Stage 55: From Izmir to Selcuk

I visited Selcuk for the first time by train. Roman (nichtgeschwindigkeit.com) was already waiting at the train station with his travel bike. We had discovered each other a few days ago on komoot, where you can see if registered users are nearby. We decided to visit the ancient Ephesus together. Since my bike was still in Izmir, I took a taxi to the meeting point in front of the entrance (unfortunately, there are two entrances...). On the site, it was difficult to concentrate on the information panels and ruins because we had so much to talk about. While exchanging ideas about route planning, equipment, motivation, documentation, etc., one could easily forget the importance of the place we were at.

The oldest findings in the region are about 7000 years old. During the time of the Hittites and Mycenaeans (2nd millennium BC), the city was already an influential trading center with its own port. Greeks and Romans also left their traces here. The Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but it was destroyed in the 4th century BC. Today, only a few columns can be seen (slightly outside the excavation site).

At the exit of the excavation site, we accidentally came across another travel bike, and Roman left a note for the owner. After a thorough visit, our paths unfortunately separated again. While Roman rode a few kilometers south and wants to stay on the coast for a while, I will be heading inland in the next few days. But maybe we can do a stage together soon!

In the afternoon, there was still enough time to visit the Basilica of St. John, the Citadel of Selcuk, and the archaeological museum. The Apostle John is said to have lived with the Virgin Mary in Ephesus for a time. From the Turkish citadel, you have a wonderful view in all directions and of Ephesus. A visit to the small archaeological museum was also worthwhile.

In the evening, I was approached on my way to the city center. It was Gerald, the cycle traveler who had left a message for Roman. My bicycle and at the same time shoulder bag had given me away. Over a cup of tea and later dinner, I was able to exchange stories with Gerald, although he was traveling in the opposite direction. But exchanging numbers never hurts, you never know! Later in the evening, I took the train back to Izmir.

Two days later, I covered the same route again, this time with my bike and luggage. Despite rain being forecasted, I made it through just fine, and despite the extended breakfast with Sila and Teoman, I arrived well before dark. I didn't need to do any sightseeing this time, so I went straight to the hotel to warm up and plan the following day.