So up bright and early. Even Emily was up without prompting and at 0630 it was off to Terminal 5, London Heathrow by taxi ordered via our local minicab service . A £27 run compared to the £56 a black cab cost me to get home on Saturday evening when I returned from Boston.
No queues at check in- thank goodness and dear friend Chris Plastow had moved my seat so I could at least sit next to Emily. We had been allocated apart as we were on different bookings. Only economy as I was paying but Emily did get the first time experience of the 'Business Class' Lounge which I am able to get into as I have silver status membership card. This is awarded if you make a certain number of flights during a year and lasts for 12 months. It means you can fast track queues when checking in, use the lounges and have your bags come off as priority at the luggage carousel. This one does not always work! All of this is only if I am flying with British Airways and the added advantage is I can take in a guest if flying with me.
Emily was most impressed and soon tucking into bacon rolls, using the internet and taking pictures to send to friends. She even had a Southern Comfort and Coke just so she could say I had a free alcoholic drink. Shame there was no champagne as I might have joined her. I am lucky to have been in many Business Class lounges over the last 10 years and continue to be amazed how many people are flying at the 'higher paid' seats. Flying Business is lovely but I would never do it on 'my money' - you get to the same place, only the ride is different. However looking around the lounges - lots of people do.
4.5 hours later we arrived in Larnaca, were quickly through immigration, where they hardly look at your passport, had collected cases, not the first off but not bad and had met Lillian. All within 20 minutes of landing. Oh to do that on one US trip where a stand in immigration queues of one hour is fairly the norm.
Emily seemed suitably impressed with our new home and was soon whizzing up and down the pool and completing 30 lengths without trouble. She swims just like Lillian with nice style and graceful ease. She actually looks faster than Lillian and clearly does not take after me who struggled to complete 10 and was puffing and blowing at the end. 10 days off and I am tired and will need to build up again.
A walk into the village and eat at Soutzos, the very traditional taverna and then back to sit in the hot tub looking at the stars. Its nice to be back.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday 29th August
August Bank Holiday Monday - the last holiday of the summer in UK which for many signifies the end of the summer. Children will go back to school soon, work starts again for many and the stories of their two week holiday away will soon fade as will the suntan. For many the next break to look forward to is the Xmas period which I have never considered very much to be a holiday although nice to see family.
But Lillian and I have sunshine to look forward to, certainly until the end of November, after which we are told its not so hot, although still nice. I can't wait to be back 'home' tomorrow. Booked in on-line, case is packed and taxi booked for a 0630 pick up. Well one small bag and I am ready. can't say the same for Emily who is coming with me for two weeks of sun lounging. I expect she will appear from her night out raving and get ready at some stage.
The week away in Boston was very busy, so much so I didn't actually get done the work that I went there to do! The week before a new school year is always a busy time, but for this school it was fairly manic. The induction programme had been booked with far too many sessions for the teachers and they were getting overloaded before the school year had even started. If this was not bad enough, the school computer network was being completely overhauled and as a consequence teachers were without laptops which all needed re-configuring. As ever that does not always go smoothly and I spent a lot of time helping to troubleshoot various problems. Two days were spent training on Engage and generally supporting office staff.
Boston is a lovely city with a great mix of old and new. As the weather was warm with blue skies it was 'eating out time' so many of the restaurants have tables outside. I ate with Ann McPhee and other colleagues most nights and we tried a full range of places with the highlight being 'Abe and Louie's' on the last night. The steak there is probably the best I have ever had and that includes the wagyu beef, that I had fairly frequently in Dubai when being wined and dined by Chairman Sunny Varkey.
Boston was preparing for the onslaught of hurricane Irene and I was lucky to get away on the BA flight which left at 0850 on the Saturday morning, whereas colleague Stephen Cox was not so lucky and was stuck as his flight back to Doha was schedule to go via New York
But Lillian and I have sunshine to look forward to, certainly until the end of November, after which we are told its not so hot, although still nice. I can't wait to be back 'home' tomorrow. Booked in on-line, case is packed and taxi booked for a 0630 pick up. Well one small bag and I am ready. can't say the same for Emily who is coming with me for two weeks of sun lounging. I expect she will appear from her night out raving and get ready at some stage.
 |
| Boston Common in the sunshine |
Boston is a lovely city with a great mix of old and new. As the weather was warm with blue skies it was 'eating out time' so many of the restaurants have tables outside. I ate with Ann McPhee and other colleagues most nights and we tried a full range of places with the highlight being 'Abe and Louie's' on the last night. The steak there is probably the best I have ever had and that includes the wagyu beef, that I had fairly frequently in Dubai when being wined and dined by Chairman Sunny Varkey.
