Last day in Ephesus: moments of quiet before departure
The morning light caught me sitting on the stone steps of the Library of Celsus, watching the shadows retreat across the ancient plaza. I arrived at 7:50 this morning, ten minutes before opening, and was rewarded with that magical period where only a handful of other early visitors shared the vast expanse of Ephesus.
I wanted one more quiet morning here before my departure. Tomorrow marks my 183rd day on this journey, and as I sat on those cool marble steps, I couldn't help calculating: 182 days behind me, 318 days ahead. The mathematical balance feels significant somehow.
The recent archaeological discoveries here keep playing in my mind. Just two months ago, they unearthed a Roman marble bathtub and part of a male statue's torso from the first century. I overheard two archaeologists discussing it yesterday - how these small domestic items reveal more about daily life than the grand monuments sometimes do. It made me wonder what objects from my own apartment would tell future civilizations about me.
!Morning light on ancient columns Early morning shadows stretching across the ancient plaza
After my contemplative morning at the ruins, I spent the afternoon doing what travelers inevitably do before moving on - practical things. Laundry at the small place near my hotel. Repacking my backpack for what must be the hundredth time on this journey. Downloading maps for my next destination.
I took a break to sit at a café in Selçuk, watching the afternoon bustle while enjoying a strong Turkish coffee. The temperature reached a pleasant 14°C today, warm enough to sit outside comfortably. The café owner recognized me from previous visits and asked if I'd seen everything I wanted to in Ephesus.
"Almost," I replied, thinking about the House of the Virgin Mary that I still hadn't visited. I briefly considered rushing there this afternoon but decided against it. Some places deserve more than a hurried visit, and perhaps it's good to leave something for a future return.
The bus leaves early tomorrow, and a familiar mix of emotions is settling in - that bittersweet feeling of leaving a place I've connected with, coupled with curiosity about what lies ahead. I'm not quite ready to reveal my next destination, even to myself. I have a ticket, but part of me still feels I could change my mind at the last minute.
As I walked back to my hotel this evening, I stopped to admire a centuries-old plane tree near the entrance to the archaeological site. Its massive trunk and sprawling canopy have witnessed countless travelers come and go. I placed my hand on its rough bark, feeling a connection to all who had passed this way before.
The sky is darkening now as I write this from my hotel balcony. The temperature has dropped to around 11°C, and I can see the first stars appearing above the silhouette of distant hills. My bags are packed, my alarm is set, and tomorrow brings new horizons.
But for tonight, I'm savoring these last quiet moments in Ephesus, grateful for the ancient wisdom it has shared with me.
!Evening view from hotel balcony The view from my balcony as twilight settles over Selçuk
Day 182 of 500. The journey continues.