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Published: April 27th 2011
The Guards
Army, navy & airforce guards at the MausoleumAnkara – Turkey’s Capital
Somehow Easter passed us by here in Turkey, not really being aware of the days and there being no Easter eggs staring you in the face, but there was no forgetting ANZAC day. We had discovered during dinner the night before that there were many Aussies saying in our hotel. They had already visited Gallipoli and when we came down to breakfast, they were wearing Anzac t-shirts and wearing red poppies. Chris had bought red poppies and pins from Melbourne and gave them out to the group. It is fantastic we are all Australian – Michelle & Ken from Qld. Lee & Greg (father & daughter) from Melbourne & Anne from Tas…. a very well travelled lady.
We set off early for the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, Turkey’s hero and father. Before we could enter the grounds we had to leave the bus & pass through a security gate, checking for weapons. No-one actually checks the bus or our belongings – a bit strange. The Mausoleum is very impressive and is guarded by representatives from the army, air force & navy. There is a changing of the guard which we were fortunate to see. The only downside
Kemal Ataturk
This tomb lies in a huge marble hall which took ten years to build. was you had to climb a lot of steps to get inside.
The marble hall only holds his tomb which is pointed to the city so his eyes can always watch over his people.
After that, we entered the museum where we learnt a lot more about Ataturk – his history, saw his belongings, read his many great quotes and how he radically changed Turkey to become a modern, progressive secular country. You cannot help but be impressed with this man and his vision and it is easy to understand why the people love him so. He died relatively young at only 57. I look forward to reading more about this interesting man.
We then proceeded to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum where there are artifacts 7000 years old. 7000 years! Hard to get your head around. Being a small group we can all hear Ines and ask questions. His knowledge is outstanding & he speaks English extremely well. But after all that we were all a bit brain dead & ready for lunch. This time we went to a local restaurant & had a very long pita bread covered in a mince meat wih cheese. The food is excellent…..and of
Changing of the Guard
Guards commanded by an officer remotely from other end of the Mausoleum course apple tea.
Back on the bus where there was a lot of footy updates and talk from the Melburnians. Scores being checked, footy tips discussed as we passed through small villages and in the countryside where shepherds were tending flocks of sheep & cows the old fashioned way. Gradually the landscape changed until we were in the Cappodocia region, a unique landscape of volcanic rock. But more of that in the next blog.
Our final stop before the hotel was seeing an underground city where over the centuries people have hidden from invaders. It was fascinating to see how these people lived with their animals and constructed their homes. As w came out there were local women selling dolls – all calling to us to buy. One lady had a baby about Heidi’s age & I made a beeline for her – much to the disgust of the other ladies who were quite vocal about it. My bonus though was a picture of this baby and her mother.
Arrived at the hotel – a great day!
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pam
non-member comment
fasinating
Vast changes in scenery must make the bus trip most interesting. xx