Istanbul to Troy-Battle Day

10/9/13

Today was going to be a long day since we only had 2 sites to visit and a fair amount of time on the bus. We woke up and packed our bags to move to our next hotel in Troy (I could get use to this traveling to new places every few day, I think!) Our first trek was to the Gallipoli Penninsula to visit the Battlefield Memorial. THis place was part of the French and Brittish attack of the Dardanelles trying to capture Istanbul during World War I. There was a cemetery for those in the military who lost their lives here, an ANZAC sign to commemorate the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and also a memorial to the families of the lost soldiers. It was humbling to see headstones for young soldiers my age, young, or even older with families left behind. The youngest stones I saw was of a 17 year old man, which baffled me. The song that came to mind was "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need?" Just thinking that these men fought for others at the sake of their own lives is inspiring no matter the country, side, or reason--their bravery and selflessness is commendable. I also loved walking around reading the quotes on the stones. It made me think of what I would want on mine. How would I want to be remembered? Many of them showed faith in God, love for their families, and/or loyalty for thier country. Off to the side of the cemmetery there was a memorial plaque for the families of the soldier who had passed away. The message talked about the life of a sole and how this memorial didn't favor a certain peope, country, or army but instead focused on honoring the individuals. It also addressed the mother's sadness and stated it would care for the sons they no longer could. I just felt so humbled and grateful for the brave men who serve for my freedom and all I take for granted. Its sad that we don't realize the worth of ALL souls but instead fight until its too late.

We then took a ferry ride across the Dardanelles to the Asian side of Turkey. I have never been on a bus as it loads on the ferry. Let me repeat our bus rode on a boat across the Strait, and not only just our boat but tons of cars and buses. (okay I might be from a small town and this might be common, but still so fascinating!0 This ride wasn't as great or as long as the Bosphorus ride but it was still fun! 

Guess what was on the Asian side?!? I'll give you a clue, it has a huge wooden horse and ends with roy :) Yup Troy!!! I was so excited for Troy! Don't worry I did see the wooden horse and yes I documented this experience with pictures (that will hopefully be posted soon!) As we walked around Troy it was crazy to see and be able to differentiate some of the 9 different settlement levels they have discovered. Also it was cool knowing that this was the place in which Homer's legendary story the Iliad and the Odyssey take place, although I need to read it again! The Trojan War dates back to about the 13th to 12th century B.C. which was archeological levels 6 & 7 of Troy. (which seems crazy that there were 2 more levels that dated to previous times!) This stuff is old and the walls and auditorium were surprisingly in good shape! Just to explain the wooden horse on a very basic level as it relates to the Trojan War. After the 10 year war, the united Greek army withdrew and left a massive wooden horse at the gate of Troy. Naturally the people of Troy brought it into the city to celebrate victory, which led to Greek soldiers emerging from inside the horse to defeat the people of Troy and take Helen back to Sparta. It's crazy to think how many soldiers could fit and keep quiet in a wooden horse.

Tonight we stayed at a fancy hotel called Hotel Ida Kale in Canakkale. I have never stayed in a hotel on the beach, and I loved it! As if the beach wasn't enough the hotel also had an outside pool, which was freezing! I loved walking out on the dock and in the sand along the water under the moon and stars. Just icing on the cake to an exceptional day!