Kia Ora and G'day's galore in ANZAC Çanakkale

"Thats Bull-Ant, but with only one 'L" our tour guide rather seriously pointed out to us as we set off on the Gallipoli tour with what turned out to be an awesome tour guide. His name was of course 'Bulant' and he was quite possibly the most knowledgeable man on earth concerning the subject of the World War One Gallipoli campaign, and he revelled in it. Honestly the way this man gives a tour you'd think his life depended on it, he obviously loves his job.

It was inspiring to wander along ANZAC cove and North beach knowing that along one of these beaches a distant relative of mine once wandered, or more likely crawled or ran for his life.

RIP John William Small, died 15 April 1915 Lone Pine Gallipoli.

According to my distinguished official family historian (i.e. Dad - is there anything he can't do?) he was my 1st cousin 4 times removed.

The trenches though mostly filled in and sometimes a little reconstructed were pretty cool too and i got some good photos. Chunic Bair was of course a highlight, it was airy wandering around what really should be a simple hilltop but is in fact the site of pilgrimage for thousands upon thousands of Kiwi's come every 25th April. A simple hill top where so much drama took place circa 1915 and so much literature written about it subsequently. Pretty awesome actually.

On the sagely advice of my guide book I didn't bother with the Troy tour and instead met crap loads of backpackers doing organised bus trips along the coast. We went out for dinner and I tagged along to enjoy their pre-organised discounts, special drink deals, and their multitudes of Australian women. Am i being sarcastic about that last one? I'm honestly not sure...

Check the photos: