What wonderful weather

It feels kinda smug knowing that the UK has such terrible weather at the moment when it is so lovely here.  Just like UK summer days - mid 70s and blue skies.

So the last few days have been 'make the most of it' with beach walks and bike rides.  The 'gadget' (bought from Lidl) fixed to the wheel of the bike not only tells distance travelled, speed, average speed, time cycling etc but it also shows temperature which has been showing a steady 76F even when cycling close to the water.

A nice evening walking around Larnaca brought a stop at Ocean Basket for one of the best fish meze / platters that we have tasted here.  We will go again taking visitors in the future it was so good.

A walk into the village for Saturday football and yet another Ipswich win brought smiles on faces.  Good times!

Xmas Days

Hanging decs by Lillian

We had a lovely Xmas day. The weather was absolutely beautiful, as it is today with glorious blue skies and sunshine. We walked the beach, showered, went to the pub which was jolly and then home the one of Lillian's best ever Xmas dinners. The goose and all the trimmings were fab .............. so good we had exactly the same yesterday. The scales this morning have showed the impact of lazing around.

However the outstanding news of the day was to receive a text from Andrew to say that he had proposed to Eve who had accepted!  Totally taken aback and completely unexpected. However congratulations to them both.

Where's the dinner gone?

Yesterday was more of the same with a morning bike ride and time to sit on the beach watching a very brave swimmer going back and fore.  Talking to him after he eventually re-appeared on land we were told he was a triathlete who lived in New York but had  a villa on the beach which he visits 4 /5 times a year.  On Xmas Day he had cycled to Limassol and back as part of his training! 

A quick visit to the pub to watch some football as our new internet, via a great big satellite dish was not working and early to bed .............. eating and drinking is exhausting!

Well almost a month has gone

Since the last post.  And what a busy month it has been with more travelling during which time we have been ...............

Cyprus to London to Washington DC to London to Cyprus to Dubai to Doha to Dubai to Cyprus.  It has been a hectic time and its good to be back here for a while before returning to the UK for the New Year and then off to our long awaited cruise.

Highlights of the last month has been the visit of Sarah, Lillian's niece who had the honour of being the last visitor of the year.  Sarah state with us for five days at the end of November, when the weather was just lovely and she was able to sit, enjoy the garden, some walks and read.  Wow what a quick reader.  I think the count was four books in five days.  It is always good to have time to relax.  As ever there were times for eating and drinking in the village and people watching in The Cottage Pub.  Sarah left her stone commemorating her and Lillian jogging up to Faros lighthouse and one for her Mum Vivien who surely would already have the most stones laid for visits.  Vivien had at least made the trip to the house before we moved in so it was fitting to have that visit commemorated evermore.

Washington was fine but a busy trip but we were at least able to do some Xmas shopping although both Lillian and I worked for five days.  Lillian doing some support work with teachers while I was there.

Trip to the Uk included sadly a visit to Clacton for the funeral of Uncle Chas.  It is always good to see the family, even in sad circumstances and we renewed invites for many to come and visit.  Surely bookings for 2013 will commence soon.

Dubai was surprisingly dull and grey and at times wet, but it was good to see friends Tommy and Eliza and enjoy riding the Metro which had not been completed when we left in 2008.

Back here there has been a mix of sun and heavy rain with some strong electric storms and high winds. The wind whipped the glass from the patio table smashing it into thousands of pieces.  Still we wont need it until the warm sun comes again in March / April.  A new purchase I fear as I cant think where we get a replacement.  There is plenty to do in the garden with the need to trim the bougainvillaea etc.   It still looks lovely.


So a Christmas in Cyprus.  Will try to keep you updated.

Once again too much work .............

Beach visitor

Another week has passed since having sufficient time to update on our life here in Cyprus .... well when we are here that is!

Saturday last saw a return to the Kiti Bowls Club for the Saturday roll-up.  Well they must have heard that we were going to put in an appearance after almost three months of not going.  Hardly anybody was there as all of the serious players had gone to Paphos for the weekend to play and then stay over.  However it was good fun and a couple of games played.  Both defeats for me as it took some time to get back into line and length.  I was complimented on my play on the second game ..... just shows how bad everyone else played 'cos I was rubbish!  An afternoon beach walk, the weather is lovely and to the pub for the normal Saturday banter.  Lots of humour and mickey taking at my expense as Ipswich go to a 0-6 defeat.

Sunday and back to the UK for the quickest trip ever, but at least Lillian came too.  Arrive Sunday night, leave for the London Office at 0630 Monday morning for a trip on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines.  Meeting starts at 0800 and finishes at 2010.  Back to Harrow and up again at 0600 on Tuesday morning for taxi to LHR T3 to go back to Larnaca.  All in a days work LOL.  It was good to see Emily and Steve, be it briefly.

Wednesday ... a day of work attached to my computer whilst Lillian and friend Val have their greek lesson from Cassie.  Sounds they are doing well to me.

