Month: March 2019

A few things come to mind on a wet day on holiday:

– pleased we’re not camping (really pleased)

– pleased that Patrick (local permanent resident) was able to explain how to turn the air conditioner into a heater

– Netflix helps

– lunch

Patrick had told us about a local “5 star” hotel that does a buffet brunch for £10 (including drinks).

Rather a nice way to while away a couple of hours.

And to read in our house:

Managed to just about dodge the heavy showers:

And to think back to sunny days just gone and look forward hopefully:

Decided to have a trip out to “the pointy bit”.

Fantastic scenery but should have taken more literal notice when the guide book said it was a bit like the Gower Peninsula.

We agree!

But met Mesul who owns the Blue Sea hotel. He caught the fish then grilled it:

Then on to what we understand to be something like a Greek Orthodox equivalent of Lourdes – certainly plenty of coaches.

And met by the welcoming committee in the car park.

Didn’t bother with the beach:

But gather the weather is lovely back home!

Beautiful morning, so chilled on the terrace – as per previous days.

We’re getting the hang of the place. I mentioned before about the massive over development, and the thousands of houses only half built. A bit like this:

Anyway, hauled ourselves out in the afternoon up to the mountains.

Frescos not quite 1,000 years old:

And then Kyrenia again for a mooch and dinner.

You can see it’s getting greyer. Forecast for next few days is “inclement ” so probably more exploration coming up.

As per usual, we’re beginning to settle into some sort of holiday rhythm – especially coffee on the terrace looking over the Med.

But today we came up with a plan – part of it worked and part didn’t!

Salamis – the remains of an enormous ancient city still being discovered.

And quick Q – any ideas what this room was?

Yup – communal loo for up to 44 people.

So that all was great – although note what’s coming.

Actually we dodged it but the plan was to go to Famagusta, have a decent lunch and walk around the old town. But we took against the prices (which would have been stupidly cheap in America but were about 3x what they should be here). Curtailed sightseeing – although did spot the cathedral with a minaret.

Pleased to be back.

Just chilling. Morning walk took me upwards today – glorious.

Didn’t then get going until we ventured out to Bellapais in the afternoon.

Challenging to find – surprising given its size and importance.

Then treated ourselves to a posh dinner.

We were pretty tired last night, and hadn’t a clue where we were.

So contemplated the view from the terrace over our morning coffee.

And also read on the news that about 10 minutes after we had taken off yesterday the Terminal was evacuated for a fire alarm. That made us feel a bit better as well.

So there is the obligatory coast walk – love the contrast of the colour of the sea and the flowers.

A few very minor issues – door lock sticking, no grocery shops nearby, getting a bit lost getting to Kyrenia – I don’t think either of us are particularly good at dealing with these sort of minor hiccups!

But found Kyrenia which was gorgeous.

And yes, that is indeed a lunchtime G&T!

Sunset walk – why wouldn’t you???

Although we’re beginning to notice that large number of half built houses – looks like there was a boom along this coast a few years ago, and some parts of it really are looking like bust now.

Off again – Cyprus, but the Turkish part in the North.

You know it’s going to be a bad day when this is the scene at Luton Airport:

And it was. 2 hours to check bags in because system was down and there was only one woman doing it.

Probably not as many as were on the demo yesterday, but the demo was much more fun, and very gentile.

But no one had told the departure gate staff so people were getting on the plane. We cottoned on to the fact that you had to confirm your luggage before you boarded, and could see from the pile of cases there were plenty more to come.

Rubbish service on plane, and the guy in front was sick all over the floor!

But arrived in the dark, so no idea what the place looks like outside.