Wednesday 22 April

Average breakfast at hotel (but better than last night's dinner). It is VERY cold - I certainly did not expect it to be this cold this far south at this time of year. Out come the longs and a jersey along with my rain coat.

We leave the hotel and head for the Hassle Free office, put our luggage on the bus and we are off to Troy. Here we have another excellent guide, Mustafa Askin (with a little squggle under the s). As you tour about this area there are two widely sold books, one on Gallipoli and one on Troy and Mustafa wrote them both. I bought his books in 2006. Today people are buying them and he is signing them - aah, an opportunity missed.

Mustafa makes Troy come alive. He is knowledgeable and humourous. It is very cold and light rain but annoying only. Tina loved Troy.

We now have over 5 hours to kill in Canakkale whilst the bus is used for another Gallipoli trip. First step is an excellent lunch with Bronwen and Andrea. The rule of eating where the locals eat is certainly proved - the place is doing freat business and the lentil soup followed by a main was outstanding. Tina had a magnificent dish of diced lamb, yoghurt and tomato.

Then we all wanted an internet session. Three had success but I could not log on to catch up days of the blog. I went to another internet cafe and failed also. I suspect the Turkish keyboard settings. Finally I went back to the Hassle Free office which had one machine for free. No-one was on it so I hogged it for hours.

Later in the afternoon I had a fascinating conversation with Tom who debunked the Simpson and his donkey myth. Tom had worked in the Australian War Museum and his insights were excellent.

The good company of Andrea, Bronwen, Dave and Tom made the hours fly by.

Then the 5 hour bus trip home, broken by a meal at another petrol station/restaurant combination. I slept a lot. We farwelled 4 new friends and were dropped off at the oppulent Crowne Plaza Old City. just after midnight. Shower and bed about 1am.

Finally, thanks to Andrea, Bronwen, Dave and Tom for your friendship. You are welcome at our house anytime.