Boston was preparing for the onslaught of hurricane Irene and I was lucky to get away on the BA flight which left at 0850 on the Saturday morning, whereas colleague Stephen Cox was not so lucky and was stuck as his flight back to Doha was schedule to go via New York
Friday, August 19, 2011
Friday 19th August
A sad day as I need to go to work!!!! I fly from Larnaca to London at 1540 today and tomorrow, Saturday to Boston for one week, although not returning to Larnaca until Tuesday 30th August with Emily.
I feel very bad that Lillian will be here for 10 days by herself. We were sure friends or family would join and the flights are expensive due to peak August holiday times. Lillian is very resilient and I know that I will come back to find lots of things done, arranged etc but I also know when traveling - its not much fun being by yourself for long periods of time.
Whilst sitting at the side of the pool after just 10 lengths reflecting on our new world much to our surprise a delivery van arrives ...... Cyprus Luxury Furniture with the rest of our order and even more of a surprise the dresser unit which we tried to cancel as it would not fit the space is 20 cms shorter than they said ....... and fits near the dining table just as it should. It is all coming together!
So will be signing off from my daily diary until my return to Pervolia on 30th August with perhaps a couple of stories to tell from Boston, MA. Let the sun stay shining whilst I am away.
I feel very bad that Lillian will be here for 10 days by herself. We were sure friends or family would join and the flights are expensive due to peak August holiday times. Lillian is very resilient and I know that I will come back to find lots of things done, arranged etc but I also know when traveling - its not much fun being by yourself for long periods of time.
Whilst sitting at the side of the pool after just 10 lengths reflecting on our new world much to our surprise a delivery van arrives ...... Cyprus Luxury Furniture with the rest of our order and even more of a surprise the dresser unit which we tried to cancel as it would not fit the space is 20 cms shorter than they said ....... and fits near the dining table just as it should. It is all coming together!
So will be signing off from my daily diary until my return to Pervolia on 30th August with perhaps a couple of stories to tell from Boston, MA. Let the sun stay shining whilst I am away.
Thursday 18th August
Early morning here is lovely. The winds of the night before are always gone and the air is still and calm. After a restless night, despite our first dip in the relaxing spa, I awoke to find that Lillian was already up and sitting outside on the swing enjoying the morning air. I joined her for coffee. We did not speak much just sat enjoying being together and taking in the surrounds.
A phone call confirmed that yes our shipment of 15 boxes had arrived and would be delivered no earlier than 1230 today and probably mid-afternoon. Apart from the televisions, most of the boxes will contain things that will make our house a home. Little things such as our shell collection from our many walks on various beaches and of course our picture collection, although we do not have a lot of wall space. We will also become a 3 TV family for the first time ever having one in the bedroom, lounge and the downstairs room which we will actually set up as a TV Room cum study.
Thinking we had plenty of time we set off to drive along the coastal road to Zygi to visit a garden centre as Lillian is wanting to buy one more bougainvillea plant, however half way there we get a call to say the delivery will be arriving in 10 minutes - we were 15 away from home! A quick turn round and hasty drive back meant we arrived with only a couple of minutes to spare. After I had helped unload we immediately set about unpacking which was very exciting.
After a swim in the pool
as it was hot work and of course a sit in the tub, it was time to go 'skip hunting' to dump some of the boxes and wrapping. There are often skips at roadsides here and we felt guilty 'fly tipping' but at least we broke the boxes up! There was too much cardboard for one go and will need a second ride out tomorrow. With the TV set-up, although not to an aerial, we sttled in our lounge to watch a DVD, casino starring Robert DeNiro. It was OK, as was the pizza and bed, tired but happy.
A phone call confirmed that yes our shipment of 15 boxes had arrived and would be delivered no earlier than 1230 today and probably mid-afternoon. Apart from the televisions, most of the boxes will contain things that will make our house a home. Little things such as our shell collection from our many walks on various beaches and of course our picture collection, although we do not have a lot of wall space. We will also become a 3 TV family for the first time ever having one in the bedroom, lounge and the downstairs room which we will actually set up as a TV Room cum study.
Thinking we had plenty of time we set off to drive along the coastal road to Zygi to visit a garden centre as Lillian is wanting to buy one more bougainvillea plant, however half way there we get a call to say the delivery will be arriving in 10 minutes - we were 15 away from home! A quick turn round and hasty drive back meant we arrived with only a couple of minutes to spare. After I had helped unload we immediately set about unpacking which was very exciting.