Thursday .... a good day taking a trip to the north of Cyprus to play golf at Korinium Golf club with friends Geoff and Hazel who are members there.  Oh that we too would have a course just up the road.  We had travelled in shorts and T shirt but no such warm weather there and Lillian needed to borrow a jacket.  The game was played under very black skies with a huge electric storm in the distance.  By the time we had finished it started to rain, and then pour and we were witnesses to a huge storm.  If this what not bad enough Geoff found that he had lost his car keys somewhere on the golf course!  Fortunately the car was open and Lillian went with Hazel to their home for the spare.  The rain poured and poured and the storm raged during the height their home was subject to a power cut.  So we drove for about 15 minutes to a local restaurant to eat, during which time the storm continued to rage.  Saying our goodbyes we set of home only to find the roads totally flooded with water rushing of the mountains and it at least two foot or more in places.  Everywhere we turned roads were blocked and cars that had tried to go through the ever deeping water were stuck.  There was no choice but to return to Geoff and Hazel's for the night.

So another early start choosing to drive to Farmagusta and cross the border there than risk the Nicosia road.  Home in 2 hours for another day on the computer whilst Lillian has washed, shopped, tidies the garden and cooked dinner.  We have very distinct roles.

A drive along the coast

Sitting watching the sea

A fairly relaxed and late start to the day after Lillian's early trip to get the car serviced the previous morning.  Another clear and sunny day with afternoon temps certainly reaching 75F although a reading in the car gave 77F as we drove inland.

Without telephone lines because the road is still not completed by the local council, internet is only obtainable via a dongle which is inserted into a USB slot in the laptop.  This is slow, very frustrating when it continually drops, unusable for Skype and expensive.   A 'friend' that Lillian has got to know through Greek lessons had suggested that we visit their house for coffee to test the speed of their internet connection which is via a satellite dish on the roof of their house.

So a  drive along our favourite coast road to Zygi and then inland up a track to a lovely house sitting on a large plot, high enough for great seas views.  A pleasant couple of hours were spent chatting and admiring the lovely gardens and testing internet.  Fine for email and surfing with OK speed, not great but worth considering.  A call to the supplier on return says they are so busy they do not know when they will be able to supply!  A good idea but we will need to continue to be patient.

Drive inland and then back home home via the airport to check long term parking prices for our quick trip back to London for one day.  We ventured along  'new roads' for us passing many orange groves ready for harvesting. A stop at a small copse of fir trees allowed Lillian to collect a huge bag of very large fir cones.  She says they are for Xmas decorations but I am yet to see a design.

The day ended with a residence association meeting at our house although most of the meeting was spent on the phone to non-attendees.  The final episode of the 'Killing' - brilliant.

Beach walking

 

Lillian jogged up the hill!

In typical British style of loving to talk about the weather I find I have slipped into referring to it immediately on starting this brief blog.  It's because it is so lovely at the moment and I guess there is an element of wanting the small readership of this blog immensely jealous as the 50F of the UK seems to be the norm.  Imagine the nice UK summer days, you know the few that seem only to appear in May and fleetingly in July and August. Blue skies, some white fluffy clouds, which build late afternoon and temperatures of 75-78F.  That was yesterday.

For me a late morning start but for Lillian up early to take the car for its first major service. Been promised the first slot and a two hour wait. 15 months and 15,000km completed over 50% of which must have been from ferrying visitors around on various trips to see the island.  All good fun.  Good car, good purchase.  For those interested the service cost 171 Euro which seemed OK, especially as it will be another 15000 km before the next.

Faros lighthouse

With the weather so lovely a walk up the hill to Cape Kiti (Faros lighthouse and beach) along the sandy beach and back home.  In all two hours with time spent sitting on an old pallet just looking out to sea watching the sparkling water which reflects the sun.  The pictures today are not great quality as they were taken using my phone but they give an idea of how nice the day is.

A beach walk would not be complete without some stone collecting and with two small plastic bags we stroll the water edge in search of small green, red and perfectly rounded white which are added to the front garden.  I sensibly walk in open beach shoes so can wander into the water to collect any red stones that really stand out.  Whilst the water feels cold.  Too cold for swimming it is fine for paddling.

Back home with stones placed and the sun shining it was time to sit in the hot tub and enjoy feeling very lucky about our life and our day.

Beach made for two

A snack and walk into the village at 530pm.  It is now dark at that time for Lillian to register for her 'official' Greek class at the local school. The registration turns out to be a full lesson which is no problem for me as I am left to wait in the pub to pass the time playing on the internet on the ipad as the pub has free wifi access.  In between 'playing' and researching cars for a purchase when we get back to UK in January there unfortunately are too many work emails to answer.  This is the trouble working with places that have a nine hour time difference from Qatar to Central US time.  However has to be done.

Back home, later than expected Lillian 'knocks' up a quick meal with prawns and egg fried rice and we watch one episode of the Killing.  I will need to watch again as I fell asleep for most of it. Well, ..... its been and exhausting day.

Just being lazy

Another lovely day with blue skies and warm 73F sunshine.  However once the sun goes down it starts to feel much colder and we reach for sweaters if you are going to be outside.

Lillian spent the morning with her weekly Greek lesson with two other ladies and Cassie, who lives on Pervolia Residences as teacher.  I listen in and it would seem to me they are all doing well.  Once the lesson is over they all walk to the village for coffee so they can practice their speaking.  Seems to work and Lillian as ever is doing well.  In typical Cypriot style she comes back home to receive a SMS message to say the official lessons start at the school tomorrow (actually tonight).  One day notice.  I think Lillian will go.

During the lessons two guys arrived to re-seal the swimming pool where the grout had cracked and broken around the tiles.  Another job sorted by the residence association secretary - Lillian of course!

We walk into the village in the evening to eat at Bar Coast.  The food there is really very good and then into the pub so that I can watch Sweden v England football.  England were winning 2-1 when we left.  What went wrong?  An enjoyable and lazy day.

Blue skies

Revitalized front garden

What a lovely day ................ with warm sun reaching 78F in the afternoon and blue skies with white fluffy clouds. The very best of a UK summer day here in Cyprus.  Not bad for the middle of November!

After a morning of internet and work it was bike ride time in the afternoon.  It seems a long time since I have ridden and we took a slow pace along our favourite route beside the sea.  After the strong winds of the previous days the sea was relatively calm and looked beautiful as it sparkled in the sun.  Whilst it looked inviting it is probably too cold for swimming.  A great way to spend a 90 minutes.  7.8 miles cycled with a top speed of 10.2 miles per hour, according to my little gadget that gives me all sorts of data.  It shows the fastest ever speed as being 22.4 mph.  When I commented on that she replied that it was Steve who was the 'Boy Racer'!

Back home it we enjoy more pottering in the garden.  The latest project has been a complete revamp of the front area which had no stones and had become a bit of an overgrown mud patch with many of the original plants not surviving and those that had gone rampant.  So dig out and start again.  With white and green stones from the beach and small red stones to match the existing it is now becoming Lillian's herb garden and starting to take shape and things grow.

Darkness arrives now at about 5.30 pm so G&T as the sun goes down becomes earlier each day!  A lovely end.  Dinner at home followed by two more episodes of 'The Killing' - two to go!

Bright and sunny

Firing the Smith & Wesson 500

After the heavy rain and some very big grey clouds since my return to Cyprus, yesterday was one of sun and clouds.

Too much work makes for 'dull times' so it was a drive to Nicosia for lunch and a stop at IKEA for some small purchases the majority of which were candles!  Lillian persuaded us to stop on the way back so she could rush into nearby fir tree woods, coming back with arm fulls of fir cones. Xmas decoration making time.

An evening in watching a DVD series called The Killing - Danish film with English sub titles.  This is season two and highly recommended.  10 episodes to watch! 

Once again its been a long time

 
I can't believe how the time has gone since my last writing.  Eric and Marion left and I returned from a trip to Doha to be welcomed by friends Les and Joan who were already 'At home'.  Unfortunately I was laid low most of the time here with a a real 'bug' which I can only think was some form of food poisoning from a meal on the plane (Gulf Air!).  We did go out a bit and but generally just sat with me in bed for most of the time.

Before Les and Joan left it was off again on work travels.  This time Larnaca - London - New York - Houston - London  - Larnanca.  A two week very tiring stint of work, hotel rooms and occasional eating by myself.  Not that I did very much eating as it took a full two weeks to get over the 'bug'.  I managed to escape Hurricane Sandy hitting New York by 36 hours.  In Houston the highlight was going to a shooting range with friend Ian McPhee and as well as firing a range of pistols, including a western replica six gun and a rifle with infa red sights, I fired a Smith and Wesson 500.  It is the most powerful production revolver in the world today, and it is being marketed as being "the world's most powerful handgun" by the manufacturer.  The shell was as big as my little finger and it sure had a 'kick' blowing a two centimeter hole in the target, which I hit.  Not really being into guns it was actually all good fun and I was pleased with my accuracy.


Sadly being away for the two week period meant that I missed the visit of Steve and Emily who managed to get some sunshine and seemed to enjoy their stay.  Like Les and Joan they contributed to the stone tradition and so four more are shown here.

I have been back now for three days enjoying the garden which is so lovely, a beach walk and visit to the pub to watch rugby and support a long awaited Ipswich win!  However it has not all been sunshine and there have been tow days of very inclement weather with high winds and some torrential rain.  Swimming in the pool is definitely finished for this year!

Two more visitor stones

Time to say goodbye to Eric and Marion after their two week stay.  they have certainly been the most travelled of our visitors and Eric in particular has enjoyed the historical artefacts and places to visit.

As ever a stone laying ceremony with each chosing the place for the stone to be to become a histroical artefact in their own right. Marion placed hers under the bouganvillea and Eric the hisbiscus.  What great additions they make.

For me ............... its off to Doha again, a two day visit and be the time I get back there will be more visitors.  This time Joan & Les from harrow.

Where has the time gone?

One week has passed since I have had time to write on this blog ............... such is ou busy lives.  I seemed to have spent most of the time either on the phone or in front of this computer or travelling.

Last week saw a hurried thee day trip to Doha to meet with sponsors and get an update on pogress of projects that are falling behind.  As ever when you travel at the last moment you don't always get schedules made that suit you, especially when the starting place is Larnaca. So having spent ages trying to sort flights, prices et  new experience in terms of airlines.  This time to Doha via Beirut, Lebanon with Middle East airlines needing a five hour wait on the way out in the middle of the night.  Once again sleeping on a bench in a departure lounge!  Having said that I was quite impressed with MEA, especially as the flight to Doha was a co-share with Qatar Airways.  Probably the world's 5* airline says theor advert and for me they live up to it.   Oh for some of their cabin crew to abscond to British Airways!  Nothing is too much trouble for the continually smiling staff of Qatar Airways.

Doha, as ever was hot and frantic.  As I needed to get around a bit a hire car saved the day, however I had completely forgotten how driving there is not for the feint hearted.  A lot of nutters in big cars.  Don't hesitate on a roundabout or your no claims bonus will be gone in a second.

Its back again this week, but this time the trip is booked with Gulf Air via Bahrain.

Back at home Lillian continues to be the ideal hostess running Marion (Lillian's sister) and Eric here and there to ensure they see all that has to be seen on the sunny island of Cyprus.  Some new places in a trip to Salamis in the north and to the Tomb of Kings and mosaics of Paphos.  I went on the latter which was a very full day, although did feel that I had 'seen old stones' by the time we had finished.  I do wonder how all this was achieved so long ago.  The mosaics are truly beautiful.  Pictures to follow.  A couple of nice meals out means the waist line continues to expand nicely ............ hmmm I weigh the heaviets of my life.............. is it the food or is it the beer?

The weather continues to be warm and sunny with temps in the low 80s although there was a huge rain storm whilst I was away 

It rained!

Can't believe it.  Huge electric storm mid-afternoon follwed by some heavy rain.  Whilst it soon dried up once it had stopped the rest of the day reamined cloudy and dull with a high of around 78F.

For me a day of work, although some time spent in the garden clearing away fallen bouganvillea flowers and some work in the front garden which needs attention.  The project is to cut back the 'herbs', especially the lavendar which has gone made and lay black underlay and stones.  More visits to the beach beckon.  The garden though is looking good.

Lillian , Eric and Marion went off to the shops and a trip into Larnaca whilst I stayed on the phone and on the computer.

Evening meal at home

Back to Pervolia

It has been another long time away from the warmth and contented feeling of being in Pervolia and I am excited to be going back there today.  0630 taxi to London Heathrow Terminal 3 for the BA flight.

This trip has been very OK in terms of work and in Radnor, Philadelphia a new place to visit.  A WCL Group leadership conference inter-mingled with some social networking in three amazing venues which included the Merion cricket club. Merion Cricket Club is a private club in Haverford, Pennsylvania, founded in 1865.  There we stood having drinks overlooking a pristine cricket ground where the outfield had a number of croquet fields along with four tennis courts.  The cricket season having finished.  A lovely dinner on an open terrace.

Another evening was spent at The Philadelphia Club is a gentlemen's club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; the oldest club of its kind in the United States.  Built in 1863 the high ceilings were just amazing as were the pictures of past members. Among the club's guests have been eleven U.S. Presidents: Martin Van Buren, James K. Polk, James Buchanan, Franklin Pierce, Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt,William H. Taft, William McKinley, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gerald R. Ford, George H. W. Bush so we were indeed honoured to visit such a place. (list from Wikipedia!) The club had been closed to members for the evening to allow the ladies of our party to join in the dinner.

Despite these two fine evenings the most enjoyable was at the home of the WCL Board Chairman where he and his wife were the most perfect hosts to a relaxing evening sipping wine form the magnificent wine cellar, chatting and sampling a full range of canapés.  And you thought I was there to work?

 

Flight delayed at LHR for 90 minutes whilst sitting on the plane making it a long trip.  BA didn't really excel in service at this time as not even offered a drink.  Still flight passsed realitively quickly as I was sitting next to a lady who works for the Forces service and was goin to visit the schools in Cyprus.  We had a lot to talk about.  Eventually back to the house at 1700.  Lillian has got the timing perfect from my call when it lands for he to be ready to pick me up as I leave the terminal.

Eric and Marion (Lillian's sister) are with us and they seem to have already made a number of visits to the 'sites'.  A walk into the village for an evening meal togther at KoKos.

Thursday 27th September

What a lovely day .......... wake to beautiful blue skies with the air as still as can be so its off to Faros for an early morning beach walk.  As we walk Lillian and I talk about the properties with the sea views right on the beach.  We still aspire to such (well I do) but reflect on how lucky we are to have such a lovely house in a great location within walking distance of the beach and the village.

The sea is like a mill pond and it gives opportunity to wade at least to knees in search of green and red stones for the garden.  The water is still incredibly warm yet we hardly see a sole.  Two ladies, we would have thought well into their 80's come to swim.  Lillian gains smiles with her Greek greeting, which is much appreciated.

Back home a swim, cooked breakfast and shower and then its off to Nicosia Races!  What a great time. The trip had been organised by the Bowls Club which included a meal in a private marquee.  There were about 50 members present (a coach load) which made good fun and banter. The race course was small and not unlike the one we used to go to at Jebel Ali in Dubai.  The betting counter was in the marquee.

So being as the race card was in greek it was all a bit of hit and miss for me.  In the first race I backed a horse that's form showed II which I thought meant it had won its last two races only to be told later that it had come in 11th in its last race!  But Lillian , as ever was the star when it come to picking winners.  A winner in the first race gives her €64 for her €2 bet and before the meeting is out she is over €100 to the good.  I chip in with  €15 table bet win on the last.  This was drawn from a hat ...... so I had no skill in picking the winner.  We buy everyone drinks on our table and we still end up with profit form the day.

I had great fun trying various lens settings on my camera and got quiet carried away trying to get the perfect photo.  So much so I got into trouble with a steward as a tried to climb to the top of a fence to get a better view.  Oh well it was all good fun which we must do again.

Wednesday 26th September

Very much a stay at home day today with work on the computer, telephone calls, swimming and an afternoon trip to the garden centre.  A few € of a variety of plants and shrubs prompted a two hour tidy up with trimming, cutting and planning.

Lovely still evening, although starting to cool with temperatures dropping to around 72F, prompted a stroll into the village for a meal at Bar Coast.

Tuesday 25th September

Birthday Boy

Golf at Karenium Golf Club

The days of daily blog writing seemed to have gone at the moment due to the increasing pressure of work.  However there has been some time for relaxation along the way.

A long bike ride along our favourite coastal path.  A total of 9.4 miles calculated via a 10 Euro pedometer from Lidl.  It works fine calculating not only distances but time spent fastest speed etc etc.  All adds to the interest.

A game of golf with the Cottage Golf Society at Elea Golf Club near Paphos.  As ever when you dont play very often the game is erratic to say the least, however the company was good and its always fun.  Drinks in the pub on return.

Kyrenia Harbour for lunch

Up early to drive to the North of Cyprus to meet with friends Geoff and Hazel who have a very nice house there with their own pool.  It is in the montains so has fantastic views of the sea.  Another game of golf but only 9 holes on the lovely hilly course of which they are members.  Jealousy on this point as the proposed course nearby to us has never been constructed.  We stayed over and for the night and the next day (My Birthday) visited Kyrenia.  Lunch there is always good.  it made for a loevly day.  I was grateful to family and friends who 'remembered' my birthday with electronic cards, emails, SMS and calls.

Thursday 20th September

New school building at Rayyan

Yet another return to sunny Cyprus after an unexpected three nights away in even sunnier Doha, Qatar staying at the Kempinski Hotel, West Bay.  I love this hotel in terms of its accommodation and how I always seem to get upgraded to a two bedroomed suite.  Ridiculous really to have two huge bedrooms, and even bigger lounge, kitchen and three bathrooms for just me!  36th floor this time gave good views of Doha.

The purpose of the visit was to 'hurry' contractors to prepare paperwork for Civil Defence approval for a new fire system which has been installed in the three schools.

Fire Pump - who would have
thought I would deal with such things?

Visit to CDD (Civil Defence Department) was typical of a visit to any Middle East Ministry Department. It had moved to a very plush new building next to Al Ahli hospital since my last vsit.  Lots of marble and high ceilings.  As usual lots of men in uniforms sitting behind desks more interested in their mobile phone than the person standing in front of them.  Customer Service – nil point.  However with the help of Ahmed (from the schools sponsor's office) and lots of hand shaking, business card passing and my few limited words of Arabic at the right time meant we gradually moved to the higher ranks until at last we met ….. the man.  Not quite sure who he was but he took our plans and promised ‘inshalla’ that they would be processed that day.  Ahmed and Fouad (Contractor)  were very pleased to have seen ‘this man’. This was a big step as the acceptance of our fire safety plan will mean we will be well on the way to resolving my task.  They just love paperwork, signatures and stamps in Qatar!  How the country will ever escalate its plan to match the likes of Dubai I will never know.  

