Turkiye ANZAC

The words of Kemal Ataturk above show the power of healing after war. An inspirational leader streaks ahead of the mindless war lords of today. The ANZAC site was powerfully emotional for me. Book history turned to stark reality. So many lessons still not learnt. As I sat in the small Shell Green cemetery, the ironic roar of fighter jets above.

“Silent stretches of riding alone punctuated with people and connections” As my daughter Karen eloquently put it. The distances in Turkiye have made more of the long silent stretches, but I enjoy ending up in small villages, tiny narrow alleys, lots of bright colour and the odd motor scooter at full Speed down the narrow alley to practice quick side steps. I have ridden from east to west across the entire country, but ending on the peninsular which is closely tied to New Zealand.

Eceabat is the perfect place to rest and look back. Quiet, peaceful, water all around, an ancient stone hotel right above the water. Sealant crammed into the rear tyre with vain hope that it will last the last thousand kilometres. Liman Restaurant has provided fresh squid and a beer every night.

The people of Turkiye have been unfailing friendly, but also with a sense of self contentment.  Life is good. Groups gather in cafes for endless delicate curved glasses of tea, time rolls by no need for rush. Probably it is the country where I have most missed knowledge of local language. My one new word a day doesn’t cut it here. 

I have enjoyed the country unfolding from the seat of the bike. From the frenetic Black Sea coast, to the mountain passes, high barren wind-farm rolling hills to the classic Mediterranean feel along the Marmara Sea Coast. Just a short hop to my final border.

Classic farm houses 

Endless roadside stalls always with the cay (tea) brewing

Always tempted to Lokum (Turkish Delight) and a classic coffee

Above 

The spectacular Canakkale 1915 Bridge​ and below Canakkale waterfront

Lone Pine cemetery 

Turkish Cemetery 

Ataturk briefing his new section commander

Chunk Bair trenches

The impossible terrain up from ANZAC Cove

Turkish and New Zealand monuments Chunuk Bair