Once the third largest city in Roman Asia Minor and its most prominent seaport, much of Ephesus may lie in ruin today but the structures that are intact — like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre — will leave you in awe.
With no body of water in sight and little more than a pile of rocks to inspire fantasy, it was hard to imagine it as the thriving seaport it once was. Which is why I think a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is a must.
Like any visitor to Ephesus, the Selçuk leg of our Turkey trip was all about ancient history. Centuries of it in fact — from classical Greece to the Roman empire to the advancement of early Christianity and the Byzantine and Turkish eras.
Meaning “Mother Mary’s House” in Turkish, Meryem Ana Evi is said to be the last house where the Virgin Mother lived before Her Assumption (Catholic) or Dormition (Orthodox).
What a gem this boutique hotel in the heart of Selçuk turned out to be. Just a stone’s throw away from Isa Bey Mosque and St. John’s Basilica, it has everything we look for in a hotel.
Despite its influx of visitors, Şirince retains its isolated feel. Yes, merchants and restaurants catering to tourists do line the streets, but they operate within once-occupied homes and spaces that don’t detract from the town’s rural charm.
Z Hostel is a great place to stay at in Manila. It’s clean, convenient, reasonably priced, and centrally located. The staff is courteous and well-trained, plus it’s got an awesome vibe.
If you like seafood and don’t mind the soppy, fishy, often stinky conditions of an authentic wet market, then a visit to a dampa in the Philippines is a must.
Without a doubt the premier tourist attraction in Manila, I came to Intramuros today expecting a fun day cruising around on bamboo bikes. Little did I know that I would also leave with a more profound appreciation of this historical place, and my city.
Seeing Spoliarium was incredible, but collectively, the works in this room blew me away. I’ve long admired these paintings in books so to finally see them up close, so close in fact that I could actually touch them, was something else.