Stopped at a ‘service centre’ for lunch - not great idea on our tender stomaches, but one of our crew managed to neck a bottle of Vodka and get himself wiped out - made a fool of himself (especially with his mates telling everyone he wouldn’t spew - which he obviously did end up doing - the nurses on the bus had to hose him down at one of the memorials!!).

The closer we got to Gallipoli the more surreal the feeling was on the bus - there seemed to be a mix of excitement, reflection and anxiety at what we were about to experience.

First stop at Gallipoli was Lone Pine. Pulling into the area was quite emotional and a very moving experience - its hard to fully appreciate the true extent of the tragedy of Gallipoli until you see the graves and truly appreciate the geography of the area.

I spent our ½ hour of time just wondering around by myself looking at the names on the graves and contemplating the waste of life.

We visit several memorial areas including the Turkish (57th Reg) Memorial and the New Zealand Memorial (Chunk Bair) before we left for ANZAC Cove.

Arrived at ANZAC Cove at approximately 5pm and secured ourselves a spot right on the side of the stage area and in front of the Cove.

A very serene sunset - with the Sphinx looking down from behind me - quite an amazing experience.

The Anzacs would never have stood a chance when they arrived - how they survived and achieved so much astounds me - they were bloody marvellous.

written by  Tickles on April 24, 2006 from Gallipoli, Turkey
from the travel blog: First European Adventure - A Gallipoli Experience
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As an Australian, Gallipoli is prominent in our cultural memory, and myths. The place commemorates a military disaster, as well as the heroism & dignity of both the Allies (Australia, NZ, Britiish, French, & Irish) troops that were slaughtered here as a result of a poorly planned invasion. The Turks bravely defended their territory Where the Allies landed is interesting, & too my Surprise, I wasn't as "moved" as I expected I would be - perhaps decades of we Australians "celebrating" the landing at Gallipoli caused me www.privatetoursinistanbul.com expect to be moved. What is fascinating is to understand the Turks, as well as the Allies, & why there is the strong historical & cultural connection we keep nearly 100 years later Read a good history of the place beforehand. Go & see the Turkish monuments, and the moving Ataturk quote about the sins & daughters from foreigh lands now lying with Turkey in dignity - this is very moving, & reminds of a time when enemies treated each other with respect & dignity.

written by  istanbul tours on November 4, 2011

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