Gallipoli, Turkey

We headed to Eceabat by ferry, where (because it was low season) we had to catch a taxi to the Anzac museum, and then walk the peninsula rather than taking the tour. The museum contained old uniforms and other battle field finds such as the skull of a Turkish soldier with a bullet lodged in the forehead, and New Zealand badges and tikis.

We then headed for Anzac cove where the ill-fated Allied landing was made. We were accompanied by 3 dogs for the day.

After seeing the thousands of graves at the cemeteries we climbed up into the hills to Lone Pine. After our long day's walk we made our way back to the museum to wait for the bus which never came. After waiting for an hour or so and with it getting darker and darker, we took off jogging along the 10km country road towards the port. We made it halfway (our dogs still running along with us) and then the bus finally came.

Visiting Gallipoli was amazing. We learnt so much about the history and seeing the trenches and the graves was moving. We read about the closeness of the two forces and many of the tales were truly touching. On retreat the Allied forces faked their presence by setting up rifles to automatically discharge, escaping with no further casualties and leaving behind gifts and meals for the Turkish soldiers.