Lone Pine Gallipoli
Anzac Cove Gallipoli
The message said: June 26 2010 We met you for the first time today Uncle Ned. May you rest in peace. Maria and Kathy Sydney Australia This was in the visitors’ book at the Lone Pine memorial, Gallipoli when we visited last month. We had a wonderful guide called TJ who is married to someone in Corowa (VIC) and has a Turkish restaurant there. So we heard the story of the battles from both sides. That was good. I’d had a conference in Istanbul, and on the spur of the moment, Michael decided to join me for a week’s holiday afterwards, flying Aeroflot via Moscow.
Michael with a Turkish Scout troop from Istanbul at Talat Goktepe, one of the Turkish memorials near Chanuk Bair, Gallipoli.
It’s ages since I added to this blog. I’ve had 12 days in Australia, followed by two quick days back in Hanoi and then the past two weeks in Turkey. It’s been good to work but also to have time to relax and unwind. In Australia I had a list a mile long of things to be achieved. I got up early and made new lists every day. And with the help of some dear friends I managed to get those lists scrubbed away. Thanks Maurice, Graeme and Sue.
The conference in Turkey, organised by UNCEF and UIS, was on Out Of School Children and it was a bit like old home week with lots of old friends to spend time with. The conference was good too but as I was the rapporteur, I still had work to do when I arrived back in Hanoi.
It was good to catch up with Sibeso at the conference, shown here in Beyoglu, Istanbul.
Troy
In the majestic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
The amazing dome in the Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Cruising on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
Amazing mosaic from 1312 of Christ in the Chora Church in Istanbul.
Now back in Hanoi the weather is hot and humid, interpersed with driving rain and local flooding. It’s uncomfortable and everywhere people loll about with little energy and activity. We are walking less and using more taxis. Temperatures have risen to 46 degrees C.
In August, Melissa, Jess and Richard will come for a holiday. We’re looking forward to seeing them! And in September we are expecting Sue and Graeme. Good one!
