February 16

This morning, after only 2 cups of coffee, we left the hotel at 8:30. We first went to Magnesia, but the site was pretty much completely under water. We looked for a bit at the Temple of Artemis and then hopped back on the bus after about 20 mins. This was an unimpressive first stop, but the next site was very interesting. This ancient city, Priene, was destroyed by a fire in the 2nd century BCE, and was never re-inhabited. Much of the city has been fairly well persevered and there are several places to look at, including houses, a theater, a council meeting area, an agora, the Temple of Athena, a sacred area for Egyptian gods, and a gymnasium. We spent an hour together, looking at the temple and the houses. Again, we pointed out the defining features of the temple, and then tried to understand the layout of the houses. When we inspected the farthest fortification wall, we ran into a herd of goats that was heading down the mountain. There was even a dog keeping them in line and urging them on.
We ate a picnic lunch at the council meeting area, the bouleuterion. After lunch, we could roam the site. I first went up the hill to the Temple of Demeter, which, though largely in ruins, has a great view of the plain below. Next, I trekked down to the gymnasium. I think walking around the sites on my own is my favorite part. It’s nice knowing the history of the site before walking around; we always read from different guide books and sources before going. I get flashbacks to my childhood. When we scramble up hills and try and find the best paths, I start to think of how much I loved climbing trees. I keep getting the urge to jump off and onto various rocks. It’s fun.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous today. No need for Krentz to regret his decision to swap the days.
When we got back to the hotel, I went out again to walk down that path I found yesterday. Then I headed back to do a bit more exercising.
Four of us went to dinner at a cute little restaurant, where the owner was very nice and accommodating. We split an assortment of dips to go with the bread, and I had a delicious salad. Turkey is so cheap. Not only are the meals less expensive, but the conversion to American dollars makes them even more of a deal. I spent 6 Lira for dinner, which ends up being about 4 dollars. Very nice.
After dinner, I read a bit by the fire downstairs. Tonight I am especially sleepy. I am not much longer for this world.