I'm at the airport hotel waiting for my flight back to the states. I've spent the past 30 days visiting New Zealand and Australia, and April 25 was ANZAC Day, possibly the most important national holiday had by both. ANZAC is an acronym for Australian New Zealand Army Corps, and April 15 commemorates the landing of forces at Gallipoli in 1915. A terrible loss for both countries, but the Turks against whom they were fighting so respected their foe that in later years, they built a memorial to them in Turkey! I would liken it to Memorial Day in the U.S., but even more highly observed.

This is a personal thank you to the people of Australia and New Zealand. Not once did I encounter an unfriendly or unhelpful person. I was frequently greeted in passing with a smile and a "G'day." The Maori of New Zealand and the First Nation peoples of Australia were every bit as gracious and welcoming. The two countries have a long-standing bond between them and the USA, and it showed everywhere I went. I was continuously struck by how similar we are, yet how different in so many ways. A terrific trip -- the longest I've taken since I was in college 50 years ago -- and one I highly recommend if you have one in mind.

Since this is a photo thread, and honors the people and the ANZACs, this is from the powerful and compelling exhibition hall at the Te Papa Museum of New Zealand in Auckland. One walks a timeline path of the campaign at Gallipoli, and several larger-than-life statues of real persons are presented. At the last one, near the exit, one can add a red poppy to the statue of the soldier can be laid. The rest of the museum is a hands-on delight, too.