Hi,

We have been having a wonderful time in Tukey for the past 8 days. Don't really know where to begin trying to explain the beauty of this country. The people here have welcomed us with open arms and more often than not we are greeted on the street with the Aussie, Aussie, Aussie chant. The ANZAC spirit is alive and kicking not only in Gallipoli but all over the country, we are treated as equals to the locals and they all go out of there way to ensure the memories we leave Turkey with are ones that will last forever.

The scenery changed between every city we visited. A love of apple tea grew and grew through-out the trip and by the end of the 8 days we were sipping the drink of choice with the locals.

Gallipoli is a place that can't be described by words it has to be experienced. The dawn service and services before and after really made you think about how lucky we are to be living the lives that we lead today and make you stop and cherish what you have. It was a very emotional day, to say the least, and everyone who visits leaves with a new found respect for anyone who has ever served to protect the values and lives of their country. So many graves marking the end of lives that didn't get to see the days that we have.

A speech that touched us and put all our travels into perspective is:

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives, you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours. You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well."

- Ataturk 1934

Lv Louise & Rhiannon