The first site we visited was Claros. We were the only bus there that day and they had arranged a small theater group from a local university that performed a small play at the site of the ruins about the coming of Alexander. This site was especially cool because it was partly under water. They also had reerected the statues that once stood looking over the site.
Meanwhile, during the walk from the bus to the site I brushed an insect off Morgan’s arm. She wondered what I did and when I told her she flipped onto this ant kick upset that I didn’t let her keep the one that was on her arm. That whole time we ended up searching for ants, trying to pick them up, and take them with us. In addition to the ants we managed to distract her a bit looking for frogs, turtles, and dragonflies in the underwater ruins. We all had a very great time visiting Claros.
The next site we visited was Metropolis. The first stop along the way had very well preserved tile mosaics of the gods that were beautifully visible when water was poured on them. From there we walked to an amphitheater in which the chairs were carved with the wine leaves of Bacchus. Further up the hill was the remains of a bath house and school.
From there we boarded the bus again and traveled to a rug making center. There are government sponsored programs available to help the local girls learn the art and subsidize the shipping costs, insurance, etc on the purchase of the rugs. Depending on the size and knot density some of the rugs can take up to 2 years to complete. While we watched the girls work on their rugs we enjoyed a local snack that spiced lamb meat on a thin bread and baked, kind of like a Turkish pizza. They were delicious and Morgan devoured hers. We also had a chance to taste local drinks while they showed off some of the completed carpets. Morgan tried the cold apple tea, Scott a Turkish beer, and myself a coffee. All were again, delicious.
While we were waiting outside for the bus Morgan soon discovered the baby chicks that were wandering around through the gardens. She and some of the other kids were picking them up, holding them, and chasing them through the garden. It finally ended in tears when she realized she couldn't take one home.
Back in the port Scott took a walk through the bazaar where they were selling "genuine fake" everything and enjoyed a kebab. Morgan and I headed back to the boat for naps.
Looking for critters in the ruins.
Lots of hiking. Morgan liked to ride up the hills, but walked all by herself up the stairs.
Bacchus, god of wine.
The amphitheater.
Gotta love that look.
Playing while waiting for the rest of the group.
Olive trees
The ladies making carpets immediately invited Morgan up on their stools with them.
Chasing baby chicks in the garden at the carpet center.