Flights were via Bahrain using Gulf Air.  Not an airline I have flown with regularly but have to say have been impressed this time with new planes and nice lounges in Bahrain.

Back in Larnaca at 1430 after a two hour stop in Bharain.  We have now become quite good at synchronizing arrivals and pick up.  I phone as soon as the plane lands and by the time I have 'de-planed'(as they say on Gulf Air) gone through the cursory glance at passport control and exited, going upstairs to departures where there is more space for a pick up, Lillian is there!

Home for a some garden inspection, a few work phone calls and swim of 20 lengths.

Saturday 15th September

Bowls day .............. and this time we made it!  A very small turn out as most it would seem had been at the club all day yesterday due to the 'Champions' finals.  All winners from the different club championship for the grand finale.  Despite good support no overall winners for Kiti Bowls Club.

Lillian and I displayed our 'rust' on more than one occasion, having not played for over two months but by the second game, when we were on the same team we were much improved resulting in two victories in two games!  One was against the illustrious 'Super Bob' who I quietly joked to Lillian was 'Mediocre Bob'.  It was a good game to win.  they are a good set of people at the Bowls and we have signed to join on two social events that are being organised.  One a trip to Nicosia Races at the end of September.

After a trip into Larnaca for essential shopping at Lidl it was back home for to the garden for sun, swimming in the pool and general lazing until football time at the village.  Lillian stayed behind to meet with a few of the Pervolia residents to discuss the poor service being provided by the management company.  Another defeat for Ipswich who now fall into the bottom three!

Friday 14th September

The bougainvillaea grows and grows

Morning bike ride today ........ back into trying at least two different exercises a day from the three, walk, swim ride.  It has been nearly six weeks since we have been riding together so we took our favourite route, initially inland and then back along the coastal path.  Not good for your bum when you are not used to riding.  A short stop at the new this year wind surfing school.  We wondered what sort of season the two young greek guys that we met recently whose first commercial adventure this was, season they had enjoyed.  Dont suppose they had made much money, although wind surfing is popular late afternoon when sea breezes blow hard.

Back home the day was a mix of garden and time on the computer working.  Swim late afternoon and then a walk into the village to meet friends Jackie and Gareth for a meal at Soutsos.  The restaurant was busy and a coach load of tourists arrived.  Friday night is 'Cypriot' night with traditional dancing.  One of the male dancers does a 'party piece' where he gets customers to place glasses full of water on his head.  Beermats form a platform and he makes the most of getting lady helpers, walking / dancing from one to another.  Lillian stood on a chair to place one glass ...... which I counted as number 12.  The act finished with 15 glasses placed.  Impressive and enjoyable and as ever Lillian is able to deal with the 'spotlight'.  Glad it was her not me.

Thursday 13th September

So it was bowls day and in the car and off we set.  We didn't get even off the compound, realising the pool guy was refitting the pump Lillian stopped to chat, only to find he had been there since 0600.  Time for coffee.  So with coffee made it was too late for bowls and so Lillian worked and helped Michaelas on pool cleaning duty!

Once the pool area was spick and span with the water filtering properly it was time for us to go for our first long beach walk since our return. The sea was still lovely and warm, although large waves made it hard to actually swim it was good to jump and splash.  We walked along the waters edge as far as Faros.  The beach vendors season is coming to an end with lots of sun loungers pointing to the sparkling sea but very few people sitting on them.  We hardly passed anyone walking the shoreline in our two hours we were out.

The rest of the day was a mix of work, garden and swim in the pool.  20 lengths is now the norm whereas Lillian completes 30 without effort.

An evening at home.

Wednesday 12th. September

What could you expect from the first day back but a lazy day.  Plenty of lovely warm, but not too hot sunshine and clear blue cloudless skies.

Not much to do in the garden as Lillian has it looking so good, except some trimming of the Ficus bushes where they are too high for Lillian to reach.  So it was swim in the pool, laze in the hot-tub and get sore shoulders from the sun caused by no oil!

Slight panic with the swimming pool as I noticed that the filters were not working.  Sure enough the pump has packed up.  The pool guy was quick to arrive and we had to rush off to the bank to provide 1000 Euros for the work to be done.  This will be reimbursed in time from the maintenance company and was just a 'loan' to get the work completed quickly.

As the sun started to set the wind sure did blow and it was great to just sit on the patio with the warm air in your face.  A walk to the village and a visit to the pub.  We are back! A meal at Pyrgos and late night home. A good day.

Tuesday 11th September

So after too long away its back to sunny Cyprus although with over an hour sitting on the plane before take off due to a 'leaky pipe as disclosed by the Captain, British Airways safely deposited us back at Larnaca.

A quick ten minute taxi ride in silence as you could tell from the driver's body language and lack of effort to speak any English he was not best pleased sitting at the airport for ages to get 12 euro fare.  It was good to be home.  Lillian had been busy whilst I was away with the garden looking immaculate and four new light / fans installed.  Two downstairs and two more in the main bedrooms.  They look good.

So swim, hot tub, glass of wine or two and some tele.  What more can we want.

Wednesday 22nd August 2012

So time to depart for travels to other parts once again.

Larnaca - London - Washington - Houston - Boston - Chicago - London - Larnaca

The last destination back to sunny Cyprus on 11th September.

Not wanting to waste the last moments it was a walk to the beach and a laze and float in the warm sea and then back to home for some serious swimming in the pool.  Its a good job there has been some fitness regime as the amount of sitting, eating and drinking over the last 12 days has been excessive.

With my good byes to Lillian for three weeks it came time also to say goodbye to friend Val who has been here for a week.  It is nice to have visitors, especially when they are good company.  In tradition Val has entered into the 'Stone naming' with care and her fine effort has been 'laid' under a ficus bush of her choosing.  I think you will agree this is a fine addition and keeps the Julia standard high!  Another marking the spot of Pervolia on the map of Cyprus with the words 'Val was 'ere' August 2012 on the side.  All those and who read this and wish to enter within House 15, be prepared with your design well in advance.  You will be expected to contribute.

Tuesday 21st August

Lillian and Val in Pissouri

 After the trip of yesterday it was time to laze around, especially as I had been up at 0330 to complete some urgent work needed for USA!

Garden, snipping to be done and the 'Forth Bridge' job of picking and two long 'dips' in the pool.  The water now is just so warm. It is not surprising as for the second consecutive day temperature were above 100F.

Energetic Lillian and Val headed off on bikes during the mid-afternoon despite the hot weather although restricting themselves to the coastal paths where there is at least some breeze.  They were gone some time and had stopped at the 'SPOT' to swim.

An evening drive into Larnaca so that Val can see and a stop off for yet another fish meze overlooking the sea.  We have learnt to order for two when there are three eating and then we didn't finish it all!

Monday 20th August 2012

With temperatures reaching to the low 100's F you would think it was a day to be close or in the pool, instead we chose to go walking around a lot of old stones by the name of the Kourion Archaelogical site!

So it was a drive along the coastal road to Zygi and then inland on the main motorway past Lemosos and on to Episkopi.  The road at Episkopi climbs to the top of a cliff which affords some lovely sea views.  It took about 1.5 hours to drive to the site.  Kurion was an important city-kingdom and is said to be one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Cyprus. The Greco- Roman theatre was built in the 2nd century although had gone under some renovation about 50 years ago.

The main area was the 'House of Eustolios' where there were some fine mosaics.  As you peer down from wooden walkways you cant help but try to imagine what life was like for the residents of the house and wonder at their methods of construction.  The trouble is having watched the end of the film Troy on TV a few nights ago the images that come to mind have a definite Hollywood feel to them.

After getting 'roasted' in the hot sun it was time for lunch and a drive along the coast to the coastal village of Pissouri where we sat by the sea at a small taverna looking out onto the calm sea with a cold Keo beer in hand.  As can be seen from the second picture from the top a great setting with a fairly crowded and busy sandy beach.  Lovely nethertheless.  Having left the coastal part of the village we climbed (by car) to the main village square area which is at the cliff tops.  There we strolled doing the tourist bit with ice creams in hand. The village is very picturesque with small narrow lanes and a lovely square with a number of restaurants all advertising 'Cyprus Night' each Wednesday!

A casual drive back via Kiti and the village of Pervolia for a night 'under the stars' on the patio ..... with another beer or three!

Sunday 19th August 2012

Despite the late night last night it was up relatively bright and early to enjoy the early morning sunshine before it gets too hot.  Temperatures each day in the last week rise to anything between 90 - 96F around early afternoon dropping to overnight lows around the 80s mark.  Great if you like the warmth.

The awning has made a big difference to the temperatures inside the house, compared with last year as the sun is now not beating onto the glass all day.  We are pleased now that we paid extra for the automatic type which goes in and out with the sun and in when the wind blows too hard!

So with being up early and being determined to have a day away from working it was off with Lillian to the beach for an early morning swim in the sea.  Lillian had been three times during the week with visitors but I couldn't even find an hour gap to join her.  Each time she came back saying the water was warm but the waves too high for any swimming and only goo for jumping about.  For us today it was just perfect and we were able to swim and float around.  Having our wading shoes on to get over the 6-10 feet of stones and rocks from the sure they make great buoyancy aids which enable you float around on your back with toes out of the water.

Once back home it was breakfast time and Lillian surpassed herself with providing 5 excellent cooked breakfasts and after digesting and pottering in the garden it was more swimming but this time in the pool.  Like the sea the pool is lovely and warm and probably at least 86F, warmed each day but the ever burning sun.  Despite the work there has been time to swim each day and 20 lengths is now the norm.   Lillian as ever completes more whilst I sit on the steps counting all the 'extras'.  With time to kill today it was bike maintenance time with tyres pumped, dirt washed and moving parts sprayed they were ready for there first adventure out and Lillian set off with friend Val for a 'thirty minute ride' as the afternoon cooled.  Lillian as ever never takes the 'short route' when out biking and they returned over an hour later with stories of new roads and new farmers fields that have been visited for the first time.

