Ephesus to Gocek Turkey

For the first time in a very long time, we make a mistake choosing a cheap place to stay for the night.  With promises of special discount to a place under renovation, we go.. However, it was more than under renovation. This place has been and will be forever under construction. A total scam.

I didn’t want to stay, but our bikes were inside the gate before we saw the conditions… big mistake.  Guilt and obligations to the family that lives there who are lovely people.  But the guy with the promises?  I wanted to shoot.  I’ve been in some rough places along the way, but this is the worst night I’ve had so far.  The room was full of smell of paint, which made me sick. And the dust from sanding not cleaned up from the floor.  Then I ended up having one of the worst dreams ever, (probably from inhaling the paint fumes) woke up in such a scare and just wanted to go..  Couldn’t get back to sleep in worry and also couldn’t wait for sunrise to wake Poly in another room so we can get out of here.

THEN, in my haste to get out using the ridiculous ramp the guy made, I fell.. big time.

Bike landed on my leg at full force, and it hurts like heck…  let’s just get outta here!!!

I'm really ticked off and embarrassed at the same time. Mama gets me a chair and truly concerned.. giving me kisses on both cheeks.. but where’s her dag gone son… ugh!!! (I had more words for him, I just deleted them.. ;-)

Today Polytimi and I make our way north to Ephesus.  A good part of our route was recommended to me by a wonderful man, Robert at BikeTurkey.com

He suggested we ride north to this most amazing historic place before riding south to spend more time exploring Turkey.  Turkey is a huge country, and I’ve only allowed myself 10 days to explore..

Ephesus is a massive site, an entire city that can be wandered all day if you want.

Neither of us felt up to the 3 km walk around Ephesus.. which is a shame.  But from what I can see from here it is soooo impressive.  And so are the hundreds of tour buses showing up at the starting gates. So my plan to be the first on in at Delphos, was not the case here!  To see it off season with so many visitors first thing in the morning, I can only imagine the mayhem to come here during summer.. so plan accordingly if it's on your list!

In a very quick nutshell, Ephesus was originally an ancient Greek city, which later became a major Roman city..with a population of over 250,000 in first century BC.

It also plays a major role in Christian history, being the place that the Apostle Paul wrote the Gospel of John and is also claims to be the last place that Mother Mary lived.. Whew, big history!!

Moving on down the road, at some point, I couldn’t take the pain in my leg.. as I realize the swelling inside my big boots is becoming quite a problem.. So at a fuel stop, it’s time to pull out the medical kit for the first time ever.  Which isn’t bad for the length of my journey to date not needing the kit yet!

But fuel stops here are a treat as well.. Not only do they fill the tank, but offer you a cup of tea (chaj)!  Granted it is the most expensive country in the world to buy fuel in, but being there is nothing I can do about that at the moment, let’s enjoy the tea.

Isn't this great!!!!!While I’ve got the camera out, a photo of a young boy who works at the fuel station.. I just thought he was good looking..

Now some views from the road..

I don’t know the story here, but I saw this a couple times..  all these buildings are empty!  Modern Ephesus?  Looks like I returned to earth after the big war!

They do make good use of donkeys in this country... life still has a balance here of modern and old culture.

For the modern, plenty plenty plenty of road construction!

So much that every time we stopped for a big bulldozer, we started laughing!  How could there be that many roads all under construction at the same time?

This is not just on one road, these photos are various from the ride all day!

Now I understand that the super high price of fuel is being used to upgrade all the roads.  I can honestly say, that Turkey truly does have really nice roads.  And also good to see that a government or fuel contractors are not just pocketing the extra money.

Another fuel stop, with Poly in the lead.. she pulls in and I am like “what?”  and she keeps pulling in.  Realizing that she is not realizing, I am laughing so hard in my helmet.  She stops the bike, turns it off and starts to get off.. and when I pull up next to her with my laugh, she notices what the funny is..

As we head south, we get more mountains a little different weather, but really pretty.

After the rotten accommodation last night, tonight we opt for something better.. With a seriously throbbing hurting leg to help us justify, and prices still low before season starts, he find a good spot in Gocek.  Proper parking, no shonkey dodgey ramps tonight. Yay!

Poly's bike is really great, she has all the newest and best gear!!   Mine is looking really awful in comparison..  (jealous!)

And out for a nice rewarding dinner!

 

And a very cute flirty waiter! ;-)

Gocek Turkey is a beautiful part of the world, I am so glad Robert recommended my stop here.

Next morning, a little walk around before Poly moves on from her Sherri Jo tour..  She only had a week off of work and must start making her way back North to Athens already.

As for me, I continue my journey South.  Was really fun riding with Polytimi.. we had a great time! She now gets to experience for the first time as a SOLO rider on the trip home.. welcome to my world! ha!

Safe travels my friend! ;-)