After a swim in the pool
as it was hot work and of course a sit in the tub, it was time to go 'skip hunting' to dump some of the boxes and wrapping. There are often skips at roadsides here and we felt guilty 'fly tipping' but at least we broke the boxes up! There was too much cardboard for one go and will need a second ride out tomorrow. With the TV set-up, although not to an aerial, we sttled in our lounge to watch a DVD, casino starring Robert DeNiro. It was OK, as was the pizza and bed, tired but happy.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday 16th August
Well the 'Hot tub' man did arrive - eventually almost two hours after his scheduled time, however he made up for it with an hour instruction session on how to check the ph and bromine levels, set temperatures, use the jets etc. As the sun is so warm we left the top off for the day ready to try in the evening.
A trip into Larnaca to get the printing done at last and a visit to Starbucks to play on their internet. A walk along the front and on to the small pier. Really do like it. The beach was not as busy as Ayia Napa.
Dinner out for the evening at a beach bar in Meneou where we sat chatting to a young Cypriot guy who left Cyprus at age of 8 to live in London and had returned recently and then home for our first 'dip' in the hot tub under the stars with a glass of 'bubbly' to go with it. Heaven.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday 16th August
Although I am not 'officially retired' and still log-in to the computer a couple of times a day to sort things for the US schools of WCL I am wondering if this is what retirement becomes? You do very similar things each day but it is the order that you do them in that changes. With the lovely weather here it is easy to get into that scenario. 24C is the early morn temp according to my very cheap weather station that I have bought rising to the 34C early afternoon.
So with routines and patterns already set its the early morning bike ride, well not too early setting off a 10 o'clock.
This time is fine for me but after a few turns of the wheel Lillian was saying 'Its hot today'. Along the cycle track up to Faros lighthouse and then downhill along the coast towards Meneou. Sometimes we ride only a few meters from the water. Inland across the fields and then back to the coast to get back home in just about an hour. How many calories was that?
Back home time for my first real 'strop' of our time here. I was so angry and was typically me getting angry with things I can't control. The wretched Mesh computer has gone wrong again with the dreaded 'black screen' - its on but the screen is black. I will need to take it back to the UK. This is the third time but of course is now out of guarantee. At over £1000 I am less than pleased and it has proved to be a real bad buy. I am more miffed that as lillian will e by herself for 10 days whilst I am away she will not be able to practice her Greek using the Roseta Stone which needs to operate via CD. I think I will by another one when in the States next week and be done with it.
A shopping trip to Lidl and Carrefour in Larnaca and to get the printing done for home - guess what? The only internet cafe in Larnaca is closed between 13-1600. They like their afternoon siesta here.
Once back its unpack, swim in the pool. Yes 20 lengths again and then fill the hot tub
as the guy should arrive in the morning to commission it. Lets hope he really does come and we are sitting in it under the stars tomorrow night We have found this is not always the case here, especially with Quality Group people who say they are coming and never do and as for Cyprus Luxury Furniture. Yes we will deliver by Friday, today is Wednesday and not a word. We will not be recommending them to anyone and once our order is complete I will be saying so on the various Cyprus Ex Pat forums.
A lovely day, except for the computer, finished even worse with Ipswich losing 2-5 at home, their third successive home loss in a week. Its going to be another long painful season.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday 15th August
A day of rest as its a National Holiday in Cyprus. Assumption Day - ashamedly I had to look up the complete meaning for the day on Wikipedia. I was right in what I had thought but needed the confirmation.
With it being a holiday we had expected the 'holiday home' Cypriots from Houses 4 and 13 to be here with lots of children in the pool but once again we are 'Home Alone' with nobody else at Perivolia Residences. Note the extra 'i after the r' in Perivolia. It is most confusing as on the same road you can see signs printed with it and without. On maps some have and some do not. So with the swimming pool clear it was length time and we both managed our 20 lengths. 20 lengths sounds a lot but as the pool is 15m long its really not far and with a touch of the wall at each end to turn round its getting slightly easier. Sadly as my weight has only reduced for all of this endeavour by 1.4 Kg I can't be using that many calories ....... perhaps if I drink less beer in the evening. Cold beer and warm climates go so nicely together.
With Emily coming in just a couple of weeks we drove along the coast to Agia Napa to 'check it out'. Emily has a couple of friends who will be there on holiday when she is with us so we are sure she will want to visit. Agia Napa is really a pretty, small village / town with a nice harbour which has a range of boats including the many tourist trip type. A visit to the ghost town of Farmugusta, the Yellow Submarine or a ride on the 'Black Pearl' which is converted into a motorised pirate ship complete with its own Jack Sparrow. Clearly aimed at young people, those we saw disembarking seemed to be having a good time and joining into the 'spirit of things'. By the look of a couple there must have been plenty of 'spirit' available on board.
At Lillian's idea we walked along the sandy beach at the waters edge, the only one's wearing much clothing! It was packed sunbed to sunbed with some great sun tans on show but also some very red and sore bodies that must have belonged to the 'just arrived'. The sea was very clear and many were swimming and playing in the water. We dodged tennis bat games as we walked about 15 minutes each way. Not long but the sand here is yellow / white compared with the grey of Faros beach where we a
re. This really is a 'young people' place and for all of the time walking the beach we only saw a couple of children. No families. Were we the oldest people on the beach I thought. Must have been close.
A beer by the harbour and drive home via the A3 quick road. Whilst around the harbour Agia Napa retains a 'fishing port' look and feel but the main street leading to the hotels is full of pubs, bars and eating places to which we assume the 'young and fun set' flock at night giving the town its tourist reputation. I don't think we will visit at night but as a trip out it was nice. We stopped the car quickly at Faros beach on the way home for Lillian to collect 7 more flat stones for her path she is making from the pool gate to the back door. 3 steps done and looks like 7 to go. Each step, arranged as a square has 11 stones. All very technical.
Eat out night at the fish taverna we went to last week, although I did not have fish. Pork chop which was huge and very nice. Service is really not very good there with a young local girl of about 18 running the bar and taking food orders. She looks fairly disinterested and disorganised returning to tables with a glass and then going back to collect some sauce or whatever. Still we have plenty of time so its not a problem. Less wind tonight so a very slow walk back home. It is good to enter Perivolia residences and see the pool lit up at night. It changes every 20 minutes or so lighting the surrounds and the water in turn.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday 14th August
Another day of rest LOL. We will have been back here for two weeks come tomorrow. Two weeks – I can’t remember having a two week holiday in the last ten years and I have not been bored for one minute. It is so good to be here in this lovely house doing …….. not a lot. We have worked hard to be here and now it is turning out to be all that we dreamed. Full English Breakfast from our nearest small café cum tavern cum restaurant approximately 400 yards to walk. The breakfast is excellent but our real reason for going is that they have free internet access so we were able to download the Sunday Times for reading throughout the next week onto the iPad. They are such great things.
Back home I could not resist the sports pages and no matter how many times I read it the result does not change Ipswich 0 Hull City 1. Urrrghh! After lazing around in doors it was time for the same outdoors with some lilo lounging and a few lengths up and down. My completion of 20 yesterday was but a shade of my former self as I gave up today after 14 as I was getting a bit of a pain in my chest. Lillian came out and put me thoroughly to shame with a brisk 30!
A short but brisk bike ride to Kite Beach.The surfers really are amazing and such entertainment when they head for the beach and then jump, swivel their hips and head out to sea again. One guy is a superstar and really plays to the crowd and shows off his skill brilliantly.
I tried to take some pictures but as I only have the camera on the blackberry having dropped our camera in Boston sending the lens flying, they could not capture the moment – but hey Lillian looks nice. She is working on her brown back so she is ahead of the game when Emily arrives on 30th August. (Hope the sun will still be shining!)
Evening Meal on the patio. Every night the breeze gets up and blows inland from the sea. After the really strong winds of a couple of days ago this was really very pleasant. Red sky at night ............ Sunshine tomorrow?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Saturday 13th August
Even at the weekend my day starts with my my task of making Lillian coffee to help her awaken to the world. LOL No peace for the wicked so they say. After our disturbed sleep from the alarm at House Number 03 coffee was much called for.
Bike ride today following the coastal route past what we refer to as Kite Beach as it is there that the wind and kite surfers gather each evening to perform. It is a lovely route cycling close to the sea, although the track is very bumpy for the backside! I must take a camera for some pictures as it really is worth sharing.
Once back we pottered about before having a skype call with Mum in Clacton. Great invention skype as I could hear loud and clear, although not sharing video because of the high cost of data via the dongle. Glad she is feeling better and sounded OK. A quick trip into the village to go to internet cafe a we need to have some printing done to send a document home about the sale of Emily's Cantebury house. Unfortunately the printer there was not working so it means a trip into Larnaca on Monday.
Afternoon of lazing and swimming in the pool. I managed 20 lengths and then four more after a rest. Real pleased with myself as 4 was as much as I could do only 12 days ago. A walk into the village for what I think will become a tradition for Saturday football viewing. The Cottager pub was quite busy with Wales v England rugby, Liverpool v Sunderalnd and Fulham v Villa games showing on the 3 big screens. Ipswich losing put a damper on things after the great start from last week but we started chatting with a couple Trevor and Rose, about our age who have been in Cyprus 5 years. We left the pub with them and shared table at Pyrgos restaurant to eat, drink and continued chatting. It was a nice evening.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday 12th August
Not much happening today except being lazy ...... two visits to the pool (Lengths done - even more than Lillian who spent more time book reading) and a long beach wlak in the evning to collect stones for the garden.
Lillian is doing a great job making a footpath from the pool gate to the back door with flat stones to match the other pathway. She also spent a couple of hours tending the plant and together we weeded and sorted the 'comunual area' which was becoming overgrown. We have time.
It was extremely windy today and the wind broke the string I had fixed to keep the bougainvillea upright. An evening meal on the patio but as it was so windy we went upstairs and watched a video whilst sitting in bed. Sleep by 1030 only to be woken at 0230 by the alarm ringing on House number 3 which is empty. There was no sign of a cause but as it rang for 20 minutes it was some time before we could go back to sleep.
Lillian is doing a great job making a footpath from the pool gate to the back door with flat stones to match the other pathway. She also spent a couple of hours tending the plant and together we weeded and sorted the 'comunual area' which was becoming overgrown. We have time.
It was extremely windy today and the wind broke the string I had fixed to keep the bougainvillea upright. An evening meal on the patio but as it was so windy we went upstairs and watched a video whilst sitting in bed. Sleep by 1030 only to be woken at 0230 by the alarm ringing on House number 3 which is empty. There was no sign of a cause but as it rang for 20 minutes it was some time before we could go back to sleep.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Thursday 11th August
Shock horror - we awoke to a grey sky with 90% cloud cover. This was not in the forecast, however by the time we had coffee and got ourselves organised the clouds had gone and blue skies resumed.
Early morning bike ride lasting an hour with yet another new route. Up to Faros lighthouse and then along the cliff top coastal track to Meneou, inland across the fields to the village and home. A great start to the day.
Today we received our first visitors. Wendy and Martin Dacre who we have visited a number of times on our visits here. Wendy was my secretary when I first went to Dubai and we have been friends ever since. After time in the house and hatting we went for lunch at Santenous, the most popular of the many restaurants in Pervolia. It has a great location on the cross-roads of the village opposite the church. Food was excellent, beer and wine good and we passed three hours in no time at all. Back to the house for tea, more drink and they left to make the journey home following our directions so they could take the coastal road. felt good us directing them as they have been so helpful to us mainly in encouragement that we will love life here.
Swim in the pool - I am getting better and as we were still stuffed from lunch a glass of wine, sit on patio and early bed.
Early morning bike ride lasting an hour with yet another new route. Up to Faros lighthouse and then along the cliff top coastal track to Meneou, inland across the fields to the village and home. A great start to the day.
Today we received our first visitors. Wendy and Martin Dacre who we have visited a number of times on our visits here. Wendy was my secretary when I first went to Dubai and we have been friends ever since. After time in the house and hatting we went for lunch at Santenous, the most popular of the many restaurants in Pervolia. It has a great location on the cross-roads of the village opposite the church. Food was excellent, beer and wine good and we passed three hours in no time at all. Back to the house for tea, more drink and they left to make the journey home following our directions so they could take the coastal road. felt good us directing them as they have been so helpful to us mainly in encouragement that we will love life here.
Swim in the pool - I am getting better and as we were still stuffed from lunch a glass of wine, sit on patio and early bed.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday 10th August
Another day of blue skies but with it temperatures reaching 42C according to the car 'outside temp' reading. The morning was spent with me on the internet doing some 'work' and Lillian on the phone to Quality Group tackling them with the 'outstanding issues'. We still wait somebody to re-plaster the large whole in the downstairs study / bedroom where the air conditioning unit was moved as we could not open the cupboard where it was positioned. Where are the bins? The letterbox? The bell does not work. When will there be equipment in the gym? What about the access road that needs making up? Lillian is so good with her approach on the phone especially with her bit of Greek compared with me who gets frustrated and then stroppy!
So once sorted we decided to drive to Lefkosia (Nicosia). I love the new car, sitting higher than a normal saloon car it seems to glide along. The gear change is great and although acceleration is a bit sluggish as a 1.6 engine for a big car if you move through the gears quickly with your foot down it goes OK. It was a nice trip but for the second week running we forgot about early closing on a Wednesday. We wandered the streets through the traditional market area and went to the border crossing which had changed from the last time we had visited on our first trip to Cyprus when there was a soldier complete with gun on duty. Today there is just a box where you show passport and then wander through. Something to do in the future. So having left Lefkosia we went to the shopping mall 'Mall of Cyprus' on the outskirts of the town. This was certainly not a mall of the sizes we have become used to in Dubai and Doha. Two floors, very small with a food court where we had our first Cyprus MacDonalds! easy drive back.
