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We stopped in a small non-touristy village for market day. Burak gave us all an assignment - we were to find something (non food) to buy for 1 turkish lira to give to our buddy. (we had all chosen another person at the beginning of the tour to be our buddy - it was a simple check system to make sure we never left anyone behind). No one at the market spoke any English. I had fun trying to act out the words. I found some little tea spoons with etched handles. I held out my 1 lira. The shop owner gave me four spoons then smiled and gave me two more. So, I had 4 to give to my buddy Carol and 2 to keep as a souvenir of the experience. The gift from my buddy was two hair clips. Lots of people ended up with a pair of socks.
TurkeyThrills
#2
Shop the Village Market
EPHESUS
Our last hotel was in the seaside city of Kusadaşi. It was close to Ephesus and had amazing sea views from the hotel balcony. A few more hours to relax or walk along the seaside promenade before heading back home.
Journey's end
Our guide made sure we were one of the first groups to arrive at Ephesus. Later in the day the site gets jam-packed with tourists, but we were able to enjoy a peaceful morning with unobstructed views of the ruins including the amazing Library of Celsus.
Explore Ephesus
Travel
Photography
Tip
Along with my DSLR camera I also bring a tiny instant camera made by Poloroid. It uses 2x3 inch paper and prints a photo in about 30 seconds. (it also has a memory card so you can choose which photos to print).
I use the pictures as an ice breaker to talk to locals. One night I was eating alone at a restaurant in Istanbul. The family at the table next to me was celebrating a birthday. When the cake came out with sparklers I took a picture. I printed a photo and passed it to the family. The lady who was celebrating a birthday came over to thank me and give me a kiss on the cheek. I was surprised with a piece of birthday cake.