Day 11. Along the coast to Church of St. Nicholas, Myra, and the Mediterranean

Wow, what a day! Didn’t sleep worth a hoot last night—as this is a hopping area and those of us who wanted to sleep were outnumbered by those in the street and in bars in the area who were partying until dawn (or so it seemed). Yet I was the only grumpy one at breakfast, so I figured I’d better shape up.

We all drove along the Mediterranean coast 2 hours to the Church of St. Nicholas, the saint of sailors, passengers, children, and those in need. This church was reconstructed by Tzar Nicholas I and many Russians come here to see St. Nicholas’ grave. However, his bones have been taken to Italy, though his sarcophagus remains in the church. Before the bones were taken, people poured olive oil through the sarcophagus, over his bones, and when it came out, sold it as blessed olive oil (!).

St.Nicholas Church—Jesus with John the Baptist on his left, Mary on his right

St. Nicholas—people touch his foot to be blessed

See the anchor?  St Nicholas was the saint of sailors — See the anchor? St Nicholas was the saint of sailors

The church is lovely, and outside it, we saw a man selling simits—pretzel-like bread with sesame seeds. He carried these on his head to sell. Very fun.

This guy is carrying similes on his head—pretzel-like, but with sesame seeds, not salt.  Yum! — This guy is carrying similes on his head—pretzel-like, but with sesame seeds, not salt. Yum!

Then on to amazing Myra. We pulled up to a scene that reminded me of Petra. These were burial rock graves from the 5th-4th century BC. The façades imitated the houses of those who were buried here. Sadly grave robbers—ancient ones—used the weakest area of the tomb (the sliding limestone door) to enter and remove items. Not one cave has yet been found intact.

Myra—Ancient buries site.  The façade is sculpted to resemble the deceased’s house — Myra—Ancient burial site. The façade is sculpted to resemble the deceased’s house

The area also featured a theater where one can see the Greek theater with Roman arches, etc. on top. Plays were performed and gladiators battled here as well.

Theater at Myra.  The white in the background is greenhouses that blanket the horizon.  So much is grown here.  The Mediterranean diet! — Theater at Myra. The white in the background is greenhouses that blanket the horizon. So much is grown here. The Mediterranean diet!

Masks and cornice that had adorned the top of the theater

Then off to the coast. We stepped onto a boat that took us out to a cove where we were invited to swim. I knew it would be freezing, but since I wasn’t going to be coming to the Mediterranean again any time soon, I had to hop in and experience the salty clear water. We had a lovely meal with sea bream and salads prepared by the captain. Fabulous.

A lunch cruise out into the Mediterranean

Salad, bulgar, fish...and a beer, of course!

We then cruised the blue green water to the remains of a sunken city, and enjoyed the warm sunshine and blue skies. So relaxing and inspiring.

Once back at the hotel, Jane and I decided to find a quiet place for a glass of wine and a bite to eat. We walked around the old city of Antalya and found this Saturday night to be noisy and filled with too many people. But one bar drew us in, as a singer’s wonderful voice captured us. We had three (!) 50 cl. beers and bowls of popcorn as we conversed with people from Norway and friends of the singers. Very fun dinner!

Now to bed. Hoping this night is quieter—I remembered the noise-canceling earphones I had along that my sweet Sarah had given me. Fantastic!