While Nate was on his around-the-world trip in the fall of 2005, Jen met him in Turkey for a week-long visit. We stayed in Istanbul for several days, then traveled down the coast to Selçuk, where the ancient city of Ephesus is located. We saw the ruins there, learned to play backgammon, drank lots of apple tea, and went to the spice markets. We also got a hefty dose of Turkish culture, which is said to be a mix of western and middle-eastern influences.

The view from our hotel's rooftop terrace

The Aya Sofya is in the background

This mosque, built in 360 AD, used to be a Roman basilica

The picturesque structure was surrounded by beautiful gardens

Inside the famous Blue Mosque

A carved watermelon in the district of Taksim

Inside the Topkapi Palace

Nate likes to try different camera angles!

We found an American to take our picture (although most Turks did speak some English)

We took a cruise on the Golden Horn in a boat just like the one across the water

This is all part of Istanbul

Nate made a new friend

These kabob shops were plentiful, and made delicious sandwiches

At the spice market, we saw lots of colorful Turkish Delight candy

After spending the night on a bus to Selçuk, Nate was perked up by the instant coffee

Ruins of the centuries-old aqua duct that once brought water to the city

The outdoor market carried all sorts of food items...

...and plastic household goods!

Backgammon is a very popular game in Turkey, and we learned to play on the terrace of our hotel

One afternoon we ran into this gregarious group of boys playing soccer

They invited Nate to play with them

The boys were so friendly and cute

Afterwards they wanted a photo with the photographer

Nate bought them soda as a treat after the game

The view of Selçuk from our rooftop terrace

We explored the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus

Some of the buildings were reconstructed but still contained much of their original detailing

This large facade was the library

This brilliant sign warns visitors not to fall

Jen with the amphitheater in the background

We opted not to pay to feel this particular magic!

This house had beautiful flowers growing on it