If we count wandering the streets of Lefkosia in temps of 42C our first exercise the cool of the pool was our second with lengths completed and a laze on the lilo. We need to get another one as I'm not too good at this sharing lark. Once lilo lounging was finished is was move to the new swing to dry off and watch the sun go down.
We had decided to eat in tonight so as Lillian was preparing dinner all of the power went off. This was the first power cut we had experienced, which are still hitting all of Cyprus following the explosion last month. So by candlelight we sat on the patio, drinking gin and tonic and eating crisps for our evening meal. After star gazing ........ bed. We are very happy with this life style!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday 9th August
Another bright, sunny day with blue skies started with an hour bike ride with Lillian leading the way through the village, across the fields to the coast road. We really are getting the hang of this and now can ride at a quicker pace. We estimated that we cycled 10Km this morning.
Back at home breakfast, a swim in the pool and a laze on our new garden swing. This is such a hard life.
After a couple of hours WCL work on the internet connecting via an exoensive dongle an afternoon car ride to Zygi with a stop over at Alaminos Bay. Lillian is pictured here. Very secluded with a small bar. The car ride is possibly our favourite that we have found so far.
Back home for another swim (lengths completed) and a movie under the stars, watching 'Sentinel' starring Michael Douglas. Quite a good film.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday 8th August
The day of arrivals that make our new house more of a home. New patio set - table and six chairs, a very posy swing for the garden that converts into a sun bed and a 3-2-1 white leather sofa set. We were very disappointed when the 2 seater sofa was damaged on unwrapping and would have to be returned. Imagine this in the UK ....."It will be another two weeks sir" ..... but not here, tele call and back to the wharehouse and withing the hour back with the new. Nice one Kleima.
Looking forward now to the arrival of our 15 boxes from UK, some of which have not been unpacked since they were sent from Qatar to London so it will be 'like Christmas' not knowing what is in the box. It will be good to get the pictures for the walls etc.
The morning was shopping trip into Larnaca with such exciting purchases as a wok, a trowel, showerhead (Lillian doesn't like the one we have) and of course some food and wine.
Afternoon in the pool with lengths duly done although Lillian extended hers which nearly killed me as I have to in my mind complete at least 50% of hers! And an evening walk into the village for a beer and an Indian Meal at 'Coast of India'. It really was very good.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday 7th August 2011
Blue skies, nothing but blue skies. Sunday a day of rest LOL
We have agreed that each day we would try to have a go at two out of three activities on our fitness campaign. Walk, ride and swim being the three until the gym is operational. So it was bikes first thing in the morning and a lovely ride it was too. We found a gravel track leading to the beach and rode for about forty minutes only 10 m from the sea. Certainly a path for the locals as we met a number who had large 4x4 cars who had driven across the fields for secluded spots. Some had camped the night in small tents. The sea was calm and blue and when we had gone what we thought was far enough, not knowing where the track would take us, we sat and threw stones and just talked about how lucky we are to be here and what we have achieved. Lovely. We took an inland route back cutting across a field and then the coastal road that we have driven a number of times in a car. Although the road is 'in the middle' of nowhere so to speak going to Zygi it surprisingly has a bike path. Just as well as it had been 80 minutes by the time we got back to Pervolia residences and I was knackered!
Our new neighbours had a 'house warming' for family and friends which we kept clear from as the pool was full of children between the ages of 3-16ish. So later it was a beach walk for activity two. Lillian collecting white flat stones to make a pathway across our garden gravel. They look good.
The evening was a unique experience. A movie under the stars as I set the laptop on the table and we watched a DVD starring Sandra bullock. Rubbish film 'Searching for Steve' or similar but nice nevertheless. Bed at 2200 our earliest night.
Great day
We have agreed that each day we would try to have a go at two out of three activities on our fitness campaign. Walk, ride and swim being the three until the gym is operational. So it was bikes first thing in the morning and a lovely ride it was too. We found a gravel track leading to the beach and rode for about forty minutes only 10 m from the sea. Certainly a path for the locals as we met a number who had large 4x4 cars who had driven across the fields for secluded spots. Some had camped the night in small tents. The sea was calm and blue and when we had gone what we thought was far enough, not knowing where the track would take us, we sat and threw stones and just talked about how lucky we are to be here and what we have achieved. Lovely. We took an inland route back cutting across a field and then the coastal road that we have driven a number of times in a car. Although the road is 'in the middle' of nowhere so to speak going to Zygi it surprisingly has a bike path. Just as well as it had been 80 minutes by the time we got back to Pervolia residences and I was knackered!
