Izmir

We arrived in Izmir Tuesday morning and spent the day exploring and getting a feel for the city. We met with 3 more families here. I thought my tank of knowledge was full, then we met with a family who gave us a completely different (and very valuable) perspective. We had many divine appointments in our 2 weeks and are thankful for each one.

Izmir's iconic clock tower

We were there May 19, their Independence Day. Lots of flags around the city.

A shop owner hanging up a flag.
This is at an internet cafe we used while there.

Walking along Izmir's Agean Sea coast.

Shopping at the bazaar.

Marbles

Lunch: the top is a rolled pastry with meat, the other is croissant-like with spinach.

Soccer is Turkey's main sport. This is a soccer arena in a neighborhood park.

A playground next to it.

Dining with some friends on their patio/balcony.

The ferries were my favorite mode of transportation.

Can you see the hillside covered with buildings?

A school

IKEA! See the blue sign? Turkey has 3 of them. They also had Starbucks, McD's, Pizza Hut, and others. One of my preferred fast food restaurants there was a baked potato bar where they perform Cold Stone choppery to mix in the toppings.

We took a day trip to Ephesus, about an hour south of Izmir by minibus. It was so neat to be where Biblical folks once were. Paul's got the audio tour going on.

This is the Grand Theater. It seats 25,000 people.
See Acts 19 for events that happened here.

Inside

A view from higher up.

Paul is walking toward what was once the Church of St. Mary.

The baptistry

Curetes Street leading to the library and grave of Celsus.

The aforementioned library. It looks just like the picture on my souvenir book!

Why does it say not to enter?

Ooo, a secret passageway... We didn't explore, but I wanted to.

Our minibus transportation to and from Izmir/Ephesus.

At one of the 5 airports we traveled through to get home. He's working on his sermon.

We were 'involuntary upgraded' for our longest flight- yahoo!

So long, Turkey.