I loved Izmir. I traveled all over Turkey. So much history there! Ever make it to Cappadocia? Beautiful. I drank from St. Pauls well in Taursus, and ended up getting pretty sick from it.
Only trip East was to the AB where u stayed..a hop to Greece.
We trekked up to Goats castle..drove to Bodrum several times..visited all the sites in Western Turkey. Camped on the beaches in the Summer.
My gut feelings told me there is a treasure buried..near Sardis.
Rented a house on a hill overlooking the Bay of Izmir..had two year lease..the initial rental was $212...the last year the price dropped to $64..the lira crashed.
Turkey was a great assignment.