Izmir Clock Tower - evening

City Hall

N & J Clock Tower

Mosque - when the minaret calls men start running to the Mosque for prayer

Night Scape from Trish's Balcony

N & J waiting for baked potato

Baked Potato with all the fixings

Note the tables/benches for evening tea

One of the many streets of the flea market

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Izmir Turkey First Day

Jan and I walked today through the city and along the water front (maybe 3+ miles) past a large fenced in elementary school, hundreds of shops and 382 steps back to our daughters lovely apartment. (we also did the 382 steps down to the water front!) A nap was in order upon our return, but otherwise we have adapted well to the 7 hour time difference after arriving Tuesday evening about 8L00 P.M. (local time). We are living high on a hill overlooking the city, the Aegean Sea bay a mile away, and down on the roof tops of many, may apartment/condo buildings.