Still here (Cyprus)

The good news is that with effect from today (Wednesday, 13th May, 2009), we have broadband wireless internet connection. We are back in full time contact with the world.

Our last week has been busy, with Pat’s mother having arrived a week ago we have been enjoying ourselves as tour guides. We actually haven’t had much chance to sightsee previously, so having someone here to show around, has been interesting for us.

We have now also found out that our personal belongings are arriving early June. We do have everything that we need to exist on a day to day basis, but having our own stuff surrounding us, is something that we are looking forward to.

On a walk out on my own the other day, I finally established contact with the local Post Office; no mail for us, but at least we know for certain that it exists.

Today, we visited Eleouthkia Botanical park. I have to say the place was far more impressive than I anticipated. Not cheap at €10 per person (includes a free drink). Nonetheless we spent an interesting few hours looking at many different types of plants. The place seems fairly new, and we guess may further improve as things become more established.

In the evening we revisited Chloe’s in Kato Paphos and had another wonderful meal. Food and service both excellent.

Yesterday, we visited the Archaeological site by the harbour. We have been past it many times, but this was our first visit. Lots of interesting stuff, ancient ruins, floor mosaics, city walls etc. A very big site and one which we will I am sure revisit as we haven’t seen all of it yet.

Monday, we took a visit to the Troodos mountains. What a contrast in weather and temperature. On the way we hit 28°C, later at Troodos Square it was raining and went down to 10°C, on the way down we encountered heavier rain and then hailstones! If I ever want to see British weather all I have to do is drive to Troodos.

Pat’s Father spent some of his time in Cyprus at Troodos, so lots of going down memory lane.

A very pleasant drive, plenty to see, lots of mountainous scenery. We missed the turning back and ended up at Limassol and then drove back on the main road.

We also spent some time in Limassol, a few days ago. Another spot for going down memory lane, as I had spent a two week holiday here, in 1994, and we drove through the area, near the Four Seasons Hotel, where I had stayed. Pat and her family had lived in Limassol for a short while during her early teens.

The weather is gradually getting hotter and hotter. We try and have a swim, when we get a chance in the afternoon. The water isn’t hot, but once you get in it’s OK.

Thursday, 14th May, 2009

Have gradually been getting back in contact with people, now that we have internet access and will continue to do so.

Today we took a drive out to the Episkopi area and Happy Valley. Pat had been to school there, so more travelling down memory lane, especially with her Mum here as well.

We took a proper look at Kourion (Curium) today. Pat had performed in a couple of concerts as a girl. The place is in a fantastic location, on a hill overlooking the bay. Whoever, in millennium past thought of putting stuff up here, had a really good idea. The view is awesome.

The temperature on the car hit 30°C, today, so the hottest we have had it since we bought it last August. We had it for the end of summer in the UK, but in never stood a chance of getting up to that sort of heat, with the terrible summer we had last year.

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