The day i stepped into the Garden of Eden

There was three days left on my two week vacation to Italy and Greece. I did not want to get up
that morning at six-thirty, but i told myself that i would probably never get to do this again. We were going on an excursion in Turkey that we picked the day before. It was a tour of Ephesus and the supposed burial spot of the Virgin Mary. I thought that it was just going to be a pile of ruins but i was wrong.
As we walked down the pier, we passed the usually gift shops and restaurants, but it seemed so empty. I know that it was in the morning ,but i have never seen a place so deserted. It was supposed to be a popular coast town, bot if you got a good look at the outskirts of town you would be surprised at what you saw. it was like a dessert and even though it had a coast, the land appeared lifeless and in despair. The bus ride seemed to take forever, but as we were going up the spiraling mountain, appeared what looked like wildlife and vegetation. It was like we were going to a hidden paradise. The bus finally stopped and the doors opened. At first I thought that i was seeing a mirage, but it was really there. If there ever was a place to describe this place it is the Garden of Eden. It was like we were on another plant. I have never seen so many beautiful trees and flowers that seemed immortal. I took a deep breathe and could smell the purity of the air.I knew this was a holy place.
They took us down a cemented path that lead us to a small chapel. Inside lay what appeared to be a stone sculpture that looked like the Virgin Mary. Natural light came through the stained glass windows like a spotlight and it seemed peaceful. I was in shock. How could there be a place like this in a land so barren and restless? I was surprised to see different religious leaders in the chapel. It was like they really felt that she was a holy person and respected her. At that moment everyone in the room had one thing in common and that was respect for a woman that had done so many wonderful things.
Most people would probably overlook a place like this, because of its hidden layout, but i am glad that i got to see it. I will always remember it and the way I felt that day. Through this journey i learned what most people learn when they get older, and that is that things are not always what they seem to be and if you follow down a path unknown you are bound to find something amazing. You just have to take chances to experience the wonderful things in life