We left Lemnos earlier than expected due to the threatening bad weather and a few of the guests had already experienced some seasickness. It was windy and rough when we left. We didn't realize how big Lemnos was, as it took hours to pass by it. Our first stop in Turkey is 'Canakkale', arriving about 3pm Captain Paul had to clear quarantine and customs, which seemed to take hours, but was better than expected.
We had dinner on shore to celebrate our first Turkish meal.
Canakkale is a large city on the Dardanelles which is a narrow passage between the Aegean and Marmara sea. It has a large waterfront with many bars and restaurants. It is very neat and busy especially at night. The meal we had was delicious, e.g. Sardines in vine leaves, Shish Kebabs, hot chillies and beautiful fresh salads.
Friday, we are up early for an excursion to Gallipoli. Our guide Izzet Yildirim, is very articulate and intelligent and knows a great deal about the Anzac's. He takes us by car and ferry to the famous 1914 battle site. We have watched the Mel Gibson film 'Gallipoli' last night, to appreciate how difficult the campaign was. Being there and listening to Izzet explain how many allies and Turkish young men died in this stupid 9 months campaign, makes us aware of wars futility.
We spent our four hours mainly on the Anzacs. Famous names such as: Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Brighton Beach. The whole area is very well maintained with lots of memorials and well kept cemeteries.
We learned that 'Ataturk' who became the first president of the Turkish Republic in 1923, was a famous leader in the Gallipoli campaign, who wrote a moving memorial for the fallen ANZAC soldiers and their families.
Our American and English friends could not believe how the Turkish people expressed such friendship to the Australian visitors. There appears to be a very special bond between the two nations.
Back on board for lunch, the wind has risen, the sea has become rough, so Paul decided to leave and head straight to Istanbul. This is a long journey overnight.
Saturday, we arrive after lunch at the Princes Island group, off Istanbul. We anchor off 'Burgozada' one of the six islands which are 20kms from the city.
In the small bay there are several beach clubs with umbrellas deck chairs and loud music.
Sunday, we explore. There are no cars on the island, so we hire two horse drawn buggies. It is busy as a lot of people come from the city on weekends. Our tour passes through pine forests and many fine Victorian era Villas that had been built by wealthy Greek, Jewish and Armenian merchants. We came to the only town on the island for lunch. It is packed with all sorts of people dressed from
shorts and T-shirts to fully clad black burquas.
We are now really enjoying Turkish food. After lunch we stroll through the
town back to the boat.
Monday, we arrive at marina 'Atakoy' where we are squeezed into a spot on the fuel dock.
We were amazed coming to Istanbul by sea, to see the huge size of the city and the great number of cargo ships anchored near the Harbour.
We finish this part of our journey with a Pirate lunch.
Our Johnny Depp costume is worn by 'The Admiral' ( Evelyn Boscowan). We are now off to spend four days of our Harvard reunion.
JB and Mick