We almost missed our flight from Istanbul to Singapore, but thanks to our talented bus driver (and him driving along the tram lines) we managed to get to the airport just in time for our plane. We...
Were back home after a great two weeks! Thanks to Mr Craig, Mrs Hanrahan and Ms Lampert for giving up their holidays to take us and thanks everyone for a great trip! :)
We just experienced our final day in Istanbul. We started off with a canal cruise, being able to see the edge of the black sea. Then the 'blue mosque' which was an amazing sight. Then we went to the 'sunken palace' the weather wasn't in our favor as it was pouring rain, which was an inconvenience. Finally we went to the Grand Bazaar, and as you can imagine the girls went crazy, it was such a cultural experience having to bargain for things we wanted... But sadly it has finally come to an end.. Bye bye...
Yesterday we travelled to Gallipoli. I didn't realize how far away it was from Istanbul - 4 hours one way!! We left the hotel at 7am, an got back just after 7:30pm. It was well worth it, I'll remember what I saw forever. The headlands was dotted with memorials for the huge amount of men, from both sides, who died. We visited Lone Pine first, and I located two of my soldiers from Bowral that I had researched. It was very moving to stand there knowing the story of one soldier, and then to look around and see the sheer...
We arrived in Turkey today after our three wonderful days in Paris. We had an early start of 4:30, to catch out 8am flight. We arrived in Istanbul at around lunchtime, and met up with out new tour guide. He is really nice and took us to an amazing restaurant that made us all fall in love with Turkish food. The baklava here is absolutely amazing!!!After filling up on delicious Turkish cuisine we went a beautiful mosque, and then went into the underground canals of the city. We then headed to our hotel which is lovely...
Last night Nadine, Scott and I layer a wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres at the last post ceremony. It was one of the most amazing experiences of the trip so far. Being able to see the names all over...
(download) Click here to download: untitled-GurzpcefDECFlEyErlpq.zip (8 MB) A coupe of photos from the hundreds that people have taken. Ypres at...
Finally arrived in France today and the weather was cold for the first time in the whole week! We went to many Commenwealth graves today which was a great experience. Last night we stayed in Ypres and went to the Menin Gate ceremony. The gate was huge and covered in names of soldiers. It was a great opportunity for oxley students to participate with Scott, Dan and Nadine laying a wreath. Today we ejoyed Belgian chocolate and a long bus trip. When we arrived in Amiens today we visited a grand cathedral. Tomorrow...
Bonjour from France!!! Today we travelled through Belgium, stopping to look at various battle sites on the way. I (Jacqui) found one of my soldiers, Mr Arthur Earnest Eirth who I had researched back in Australia. I felt happy that I could remember this man and I really felt for him, as he died so far away from home. Also, the number of graves we saw left us dumbfounded as the sheer number of deaths from WW1 is astounding. We have also eaten lots of Belgian chocolate; truly the most delicious in the whole wide world...
