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
10 Comments
Barb
11/10/2024 22:51:28
A poignant visit and story. Incredible to think that a 100+ year-old event is still so vivid in our minds. What a special opportunity for you to visit those sites. Thanks for making it become real in your photos. Your NZ top was very appropriate. How was that bridge at Cannakale so well built in 1915! What was the significance of the horse on the waterfront? Never mind the Turkish Delight - what about those cakes!! Enjoy the rest of your day off. XX
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Linds
12/10/2024 19:23:55
Thanks BI
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Ang
12/10/2024 09:15:00
Very Special post from a special place Linds, and you have got there with superhuman tenacity. Xxxlove
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Linds
12/10/2024 19:25:07
Yes a very special place and a home connection. But more just wasted lives.
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Julie Reddish
12/10/2024 17:03:07
Made me think of our parallel memorial at Tarakena Bay I think of the soldiers trying to live on those cliffs and shudder. Turkiye looks amazing as well. Happy cycling these last legs xx
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Dad
12/10/2024 19:26:59
Yes I was going to make the Wellington connection in my blog. I checked that the same words are there. So many photos of Tana and others passing there.
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Lesley Wicks
13/10/2024 16:22:35
Anzac cove would be very emotional for us all such a waste of life on both sides. And yes humanity hasn't learnt a thing.
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Lindsay
14/10/2024 04:03:16
Absolutely Lesley. The twist is that the place they should have landed a few km away had so much easier terrain. History would have changed.
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Mum
13/10/2024 17:04:43
More amazing, different landscapes. Sounds a bit lonely? I must admit, a little bit of language is always helpful, and of course another different language. You are amazing. Love you very much. Lots of love, Mum
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Linds
14/10/2024 04:05:10
Thanks Mum. Really appreciated the few days on the peninsular, well rested but not lonely at all.
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AuthorLindsay Gault, Archives
April 2024
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