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The Keepers of Ephesus

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On our return visit to Ephesus, we came prepared.

We stocked up on crackers and extra water, not to appease the gods and goddesses that were worshipped there centuries ago, but as nourishment for the current keepers.

Their numbers are staggering. They sit atop marble relics as if on guard, perched to protect the ancient city from whatever evil may befall it.

 

Looking Out

 

Angelic Kitty

 

They look out for each other. When I left a pile of crushed crackers for one, instead of devouring it immediately, he hovered and lifted his head to meow loudly. Within seconds others arrived seemingly out of nowhere, leaving the caller to enjoy his treat, and looking up at me with eyes wide, begging for sustenance of their own. Of course I obliged, and found shallow divots in the marble to leave pools of water as well.

A Little Snack for the Kitty

And then we were onto the next section of Ephesus, and the next set of furry custodians.

 

Watchya Got?

 

Royal Kitty

 

Cat Just Hanging Out

 

So maybe most of them didn’t look like fierce protectors, but instead lazy sunbathers, enjoying the cool marble stones while the hot sun beat down. They also didn’t mind all the love showered on them by myself and other tourists.

 

Want Love

 

Yes Pet Me

 

I think that this, our second visit to Ephesus, should probably be named our last. Another return would surely see me become the crazy cat lady who would adopt them all and live in a shanty nearby to keep them loved and safe.

It’s not my most terrible idea – there are worse things to be.

 

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25 Comments

  1. I remember the same at Ephesus, Delos…many islands in Greece…there didn’t seem to be any “older” cats…like you, I wished I could have whisked them all home! Thank MEW for this lovely post…

  2. Have a friend who has a cat that looks similar to one of your photos here – he often goes on “walkabout” and we wonder where he’s been. Think we’ve got an idea now *grin, wink*

    Beautiful shots – of everything there.

    1. I spent more time hanging with the cats then checking out the ruins on this visit. Maybe I need to plan two visits to all cat-infused places!

  3. Those kitties look pretty healthy. The ones I saw on the Alhambra in Granada were always missing eyes and look pretty beat up.

    Oh, I just love the kitties!! (As you can see, I’m on my way to crazy cat-lady-dom myself…)

    1. Hee! It’s probably a good thing that my Mom and I don’t travel together ALL the time, or we would become cat ladies together somewhere, FOR SURE. Then Tim could join us.

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  6. I loved the cats at Ephesus when I went last year. Too bad that I am allergic. They were delightful though.

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