Day 8 - Selçuk

We took the bus at 6:45 AM at the Otogar (city bus station) from Fethiye. Five hours later we arrived at Aidin. There was no direct bus we could find with the schedule we were looking for therefore we had to transfer via a domuş (minibus) to Fethiye. The bus driver quickly asked a local boy to direct us to the domuş. An hour later, we arrived in Selçuk. This is another one of those towns where everybody knows everybody else. A man asked where we were staying. After telling him ''Homeros''. He said '' Oh, Derviş's pension. I am Derviş's friend. I will call him to pick you up.'' Five minutes later, a man in green plaid shirt came to the bus station. He opened his arms while he was still steps away and shouted '' Hallo, I love you!'' As he came to me and introduced himself, he picked up my hand and planted a kiss. '' I am Lei and this is my friend Julee!'' Derviş grabbed both our bags and led us across the street to his house, which was only three minutes away from the bus station. The poor man walked 60 staircases up the hill with my suitcase in his left hand and Julee's backpack on his right shoulder. By the time he got to his house, his face was red and he was sweating.

Homeros is a private house. We were greeted at the terrace by Derviş's mom who is the cutest old lady. We were served hot Turkish tea and a cookie. The room was on the first floor and we had two separate huge bathrooms for both of us. We have been treated consistently with hospitality and genuine friendliness throughout our travel. The Derviş family were no exception. We love the Turkish people.

This afternoon we would just wonder around in Selçuk and see the St. John Basilica, the Ayasoluk Castle and the Isa bey Mosque. Tomorrow we will go to Ephesus.