Our new neighbours had a 'house warming' for family and friends which we kept clear from as the pool was full of children between the ages of 3-16ish. So later it was a beach walk for activity two. Lillian collecting white flat stones to make a pathway across our garden gravel. They look good.
The evening was a unique experience. A movie under the stars as I set the laptop on the table and we watched a DVD starring Sandra bullock. Rubbish film 'Searching for Steve' or similar but nice nevertheless. Bed at 2200 our earliest night.
Great day
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Saturday 6th August
On the road by 830 bike riding inland across fields although finishing at the coast at Faros beach then heading back into Pervolia village. Truly lovely - we are getting more steady and are starting to get the hang of changing gear without wobbling all over the place.
Lilo lounging ...... I'm good at that although have lost the technique of spreading suntan evenly and now have some red bits. LOL
1700 hours and start of the football season following Ipswich. Went to The Cottager pub where I followed the scores via a mixture of BB and Sky Sports. A 3-0 win, what a start to the season. The Pervolia Golf Sciety had been on an awayday to Secret Valley Golf Club and were back in the bar presenting their prizes for the day. We will bring our clubs back and join them as they meet once a month.
A lovely evening meal in the square. It was great watching the world pass by. Good food, good value and walk back to the house wondering about so many stars in the sky.
A perfect day.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday 5th August
An early morning beach walk was just lovely. It is only five minutes to the water and our new open beach sandles are great for walking in the surf. This was followed by shopping trip to Kleima in Arridipou that was just to browse ended up with three major purchases. A table and six chairs for the patio. A garden swing that converts into a sun bed and a 3-2-1 white leather sofa set which seemed very comfortable and just the right size that we wanted. To be delivered on Monday.
A laze in the pool (although of course completing our lengths – I am currently running at 50% of the number Lillian does without stopping!) and then an evening on the patio. Lillian spent time trimming the fast growing ficus bushes and spraying the hibiscus plants which are being attacked by ‘white fly’!
A guy came to cut away the cables which were for a non commissioned cooling unit. Pleased about this as they were sticking our the back of the hot tub.
A laze in the pool (although of course completing our lengths – I am currently running at 50% of the number Lillian does without stopping!) and then an evening on the patio. Lillian spent time trimming the fast growing ficus bushes and spraying the hibiscus plants which are being attacked by ‘white fly’!
A guy came to cut away the cables which were for a non commissioned cooling unit. Pleased about this as they were sticking our the back of the hot tub.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Here at Last
Monday 1st August
Back to Cyprus via BA 662 from London Heathrow to Larnaca. Thank goodness we are able to carry two suitcases each only one of which is full of clothes – the remainder household items from bedding to our bedside rug purchased in Dubai.
Car hire via Auto Direct was efficient and it was ‘home’ to see how the garden has settled. It looks great with only one plant not taken at this stage. Many are showing good growth much to Lillian’s delight although it looks as if the hibiscus have an attack of the white fly. They need a squirt of something quick!
A quick trip to Carrefour for basic supplies – local beer Keo and Athrodite wine. Oh and some bread and milk and a sit on the patio in the warm summer breeze.
Tuesday 2nd August
Exciting day. After a couple of phone calls to confirm our insurance it was off to Nissan to collect our new car. A white Qashqai. It looks great and drives very well. Purchased with visitors in mind as it will easily seat 5 adults and has a huge boot for cases. Took the hire car back although a bit miffed they would not return one day payment for early return. I had ordered for two days as I thought the Qashqai might not be ready.
Our first swim in the pool today which is lovely and warm, just like Dubai, although like Dubai it will be cold in the winter as it is not heated. Lillian was even brave enough to swim in the sea when we went for early morning walk to the beach. I watched! This could be the start of a fitness campaign as we have made a promise to swim each day and try to improve on the number of lengths without stopping. I am not confessing numbers as Lillian is such a better swimmer than I.
A trip into Larnaca to check email at Starbucks and a visit to Cyta. There is still no news of the installation of cables to our ‘new development’ as Quality Group need to do some electrical work. However found out about a ‘dongle’ which although expensive at €32 a month for 3GB download this is a must to be able to keep in touch with US schools re Engage. As with Dubai lots of paperwork needed to sign a contract which we did not have so must return.
Drinks on the patio playing ‘Beat the intro’ with tunes form our ipad. Being as all of the songs are ours we were not very good!
Wed 3rd August.
Up early this morning. 0615 – hard to believe we could be so early. The sun was already shining in clear blue skies. A walk followed by a swim in the pool – the ‘keep fit campaign’ continues but not at a pace. My swimming is very leisurely.
