Turkey & all it has to offer…
Posted by Kirsty on May 5th 2007
Written on the 2007 London to Sydney expedition
It has been less than two weeks since the last diary update, but in that time we have done and seen so much.
Commemorations of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli in World War I on April 25, 2007 were a moving experience, not only for our Aussies and Kiwis, but for the Brits as well. With the new alcohol free environment, commemorations have taken on a more respectful atmosphere in which attendees can focus on the reason they are there – to remember and pay respects to the soldiers who have given their lives for the way of life we now enjoy. Lest we forget! However, the services have been set up to reflect the changing times and people attending. Two big screens were erected to not only televise the services to the masses (around 9000 people) but to provide entertainment in the form of educational clips throughout the night preceding the Dawn Service. It was great to see so many young people there, the ANZAC spirit will live on…
From Gallipoli we headed south along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and have enjoyed the delights of warmer weather and turquoise waters. Impromptu swimming stops at secluded coves have been the order of the day. Ahhh, whoever said ‘Life is a beach’, knew exactly what they were talking about. We have camped in some stunning locations taking full advantage of being able to erect our tents with waterfront views.
But Turkey has more than beautiful beaches, it has some of the most amazing ruins due to it being one of the great crossroads of ancient civilizations, such as the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, Persians, Ottomans, just to name a few… We visited Troy, the city where the infamous Trojan War occurred . But by far the most impressive ruin has been Ephesus with its superbly preserved city (streets, buildings and even toilets) giving a unique insight into the way life must have been in ancient times.
Furthering our historical travels, we experienced the source of the Olympic Flame at the Chimera Eternal Flames in Olympus. Quite enlightening (pun intended)!
Adrenalin has also been running high with activities such as paragliding over the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, trekking through Ihlara Valley with its many caves to be explored and discovering the underground cities in the Cappadocia region.
We are now bunked down in Goreme, catching our breath after hot air ballooning over the mysterious Fairy Chimneys early this morning and before going out tonight for a traditional Turkish dinner with Whirling Dervishes and Belly Dancers.
With the Iranian visas safely stuck in our passports, Ankara, the Turkish capital, is our next destination with our mission being to obtain our Pakistan visas.
All are well and having a fabulous time…
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