Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them. We will remember them.
Lest we Forget.
It was this verse that sent shivers down my spine as thousands of Kiwi's and Aussie's gathered on the lands of Anzac Cove in Gallipoli to honour our fallen soldiers. As darkness descended around us, the night was still and clear. People were positioned head to toe side by side in sleeping bags. As we looked out on to the beautiful calm beach, it was an eerie feeling knowing that our men had been preparing for battle here 97 years ago.
Throughout the night there was chilling accounts told from survivors, and their families, along with original war footage, powerful documentaries, and stirring letters written from the trenches to loved ones. It was a surreal experience being there and understanding the pain, death, resilience and determination to fight for your country. As the sun rose into the sky the Last Post was played, the sound carried across the terrain and engulfed the air around us, followed by a heatbreaking tribute to all the soldiers who had died, or were MIA.
Once the dawn ceremony concluded the Australian's made there way to Lone Pine, and us New Zealanders to Chunuk Bair where the famous battle between the Turks and the NZ troops took place. It was a mission, 7km uphill with the sun beating down. But was well worth it, with the most spectacular views as far as the eye could see, and being privilidged enough to witness many soldiers last resting places along the way. The honourable Julia Gillard, the Australian prime minister and other distinguished guests (minus John Key tsk tsk) travelled in luxury to the site in an air conditioned bus - one would expect no less.
Gallipoli was an experience like never before, blessed with so much history and tainted with so much grief. But yet something to be proud of, and to never forget.
Amongst my trip to Gallipoli I spent 6 nights in Turkey's largest city, Istanbul. It was a beautiful city (in most places) and the home of Turkish Kebab's, which I can no longer eat ever. ever. again. My travelling buddy for this adventure was the legendary Renee - who is over here from WA - and who I meet on our 16 hour bus ride from London to Munich on the way to Oktoberfest last year.
One of my highlights in Istanbul was the Turkish Bath, which consists of getting naked (well almost they give you disposable undies) and going in a huge underground marble dome. You lie on the heated marble and its like a giant sauna. The Turkish ladies (also naked) (and also quite on the LARGE side, with boobs down to there waists) come over and chuck buckets of water on you, soap and scrub you down with an exfoliating glove, wash it off and soap you again with these crazy puff bag type things. Wash you in a marble basin, and then give you a rub/massage. Once that is over you can go and relax in the jacuzzi for as long as you want. It was such a relaxing experience after the action-packed last few days, was also quite strange as they did not know english and just slapped, pointed, and grunted.
Loved the culture shock of this place, but will not be able to eat Turkish food for a very long time, and will also stay away from Turkish men selling scarfs/sunglasses.
Stay tuned for my next adventure to the capital city of Sweden, Stockholm. xx
- comments
Lynette great to read your blogs-thanks