'If you go to Turkey any Australian or New Zealander must see Gallipoli.' words we had heard many times so, despite Robby's reluctance Gallipoli was on our way back down the coast (we are now going anticlockwise). We hopped on a tour that took us from Istanbul to Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy and on to Avylick.
No one was disappointed.
Anzac Cove heralded the beginning of a 6 hour tour of the area in and around Gallipoli.
The tour gave us a great sense of self as we walked around and heard the stories of great commarade by both sides to each other yet the horrific carnage resulting in over 500,000 people being killed and maimed.
On reflection, the stories are best described by many who expeirenced or who have been involved in commemoration ceremonies since. To quote some of these we feel is better than our description:
On head stones:
'The price of peace with honour', 'As the day breaks and shadows flee away, RIP' ' He died for freedom' and 'Sunshine passes shadows fall, love and remembrance outlast all'.
Stories of a Turkish soldier holding a white flag and advancing to a wounded Australian soldier and carrying him to his commrades.
Trenches within metres of one another, during ceasefire both the Turks and Australians having turns to sing songs followed by applause, sharing food and cigarettes.
The deparate attempts to attack resulting in carnage.
The letters of soldiers in the museum read of a vivid description of the terrain yet the fear the soldiers felt.
The sombre experience was a reminder of the futility of war.
As described by our guide around Troy, the Anzac war was yet another Trojan war. It was a fight for access to the Dardenelles. That is of course unless you are of the belief that Troy is about a fight over a beautiful women named Helen.
Troy also opened our eyes to important historic events and archaeologists dream which has exposed 9 different cities on and near the one site.
Oh what a difference a passionate guide makes when visited these sites. He was so good we bought his book on Tory and on Gallipoli, A Turning Point. Of course a visit to Troy is not complete without a photo of the Trojan Horse.
After a night a Canakkale, our bus trip took us down the picturesque west coast of Turkey to Ayvalik where we will take to boat across to Lesbos today for a surprise party on Sunday.
PS It is official. We are returning home on 19 November arriving 1430!!!!!!
No one was disappointed.
Anzac Cove heralded the beginning of a 6 hour tour of the area in and around Gallipoli.
The tour gave us a great sense of self as we walked around and heard the stories of great commarade by both sides to each other yet the horrific carnage resulting in over 500,000 people being killed and maimed.
On reflection, the stories are best described by many who expeirenced or who have been involved in commemoration ceremonies since. To quote some of these we feel is better than our description:
On head stones:
'The price of peace with honour', 'As the day breaks and shadows flee away, RIP' ' He died for freedom' and 'Sunshine passes shadows fall, love and remembrance outlast all'.
Stories of a Turkish soldier holding a white flag and advancing to a wounded Australian soldier and carrying him to his commrades.
Trenches within metres of one another, during ceasefire both the Turks and Australians having turns to sing songs followed by applause, sharing food and cigarettes.
The deparate attempts to attack resulting in carnage.
The letters of soldiers in the museum read of a vivid description of the terrain yet the fear the soldiers felt.
The sombre experience was a reminder of the futility of war.
As described by our guide around Troy, the Anzac war was yet another Trojan war. It was a fight for access to the Dardenelles. That is of course unless you are of the belief that Troy is about a fight over a beautiful women named Helen.
Troy also opened our eyes to important historic events and archaeologists dream which has exposed 9 different cities on and near the one site.
Oh what a difference a passionate guide makes when visited these sites. He was so good we bought his book on Tory and on Gallipoli, A Turning Point. Of course a visit to Troy is not complete without a photo of the Trojan Horse.
After a night a Canakkale, our bus trip took us down the picturesque west coast of Turkey to Ayvalik where we will take to boat across to Lesbos today for a surprise party on Sunday.
PS It is official. We are returning home on 19 November arriving 1430!!!!!!
2 comments:
Robby & Paul what a wonderful adventure you have taken us on and to experience it with a few nomadic NASG's has enhanced it for the 'stay-at-homers'. The nostalgia and reflection of Gallipoli will one day draw us there I'm sure and the exotic world-wide markets and bazaar's await us all. Can't wait for the next instalment. xxxx
Fellie, thank you for your consistent and reassuring comments. I´m sure you are spreading the news and hey, if ever you want a travel guide - I´m it.
Looking forward to our return.
Love Robby
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