Lillian also got chatting with new neighbours from house number 5 – they have invited us for coffee tomorrow.
A wasted trip into Larnaca – its closed on a Wednesday afternoon. I do mean closed – everything including the Cyta office so no internet dongle. Fortunately the bars along Pine Tree Avenue( This is the main beach street) are always open so time for a beer.
Walk in the evening to the local fish taverna (about 15 minutes) for a very enjoyable meal of locally caught fish. Red Mullet and ???? very nice whatever it was washed down with Keo and wine.
Thursday 4th August
An early start into Larnaca and the Cyta office. Success and we now have internet access be it a costly method.
Coffee at number 5 Skevi (Mum) and Margaritta (daughter, 21 years). George (dad / husband) was at work. They have a house in Larnaca and will only come to Pervolia Residences at weekends and during holidays. Margaritta is at university in Nicosia studyin business management. Nice people although with their little English and our non-existing greek made for interesting conversation. Lillian, as ever makes a good effort at language but for me it is forgotten so quickly. Skevi was able to show us on a map a bike shop.
Back to Cyprus via BA 662 from London Heathrow to Larnaca. Thank goodness we are able to carry two suitcases each only one of which is full of clothes – the remainder household items from bedding to our bedside rug purchased in Dubai.
Car hire via Auto Direct was efficient and it was ‘home’ to see how the garden has settled. It looks great with only one plant not taken at this stage. Many are showing good growth much to Lillian’s delight although it looks as if the hibiscus have an attack of the white fly. They need a squirt of something quick!
A quick trip to Carrefour for basic supplies – local beer Keo and Athrodite wine. Oh and some bread and milk and a sit on the patio in the warm summer breeze.
Tuesday 2nd August
Exciting day. After a couple of phone calls to confirm our insurance it was off to Nissan to collect our new car. A white Qashqai. It looks great and drives very well. Purchased with visitors in mind as it will easily seat 5 adults and has a huge boot for cases. Took the hire car back although a bit miffed they would not return one day payment for early return. I had ordered for two days as I thought the Qashqai might not be ready.
Our first swim in the pool today which is lovely and warm, just like Dubai, although like Dubai it will be cold in the winter as it is not heated. Lillian was even brave enough to swim in the sea when we went for early morning walk to the beach. I watched! This could be the start of a fitness campaign as we have made a promise to swim each day and try to improve on the number of lengths without stopping. I am not confessing numbers as Lillian is such a better swimmer than I.
A trip into Larnaca to check email at Starbucks and a visit to Cyta. There is still no news of the installation of cables to our ‘new development’ as Quality Group need to do some electrical work. However found out about a ‘dongle’ which although expensive at €32 a month for 3GB download this is a must to be able to keep in touch with US schools re Engage. As with Dubai lots of paperwork needed to sign a contract which we did not have so must return.
Drinks on the patio playing ‘Beat the intro’ with tunes form our ipad. Being as all of the songs are ours we were not very good!
Wed 3rd August.
Up early this morning. 0615 – hard to believe we could be so early. The sun was already shining in clear blue skies. A walk followed by a swim in the pool – the ‘keep fit campaign’ continues but not at a pace. My swimming is very leisurely.
Lillian also got chatting with new neighbours from house number 5 – they have invited us for coffee tomorrow.
A wasted trip into Larnaca – its closed on a Wednesday afternoon. I do mean closed – everything including the Cyta office so no internet dongle. Fortunately the bars along Pine Tree Avenue( This is the main beach street) are always open so time for a beer.
Walk in the evening to the local fish taverna (about 15 minutes) for a very enjoyable meal of locally caught fish. Red Mullet and ???? very nice whatever it was washed down with Keo and wine.
Thursday 4th August
An early start into Larnaca and the Cyta office. Success and we now have internet access be it a costly method.
Coffee at number 5 Skevi (Mum) and Margaritta (daughter, 21 years). George (dad / husband) was at work. They have a house in Larnaca and will only come to Pervolia Residences at weekends and during holidays. Margaritta is at university in Nicosia studyin business management. Nice people although with their little English and our non-existing greek made for interesting conversation. Lillian, as ever makes a good effort at language but for me it is forgotten so quickly. Skevi was able to show us on a map a bike shop.
So off we went to the bike shop and now are the owners of two bikes. The owner of the shop was helpful and delivered in the evening in his van. My blue and yellow machine is the first bike that I have owned since I was 17 although Lillian did have a bike and cycle for a while when Emily was little. Excited by our new acquisitions we immediately took them for a ‘test run’ to watch the kite surfers at the beach. 30 minutes was enough for the first time.
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