Turkey travel blog
G’day all and welcome to the Midlife Crisis Odyssey Podcast, where not all who wander are lost, but some of us definitely are. The cemeteries of Gallipoli hold tens of thousands; each with their own story of tragedy that occurred here in this beautiful place. If you would like to see the post for this podcast, you can find it here If you liked this podcast, you may also like Strange Meeting, Poland; Evacuation, Ukraine Know someone who might like…
It’s been great to spend some time on the coast of Anatolia, but it’s time to be leaving Turkey again, again. Since I am so close to Greece, I figure now would be a good time to have a better look at the place. Whilst sailing last year I visited a couple of the Greek islands (see Arriving in Greece), however I didn’t have a chance to explore Greece properly. I’m keen for some more diving before it gets too…
Part II I walked for an hour through the busy city of Antalya to reach the dive centre. I was excited about the day ahead, as I was going to dive on the wreck of the Saint Didier. North of Antalya Harbour is all cliffs, and when I reached the spot where the dive centre was meant to be I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to get down the cliff to the small ‘beach’ below. Peering…
Part I Antalya, located on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, attracts tourists from all over Europe by the millions (literally) every year. Visitors flock to the city’s picturesque little harbour, with it’s Roman-era walls and flotilla of fishing vessels, tourist boats and yachts. Restaurants and cafes line the harbourside and hilltop, serving local seafood to those who have come to enjoy Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. Thousands of photographs are taken every day of the view south from the harbour entrance. Most who visit,…
I have really enjoyed being back in Turkey, and spending some time exploring the Gallipoli Peninsula. After visiting the country twice since beginning my odyssey, I feel like I am getting to know the place. Once again I have met some great people, and been made to feel very welcome during my travels. However the time has come to be leaving Turkey again, the country where you are always within 100 metres of a Turkish flag, a kebab shop, and…
I turned off the road onto the access track, which was covered in a layer of crisp brown pine needles. Pulling up in a clear spot under the trees I switched off the car. When I opened the door the sweet smell of pine flowed in thickly on the warm air, and cicadas screeched from the trees. It reminded me of December in Australia, of opening the front door of our old house, stepping in out of the heat and…
BENEATH THE WATERS OF GALLIPOLI For most Australians, the Gallipoli campaign conjures images of soldiers fighting grim and desperate battles on the steep country above ANZAC Cove. However the struggle for control of the Straits of the Dardanelles began as a naval operation by the Allies, and it was only after this failed that a land invasion was attempted. Naval support, in firepower, supply and evacuation, continued throughout the 10 month campaign. Turkish shore batteries, mines, German submarines and accidents…
I remember hearing the place names when I was a kid. Strange sounding, exotic names: The Dardanelles, Gallipoli, ANZAC Cove, The Nek and Lone Pine. I remember seeing the scratchy black and white footage of troops on the beach, and of trenches and camps dug into the steep cliffs. I later discovered that a relative on my father’s side, Jack Gibbs, had been at Gallipoli in 1915. Visiting Gallipoli was the reason I had returned to Turkey. My relative Jack…
It’s great to be back in Turkey. It feels comfortable and familiar after my visit last year, and here in the coastal town of Canakkale there’s a nice beachside holiday vibe. I was walking through one of the local parks the other day, and noticed something a little unusual on one of the paths. Looking very much like a tortoise, I assumed it was a kid’s toy. The tortoise looking thing then started moving in a very tortoise like manner,…
After a little over a month it is time to be leaving Turkey. Minor boat repairs and maintenance are complete, and we are ready to sail from Bodrum. I’ve really enjoyed my time in Turkey. Although New Zealand is a great place, it’s bit like visiting Tasmania; it’s across the sea and a little different, but it’s similar to home and feels very familiar. So it’s been great to spend time in a country that feels like ‘overseas’. From here…