--flooded my spirit while I stood in front of an altar in a tiny house where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her last days. "Do not speak or take pictures," warned our guide, "for this place is holy not only to Christians but also to Muslims." Our guide added that Mary is called Marian Ana and mentioned six different places in the Koran.

During our entirely fascinating trip to Turkey, visiting Mary's house was the most awesome. I cannot explain it any better than this, except to add that this spot up in the hills above Ephesus, Turkey, is indeed a holy place.

Happy music and art, Cinder LeDell