The Ruins of Ancient Ephesus; Selçuk, Turkey

The site of Ephesus had been occupied since ca. 6,000 BC. The ancient site viewed today was founded about c. 300 BC. Strategically located near near the Aegean Sea, Ephesus grew and prospered for over a thousand of years. At its peak, Ephesus supported a population of about 200,000, and served as the provincial capital of Roman Asia. Throughout its history, Ephesians experienced prominence and prosperity as an independent city-state, as well as part of great empires including the Persian Achaemenid Empire, the Hellenic (Greek) empires of Athens and Alexander the Great,  the Roman Empire, and Byzantine Empire.

The city's greatest asset and key to its wealth, the harbor, was also its weakness. While part of the Byzantine Empire, Ephesus's harbor began to fill with silt, making it increasingly difficult for mariners to navigate and trade. By the time the Seljuk Turks conquered the region in the early 14th century AD, Ephesus was reduced to a small village, its greatness mostly forgotten by remaining locals. Finally, Ephesus was completely abandoned during the 15th century.

Walking along Ephesus's main avenues, the cultural and architectural legacies of the Hellenes (Greeks), Romans, and Byzantines are clearly visible throughout the site. Walking among the ruins, one can imagine the city in its heyday, with thousands of people bustling among the grand temples, amphitheaters, markets, and apartment houses. Few places can boast the cultural, architectural, and religious legacies of so many great civilizations on display in such a small geographic era.

Hellenic (Greek) and Roman Era Ruins

The ruins of a colonnade along the Avenue of the Curates, which used to be a part of a much larger, roofed structure.

Unexpected Opportunities of Being an Expatriate

Living and working as an expatriate is an opportunity in itself. From time to time however, I have learned that other unexpected opportunities present themselves that make expat living even more a worthwhile experience.

Recently, I received an invitation for Thanksgiving dinner at the chief U.S. Ambassador's residence. A few days later, my wife received an invitation from the chief ambassador of the United Arab Emirates for us to dine at the U.A.E. embassy, celebrating the nation's 42nd anniversary.

The U.S. Ambassador served us a traditional Thanksgiving feast, made more savory by the fact that we live in Turkmenistan. The meal including delicious turkey imported from Germany, ham, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green beans, steamed spinach, salad, cranberry sauce, and bread.  We all enjoyed ourselves, and were very thankful for the ambassador opening up his residence to us and providing us with a taste of home.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) entered its 42nd year of united independence. To commemorate the event, the chief ambassador of the UAE hosted an evening celebration at the UAE embassy in Ashgabat. For myself, the highlight of the evening was having the pleasure of meeting the chief ambassador of the UAE. Representatives from many nations also attended. The embassy  was lavishly decorated inside and out. Throughout the embassy, works of art and other displays depicted the UAE's historical and cultural heritage. The dinning tables had fresh mangoes, assorted breads, and deserts awaiting guests. The chairs were covered in a rich red fabric, with gold embroidered falcons, the UAE's national seal. For dinner, a wide variety of delicious ethnic dishes were available. While dining, women and girls donning fine traditional dress continually went among the tables, passing out assorted chocolates and other sweets.

We had the chance to pose with one of two falcon handlers at the UAE reception. The falcon is used as the UAE's national seal.

A gift we received from the UAE ambassador. The plaque includes silver symbols of the UAE, a UAE coin collection, and sand art representing traditional desert life; it is made from sand from within the boundaries of the UAE.