Day 1: Touchdown in Athens, connection to Lemnos

After saying goodbye to our parents with bundles of nerves in our stomachs, the recipients of the Spirit Of ANZAC Prize 2015 had finally embarked on their study tour around Gallipoli and the Western Front.
Once we had landed in Athens it was 12.15 pm. We soon met our tour guide for the day – Penelope. We then began our tour around Athens! After driving past many amazing sites we stopped to watch the changing of the guard at Parliament House.
Shortly after we walked the streets of Athens near the Acropolis where we decided to have souvlaki for a snack! After that we went to walk on a tour of the Acropolis, but unfortunately it had closed early. After taking many photos of the breathtaking view we travelled back to Athens airport where we are waiting to board our flight for Lemnos where we will spend the next two days exploring various war sites and cemeteries. We all now can’t wait to move into our hotel rooms, have nice hot showers and go out to an authentic Greek restaurant to celebrate my 15th birthday!
Having a great time already,
Hayley Hickey

Day 2: Family and new friends connect in Mudros

Although exhausted, our group was filled with anticipation and excitement as we met in the breakfast hall at 7.30 am. After feasting on the buffet breakfast generously provided by our hotel in the heart of Lemnos, we were briefed on the day’s itinerary. Shortly after breakfast we were greeted by our lovely tour guide Bridgette. Once on board our bus, we departed for the quaint town of Mudros where we met students from the local secondary school. Upon arrival, we were welcomed warmly and treated to a presentation and dance performance by the students. After taking us on a tour of their school, we were escorted to the nearby East Mudros Military Cemetery where we participated in a beautiful service. The Mayor of Lemnos was also present at the service and formally welcomed us to the island. Just before we left for our trip, my grand-uncle Rob told me of his uncle who was buried at the cemetery. Thanks to Rowena and Rebecca I was able to place a poppy on his grave and take a photo to share this experience with my grand-uncle. This was an incredible opportunity which I am extremely grateful for.
After this, we embarked on a short tour of an ancient site of Poliochni before going to lunch in a harbour-side cafe. When we arrived back at our hotel we were given time to reflect on our day in our journals before continuing our tour to a castle on a mountain side. Once on top of the mountain, we were all amazed at the view which showcased the beautiful countryside and vast horizon. Hungry and slightly wind-blown, we climbed down from the castle and walked to the Romeo restaurant where we awaited the arrival of the Lemnos mayor and numerous Lemnos officials before sitting down for another incredible traditional Greek dinner.
Maoinin Dooley-Heath

Day 3: Goodbye and thank you to Lemnos

Another day on the island of Lemnos.
Today we ventured off to Portianou Military Cemetery, Anzac Street, where we saw the grave of a Canadian nurse and her matron. After which we placed poppies amongst the graves of the fallen. Multiple epitaphs were extremely moving and heartbreaking. Maoinin, Shannan and Shashira read the confronting diary entries of nurses in Lemnos.
After which we headed off to the Folkloric Museum, an old Greek house converted into a museum.
Lunch was soon upon us with the extravagant Greek cuisine featuring mixed grill, zucchini chips and amazing traditional doughnuts.
We walked up to the Statue of Maroula at the harbour of Kotsinas with full stomachs and keen to visit the holy water. After this we decided to visit the thermal mineral pools used by the war nurses and soldiers to refresh themselves.
I and all the study tour group would be honoured to say a big ‘efharisto’ to the accommodating, kind hearted Lemnos locals and our outstanding tour guide, Bridgette Georgiadis.
Cameron Brinsmead

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