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After only 4 hours sleep, the first hour having been disturbed by the driver next to us was playing loud progressive Turkish music (it's deffo not the future), there was a knock on the door just as the alarm went off. OK, OK...but a knock again. A pyjama'd Cathy opened the door to be greeted by the friendly old man with eyes on stalks...
Whilst we had been asleep another ship had berthed & this was the one we were to board all along. Whilst our tickets said the 'Via Mare' they had been stamped with 'Valkan' – we didn't know it was ship's name. Old man told us to follow him behind his truck, which we did then another chap from the line showed us where to park up whilst Valkan unloaded. Sounds like Star Treck now...
Got on board – driver in the cab of a small truck next to us was swatting the air with his hat, so I grabbed the can of fly spray & passed it over. He opened his cab door & the buffoon let it go – he took some paint off Billy's wing. Very annoyed – but worse things have happened
at sea; oh, we were at sea...
Had a deep & meaningful conversation with the old man & he told us where he travels to; up & down Turkey, Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan. We posed for a photo & he, surprisingly, took one of us. He wanted to show us his cab, the door to which he had just opened. He then showed us his feet & ankles which were covered in flea bites.....oh dear, earlier I'd put my arm across his shoulders as a sign of appreciation. But he was helping us & it was appreciated.
Later he came over & showed us where the passenger lounge was for something to eat & hot coffee. I've seen better disused factories to be honest. We think the ferry is an old Caledonian ship or something & from the 50s I expect. A Health & Safety could have a field day on this ship...
Anyway, made up a bed again & got some more sleep.
Having got up, we walked to back of the deck & we could see the coast of Cyprus at last. Then the old man came again gesturing 'eat' so I went up &
had a surprisingly good lunch of spicy lentils, spicy okra in sauce, spicy pasta, yoghurt & bread – the latter 2 not spicy. I told Cathy how nice it was & she came & ate too. Our old man friend was being so helpful.
Time came to disembark – we said our goodbyes to our lovely, helpful friend. I said thank you, thank you very much (in Turkish) & shook & held his hand to show how much we appreciated his care. He held his hand across his heart, then put his two forefingers together, then linked them & said a few words, once of which was God ie Allah. Very, very touching....
Then came the part of the journey we thought would cause us grief – Customs at Girne (old Kyrenia) port – as taking a motorhome into the country is a very rare thing; in fact in all the years we've been coming to Cyprus we've only ever seen 3 & they were travelling together. However, they were smashing, probably thought we were daft, & we were all done & through in 20 minutes. Off to the apartment, stopping to get supplies. We had
lots of smiles, waves, sounding of horns, mouth open stares, the lot!
MADE IT - 3,560 MILES - MAGIC
The 3 main things that concern me when we arrive at the apartment apart from has there been an earthquake : 1. Did we leave enough money in the account to pay the electricity bills & therefore had the meter been taken out? 2. Is the water, pump & plumbing OK? 3. Do the appliances work?
1.Yes we did. 2. no it isn't. 3.Don't know yet, see 2
The electric was on so we hadn't gone overdrawn – obviously my forecasting skills from BAT are still current. The pump however had seized so we had no water. Off to our friendly yapi man who said my sons will take you home in the truck (after we'd picked up a pizza & pide for tea) fit a new pump & you'll be sorted within the hour, all for less than £90. And it was
But when they had left, I turned on all the water supply taps then checked all the taps & showers. The tap in the kitchen had seized, the flexi
hose supplying it sprang a leak & one of the toilet cisterns leaks too...but that could all wait until tomorrow...
Oh & the pigeon netting frame I made 3 years ago has broken in the winds & needs fixing – what did you do on holiday?
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Pam Morgan
non-member comment
Arrival!
Hi there, so pleased to see you've arrived safely. I've been asking Charlotte whereabouts you are etc but not read the blog which I am going to do now. When are you planning on setting off for Blighty? Hopefully not too soon as you'll need a good rest at the apartment to prepare for the long drive back and to get all your appliances working again!!! x