2015 Gallipoli Ballot - 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings

[medhead]

I freaked out a little bit this afternoon when reading an SMS from VA that read "A place has been secured for you" on my (supposed to be already confirmed) return flights from Istanbul. Quick-ish phone and there was a 10 minute schedule change. Something for which I've received at least 5 notifications.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I freaked out a little bit this afternoon when reading an SMS from VA that read "A place has been secured for you" on my (supposed to be already confirmed) return flights from Istanbul. Quick-ish phone and there was a 10 minute schedule change. Something for which I've received at least 5 notifications.

It is annoying isn't it. I am having the same with Turkish Air - I have booked a number of domestic flights online and about 2 months ago started getting SMS and emails about a 10 minute schedule change. I eventually managed to find a toll free number that I could call and after a difficult conversation with both of struggling to understand the other's English I got them reconfirmed. My online booking now shows everything confirmed, but I am still getting emails and SMS!

 

[ellen10]

A work colleague who booked a Gallipoli Tour 5 years ago through the Historians at the Australian War Memorial. This was a very expensive tour and fully paid almost 2 years ago.
When the tour was first advertised they were under the impression that they would be guaranteed a position at Gallipoli for the 100th anniversary.
Oh course this was not so and they missed out on the ballot.

They now have received the advice that they can produce their documentation and may get a returned ballot ticket. They leave in 1 week and it quite stressful for them finalising work commitments, home securities etc as they are away for 2 months. She feels it is so late in the process to have this happen now. She also had friends that applied and were successful in the ballot and had no intention to go but did not turn in their allocation (I think it just lapsed?)

 

[amaroo]

It is annoying isn't it. I am having the same with Turkish Air - I have booked a number of domestic flights online and about 2 months ago started getting SMS and emails about a 10 minute schedule change. I eventually managed to find a toll free number that I could call and after a difficult conversation with both of struggling to understand the other's English I got them reconfirmed. My online booking now shows everything confirmed, but I am still getting emails and SMS!

Dealing with TK has been a PITA ... lets hope their onboard service is better.

 

[Groundhog]

No "luxury" at Gallipoli, for sure. We'll all be exposed to the elements overnight together ...

However, I think that once back 'in town', after all due respects have been paid, I don't see an issue with a five star stay ( for two nights ) ...

SWMBO has discovered the outlet stores for Mountain Designs and Paddy Pallin in Collingwood. She has been 3 times this week! We now have enough clothing to support a 3 month expedition to Everest If you forget your jumper come and see us, we should have a spare.

 

[Rick93]

Nice offer - thanks GROUNDHOG, but I hope to have all under control.

However, I will probably leave 'luggage, back-packs, appropriate temperature-related clothing, money belts, and-the-like' to the 'last minute' ...

... but I should get all the stuff we need. I don't think it'll be real expensive stuff though.

 

[Pushka]

SWMBO has discovered the outlet stores for Mountain Designs and Paddy Pallin in Collingwood. She has been 3 times this week! We now have enough clothing to support a 3 month expedition to Everest If you forget your jumper come and see us, we should have a spare.

Oh. Must plan a trip to Collingwood for Alaska next year.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Dealing with TK has been a PITA ... lets hope their onboard service is better.

We travelled TK domestic in 2009 Istanbul to Antalya return. Service was OK but a bit disinterested. The checking of boarding passes seemed to be vague. We managed to get 3 people on our plane who shouldn't have been on it and there was a lengthy delay, while they worked out what was going on and deplaned the wrong people . I would avoid the sparkling wine if travelling up the front

 

[Cynicor]

Anyone have recommendations for Airport to city transfers?

Not sure who to use, and a quick search shows a million companies.

 

[Atleastonce]

Well after many many months of planning, in about an hour we are off to the airport (BNE) to start our journey to Gallipoli. Today we will experience for the first time, Etihad J, including the A380 from AUH to LHR.

 

[amaroo]

Well after many many months of planning, in about an hour we are off to the airport (BNE) to start our journey to Gallipoli. Today we will experience for the first time, Etihad J, including the A380 from AUH to LHR.

Great day to be flying ... absolutely pi$$ing down here. Hope you cleaned the gutters as the forecast for Easter is wet, wet, wet. Safe travels!

 

[Atleastonce]

Great day to be flying ... absolutely pi$$ing down here. Hope you cleaned the gutters as the forecast for Easter is wet, wet, wet. Safe travels!

Yes, it took us 2 hours to get from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane airport. Not raining here now.

 

[ellen10]

Well after many many months of planning, in about an hour we are off to the airport (BNE) to start our journey to Gallipoli. Today we will experience for the first time, Etihad J, including the A380 from AUH to LHR.

Have a great trip! Enjoy J

 

[Gogo65]

Well after a few days up in Lapland we are currently in Schladming Austria for a little skiing before heading off to the lakes district for 5 days. Have been checking our thermals are keeping us warm enough, if we can be warm in the Arctic circle I'm sure we will be fine in Gallipoli!
Off to turkey on the 13/4, for two weeks, it's all starting to happen.
have a safe trip to Gallipoli everyone and see you there!!!

 

[ellen10]

Our friends got a late offer for the Gallipoli ballot, they are very excited.

 

[moa999]

With these late offers, QF may yet fill their special flight

 

[amaroo]

SWMBO has discovered the outlet stores for Mountain Designs and Paddy Pallin in Collingwood. She has been 3 times this week! We now have enough clothing to support a 3 month expedition to Everest If you forget your jumper come and see us, we should have a spare.

On the weekend I forced to admit it was time to retire my 23 year old Gore-Tex jacket - lovely jacket that has travelled the world with me Purchased a new one + pants - I'll be ready to weather the elements on the Peninsula!

 

[amaroo]

Getting into the mood - watched the Water Diviner last night.

[video=youtube;JL3WU3fMc1U]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL3WU3fMc1U[/video]

Pretty fair review IMO Russell Crowe's Water Diviner tries to question history, but misses the mark

 

[Pushka]

There was an interesting program last night on History channel about Muslim and Christian interaction focussing a lot on Istanbul.

 

[BNEFlyer]

My mum gave me Peter FitzSimons' Gallipoli book for Christmas, and I'm yet to read a word of it. I've got 4 days to get stuck in! I'm also going to try and watch Galliopoli on Stan before then too.