Cruise: Turkey and Greece, cont. # 17

                                                 Cruise: Turkey and Greece, cont. # 17

We had an opportunity to visit the Ephesus museum. The collections ranged from statues, coins, weapons and other items representing 2000 BC to the crusader and Ottoman times.

It's hard to imagine how the artists generated such fine work. It's a shame so many pieces have been destroyed and yet there is so much more to be discovered.

Some art pieces depict "Gods" while other pieces represent emperors, military generals, nobles or wealthy people.

              Jerry doesn't think he'd be able to beat this guy in an arm wrestling contest

          She doesn't look to happy. Her clothes need to be ironed. Too many wrinkles.                

                            Check out the physical/muscle detail of the bodies

It's interesting how the artist handled the eyes (above pieces) for both individuals

The top half of the torso represents multiple testicles or fertility

The bottom half represents "hunting"

It seems that most of the pieces represent a male rather than a female

 Excellent detail on this bronze bust 

                                This is one of the more interesting bronze pieces

The artist that sculpted the female (above) spent a significant amount of time to smooth out the marble.

                           Wealthy people/nobles were buried in a large sarcophagus

                             Another interesting art piece in the museum

Decoration for someone's home

Close up of decoration shows detail

                Wedding party celebrates with music, honking and driving through the streets

We went to another rug factory/store and learned in more detail how rugs are woven. 

 Watching women working on carpets.These natural colors and a double-knot technique differentiate other approaches to weaving a rug.

                    We also got quite an education in the making of silk thread.

                                        Cocoons are soaked in water

A whisk broom is used to stir the cocoons which allows the thread to by accessed. 

This "jumble" of threads is actually quite strong. It is as taut/strong as a violin string

                    Ultimately, the strands are wound on this device for future weaving.

                                                        Mykonos, Greece

This is our third time we visited the island. We couldn't get off the ship the first time - too windy. Once again, it was windy and the water was very choppy. But, with the tender getting tossed around a bit (as did the passengers), we were ultimately able to re-visit this beautiful island.

                         Many Greek (and Turkish) islands are known for their windmills

                           Many homes are decorated with different bougainvillea colors

                                            Tight squeeze: I think I can, I think I can...

                         Many of the white homes use blue trim to make everything "pop."

    Notice how crystal clear the water is, especially in the shallow areas where we are standing.

                                                            No fishing today! Too windy!

                                                Look at the water. Can you believe the color?

                                                                    Hold on to your hat!

                                                                    Picking up sea glass

                                                                        Local farmer

                        We had fun walking around and exploring the back streets and alleyways.