In the last week of October 2005, a group of 25 people from St Peter's went to the west coast of Turkey for a pilgrimage based onboard two boats. The trip was organised by Lightline Pilgrimages of Kew. Half the group went a few days early for an additional tour of Istanbul. All the meals were cooked on the boats by the crew and were excellent and varied.
On Saturday 22nd October we flew from Heathrow to Istanbul, and then on to Bodrum where we boarded our boats. On Sunday morning we had a tour of Bodrum's crusader castle and the site of the tomb of Mausoleus (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), most of which now resides in the British Museum! After lunch, we set off for Knidos with its two ancient harbours. A walk through the ancient ruins, including the fine Temples of Apollo and Aphrodite, was followed by Mass in an amphitheatre on the beach, just as the sun was setting.
Monday took us to Mindos, modern day Gumuslik, a quiet village renowned for its fish restaurants. Some of us waded across to a tiny island in the harbour that was home to a large colony of rabbits! Not surprisingly, the island was called "Rabbit Island!"
Next day we journeyed to Didyma with its huge Temple of Apollo and then to the Roman city of Miletus, visited by St Paul. Next to the city is a deserted mosque, with stunning carving inside.
Our boats moored overnight in a deserted inlet near Altinkum, under the stars.
Wednesday saw a full day excursion to the vast city of Ephesus, as part of which we celebrated Mass in the ruins of the Church of St Mary, venue for the Council of Ephesus in 431. The Council approved the title of "Theotokos" (Mother of God) for the Blessed Virgin Mary against the best efforts of Bishop Nestorius, who argued that she was only "Christotokos" (Mother of Christ). On our way to the Ephesus museum, we stopped at the Temple of Artemis, another of the ancient wonders of the world.
Mass in Ephesus
Next day we sailed to Iassos and toured the ruins set on a hill next to the ancient harbour. Friday morning began with Mass on board the boats before sunrise, then by coach to Euromos, a stunning Temple of Zeus in a valley of olive trees.
We continued up into the mountains to the Hellenistic city of Labraunda, with fantastic views. The ancient buildings are in a remarkable state of preservation, as there were no villages nearby that might have plundered stones for new buildings.
For our last evening together we put together a variety show of after dinner entertainment and said our thanks to the crews. Next day saw our return to London after a wonderful week together.
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