a turkish bath.

After visiting the ruins of Ephesus I was determined to still make the most of my few hours left in Kusadasi, Turkey.  Since time did not permit in Istanbul, I made sure to allow time to experience a Turkish bath.  Aunt Cindy decided to go back to the ship and allowed me to explore. I walked through the Kusadasi Grand Bazaar, finding my way to a mosque, which was located next to a Turkish Bath that dates back to 1704.  I walked in apprehensive to whether I should actually take one, given the different cultural views that the Turkish have about women and Americans, but nonetheless I was willing to take a risk.  Staying covered with a towel the entire time, I walked into a marble-enclave room in which several others were sitting.  Everyone laid on marble slabs, while a Turkish person alternated scraping the dead skin off of bodies, bathing us with soap, and pouring buckets of water in between it all. One by one individuals were instructed to go upstairs to get an oil massage, then get dressed and have Turkish tea as relaxation continued.  When first walking into the low-lit marble room, I thought to myself how stupid the decision was, but upon leaving, it was 40 Turkish lire well spent. If you are ever in Turkey, it is something to experience one time.