rmurray847

I'm looking into private tours of ephesus for next May. We just want to go to ephesus and the terrace houses. Don't want to go to Mary's house or St. John's or Artemis. I'm unsure if we want to do the lunch at the carpet factory that people seem to do. I'm curious about the carpet making technique, but don't want to feel pressured to buy. We went to a perfume shop in Egypt and ended up with $800 worth of essential oils, one of which exploded in my suitcase, so I don't want to deal with the hard sell again. But on the other hand, I kind of want at least a little wall hanging. How can you go to turkey and not get a turkish rug, right?? We don't usually do a sit down lunches on vacation and instead usually grab something at a cafe or a stand. Will there be gyro or kebab stands in Kusadasi?

We used Celsus Travel for our Izmir to Ephesus tour (they do Kusadasi too, of course). Our tour was all day, just my wife and I, and we paid $226...not euros, dollars. Naturally, since both our driver and guide were great, we tipped nicely with no hesitation. Can't say why you're seeing higher prices. This trip here http://www.celsustravel.com/kusadasishoreexcursion3.html, seems to fit your bill. No price given.

Regarding carpet factory. We reluctantly went, but it was really cool. Seeing the process was informative and the carpets are lovely. We had no issue purchasing a small one, I think around $200 or maybe less. Naturally, they are trying to sell, and they will bring carpets in very fast and take any smile or nod of approval as a sign of interest. But we found we could quickly steer our salesman in the right direction. We are thrilled with our purchase and glad we went. I think you can find very nice small pieces if you want...just tell them right from the start that you're only interested in looking at something small.

By the way, you say you aren't interested in Artemis temple. I don't blame you, but when we went with Celsus Travel (Mary's House, Ephesus and the INCREDIBLY, MUST-SEE Terrace Houses) our guide Yesmin was kind enough to have the driver just make the literally 3 minute detour to see the temple. It is literally almost nothing, and we spent 5 minutes there (cost free). The only really nice thing about that is being able to say we were at the site of one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. It's worth about 2 photos. I'd consider asking my guide if they wouldn't mind stopping there quickly. It's basically between Ephesus and the town of Pyrgos, where you're very likely to head, either for carpet shopping or lunch.

Carnival has the chocolate melting cake. Does NCL have a dessert that is their signature dessert that can't be missed?

No signature items. However, we found many desserts we enjoyed on the Jade last year. the creme brulee is very good. I do agree that much of the stuff at the chocolate buffet isn't terrific.

the nice thing about the MDR...if you don't like what you order, ask for something else. Or just have two cuz you're hungry.

Kiddo will be, too.

 

We are not mall goers, as our local mall has more violence than our little bedroom community. Kiddo would be allowed to walk about our town, but is so afraid the police would stop him, he won't. (This phobia is from his dad being much older than a dad usually is, and since he would sit in the children's playground at parks with a bunch of moms young enough to be his daughters, and our kiddo was fairly independent, nervous moms would get the idea he was there childless and call the police. One occasion our son was taken by a police woman and questioned while hubby was questioned separately, in case kiddo was a kidnapped child. Kiddo was three. He now has a phobia getting into any situation where the police might be involved. Hubby noted the last time this happened our son, before the policeman opened his mouth, said, "You're only doing your job. You have to respond to all calls." he'd heard it so often.:rolleyes:)

 

Hence me trying to scope out what might be appropriate or expected. If I can honestly tell kiddo he won't be rounded up by someone in a uniform for popping back to the room to get a swim suit, I think might be willing to do it. If I tell him it is "not done", he won't.

 

Also, I remember those days of freedom very sweetly, the only time my folks let me off a very short leash.

I'm trying read between the lines a bit, but I feel you asking us not to form an opinion of what your child should/shouldn't be allowed to do...but what the "norms of society" of the ship will look askance at. Like kids loitering around convenience/liquor stores might be frowned upon and draw the interest of police. My sense is (and this is from one whole cruise, and one that didn't have a lot of kids)...your child will not be hassled. Everyone is pretty much involved doing their own thing and having fun. A kid walking around and doing harmless stuff will likely be assumed to be doing so with permission of parents. Obviously, any kid who acts up and becomes a disturbance to the general "vibe" of good times might cause some crew members to investigate...but it sounds like your child is too "uptight" (I don't mean that rudely) to push those limits.

Obviously, on shore is a WAY different story. And most ships will have a few "adults only" places, which I presume your child can read and act accordingly.

The beds are always singles pushed together. ;)

 

Did you have your duct tape with you? That would have been great to cover that red blinking light. Always carry your duck tape! :D

Yes, duct tape should go EVERYWHERE with you! The most important non-edible substance known to man!

Hotel

I would also visit the department store Carrefour (on the top end of the Ramblas) as it sold groceries. This was a good place to buy water, soda, chocolate, or any other food item you might like.

Great information so far...thanks. My wife and I will be on this cruise on August 21. Here's a random question: in Carrefour, did you happen to notice if they had alcohol sales?

Also, as a HUGE film fan, I'm jealous you were in Cannes during the festival. True, it must have made the place much crazier than usual, but I would willingly have put up with it.

In my experience (limited to one cruise), I had no issues. We even had a cabin near the front. I am very prone to car sickness, get quesy on turbulent plane rides and can only rarely handle carnival rides. The only thing I did on the ship was taking Ginger (started a couple of days before the cruise). I had wrist-bands and non-drowsy dramamine with me, and never had to touch them.

Our seas were pretty calm, it seemed to me...but there was one day it got a little crazy for a few hours...still had no problems. Just seems like a very different motion than taking hairpin turns going down a mountain in a car.

Very nice post, Vickster. Don't worry about the length. When there is quality content, the more the merrier!

It might take me a month to read all this, but in preparing for our first cruise, I think it'll be worthwhile for sure!