Honeymoon in Turkey - Ephesus, Troy, Canakkale

We had a few family and friends that were concerned about our trip to Turkey considering that Syria was located in the south, but during our entire trip not once did I feel unsafe.  I was expecting to see lots of military trucks or personnel on the highways or patrolling the roads, but the only time I saw any signs of the military was when we drove by the NATO headquarters in Ankara or by any major financial / government institution or national monument. 

I'll admit, I had my reservations about traveling to Turkey, but I'm so glad I did.  Now I know why it's a favorite of one of our most well-traveled friends, and I can say it's mine too.  If anything, visiting Turkey only made me want to be more adventurous in our choice of travel destinations.  Hopefully one day we can add Egypt, Morocco, and Jordan to the list.  

Library of Celsus in Ephesus, built in 117 A.D.

Home of where the Virgin Mary supposedly spent her last days, also in Ephesus

Wall near the Virgin Mary's cottage where people can write their hopes and prayers

Theatre near Troy

Replica of the Trojan horse in Troy

Town of Canakkale

At the Canakkale port, waiting to board the ferry to get to Gallipoli

Pamukkale and Kusadasi, Turkey

I would have to say that visiting the Cotton Fortress in Pamukkale and lounging by the Aegean Sea in Kasadasi was the highlight of my trip.

En route to Pamukkale, we visited the mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana.  Sorry, not pictures were allowed inside, but it's definitely a sight to visit.  

Beautiful sunset near our Pam Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale.

I know...totally confusing.  Um, do you swim or ski?  That's not snow btw, it's calcium deposits from the mineral waters.

More of the Cotton Fortress.  I've never seen anything like it.  And the views from the pools are spectacular with the mountains in the distance.  

I was speechless when I got to this hotel in Kusadasi.  They literally have a cart full of refreshing fruity drinks and hand it to you the minute you arrive at the hotel.  I highly recommend the Charisma Hotel- just blew me away.    

The infinity pool from the Charisma Hotel.  That's Greece in the background.

The infinity pool at the Charisma Hotel located by the Aegean Sea.  Full moon out that night.  Peaceful, quiet, perfect.  

Sunset from the balcony of our room at the Charisma Hotel.  That's one of many cruise ships in the distance, 

no doubt heading for Greece.