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Published: September 26th 2009
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The 24th September, 2009 was one year on, from when our journey started.
What a wonderful year, with many and varied experiences. They say travel broadens the mind. I agreed with the sentiment before and even more so, now.
We had decided to celebrate the day, by having a day out and visiting the monastery at Kykkos.
Having looked at the map, we decided to go via Polis, not the most obvious route, but some of the roads in the mountains, we were not sure about.
We set off just after nine, and headed North to Polis. The drive was uneventful and we headed East from Polis in the direction of Pafos forest.
Our objectives, were to see Cedar valley, visit Kykkos monastery and find Archbishop Makarios’ tomb.
The area is mountainous and the road is up and down, with lots of following the contours of the mountains. Very little traffic and mainly Hire Cars with the red number plates, when there was some.
Cedar valley was pretty enough, we saw some Jay’s and took in the peace and quiet for a moment.
We came across the Moufflon enclosure. Moufflon are the local
Pafos forest
The elusive moufflon sheep and very shy normally. There is a fenced area and you can see them through the trees. So, for Pat and I this was actually first live sighting. Another box ticked.
Then on to Kykkos monastery. There is very little other than the forest in this entire area. The monastery has some shops and restaurants for the tourists, but nothing else.
We parked up and had some lunch, then into the monastery. I had to wear a wonderful purple robe, as I was wearing shorts.
All was very colourful and ornate. A museum is also attached to the monastery, and to be honest, one of the best I have seen on the island. The building itself, is marble floored and beautiful architecture.
We had some Baklava and sticky stuff before leaving.
Pat had seen the church bells, up the hillside and was interested to see them. It was a good job, we did as on the way up, I saw a sign for Throni, and remembered reading that this was where Makarios was buried. It’s amazing, but there are no signs telling you that this is where he is.
We followed the road
Pafos forest
Looking towards the North coast, Kyrenia is further round to the east/left up to the top and parked. There is building work going on at the moment, so you make your way around the rubble. In front of you is the 10 metre (33 feet) high bronze statue of Makarios, moved from Nicosia. Then up to a chapel on the very top of the mountain. Slightly below is the tomb, guarded by two Cypriot National guardsmen. One with earphones listening to music, whilst texting on his mobile. The other inside doing the respectful guarding bit.
You get to look from a short distance away, behind a rope, so don’t see the tomb itself close up. We didn’t stop long.
We then gradually drove back through the forested hillsides and made our way home. Arriving back about five o’clock.
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