Sadly it was time for the end of Sally and Steve's break with.  We took a final drive along the coast inland and then the bumpy road along the waters edge where we stopped for a final beer at the surfers beach bar that we had watched being set up on our bike rides of last year.  The two cypriot guys who had set it up had eventually opened in late June and have done a great job in converting three large containers into a bar and a surf shop.  Whether they will make a living it is hard to see.  We were the only ones there.

Sally had been encouraged all week by myself to not forget the stone tradition and she did not let us down with a blue stone and her own verse to decorate the top.  Once again somebody comes up with something different and it will serve well as a reminder of their time with us.  Good company and lest hope they will come again.

A very enjoyable day finished with a stroll into the village for the best indian food in Cyprus at Bar Coast.  Stuffed again.

Saturday 18th August

A week has passed and for the first time there has not even been time to write this blog!  Who thought it was a good idea to go back to work full time?  For the last week I have spent on average 12 hours a day at the computer, however the important things are now done and we can enjoy the next three days before its time to head off again.

Friends Sally and Steve, who arrived at 0230 on Monday morning have 'chilled' in the hot sun sitting, reading and swimming.  They have been very undemanding visitors who were joined on Wednesday with Lillian's school friend Val.  Lillian and Val were in the same class at school for 6 years and met up again at the 300 year school reunion last year.  They have had a good time reminiscing.

Lillian, Val, Sally and Steve headed to the northern part on Friday and enjoyed the sites and beaches there and of course the 'compulsory' meal at Kyrenia harbour.  It is such a good trip to go on and was clearly enjoyed by all.  Other than that we have eaten out a lot with a great, but huge fish meze one night overlooking the sea at McKenzie Beach and a couple of good meals in the village.

Yesterday saw the start of the football season so it was off to the Cottage Pub for the normal Saturday ritual of watching the big screens and chatting at the bar.  It was nice to be back in there after 6 weeks and all 'locals' were warm in their welcome.  The loudest cheer of the afternoon after the landlord Ken's yelps each time Fulham scored another goal against the hated Norwich, was mine as Ipswich came from behind to get a draw at home to Blackburn.. We will settle for the point.

After the pub yet another meal in the village.  Pervolia village is in holiday mode now with the road closed in the evenings and tables spilling out from the restaurants onto the streets.  All appeared fairly full. A walk or perhaps a stagger home under the dark black night sky, which was full of stars.

As we have not been doing much but lazing a few picture of the garden.

Sunday 12th August 2012

After 5 long, busy but enjoyable 5 week stay in London it was at last time to return to sunny Cyprus.

A 6am taxi pick up, as all the children were 'unavailable' for us to scrounge a lift meant a quick ride to Terminal 3 for the flight back.  We are grateful for lounge access due to my silver BA card and a full plane saw us depart 20 minutes lat but arrive virtually on time.  Usual fairly average BA service although for once priority luggage arrived quickly on the conveyor belt and we were quickly in another  taxi for the ride to home.  Taxi drivers where ever are the same with a short local ride having spent ages sitting at the airport waiting for a fare.  They are not best pleased so €14 is all he got!

Overgrown bougainvillea

Firstly everything was fine in terms of the house although patio furniture was somewhat dusty but the garden.  Wow how it has grown and so very quickly we were into an hour of trimming and picking up fallen leaves from the bougainvillaea which had grown amazingly well.  Much to do but within an hour it was at least tidy for us to sit and enjoy on the patio with a well deserved beer.

Interesting watching the closing ceremony from the Olympics on Greek television - a good show and we were glad to make it back to London for such a time and our trip to Eton Dorney was well worth the effort.  It was good to see the thousands of volunteers get deserved praise.  Everyone I saw in their purple shirts were extremely positive, friendly and helpful.  I am sure they gave a warm welcome to all of the many visitors.  Having travelled into London so many time recently I can only say there was a really good atmosphere with some many patriotic people in their Team GB shirts with GB flags sticking out of rucksacks or draped around shoulders.  Didn't they do well.

At 0200 it was off to the airport to collect friends Sally and Steve who have come for a week stay so once collected and a sit and a chat meant not getting to bed until 0400.  Sally and Lillian used to teach together many years ago.  A week of sites, eating and drinking beckons!

9th July 2012

 Hey ho Hey ho its off to work I go .........

Everyone arrived safely back on Friday night.  Myself from Madrid and Lillian from Pervolia.  A first experience of the London City Airport, which would have been fine had it not been for the long queues at UK Border Control.  Interesting that in both Cyprus and Madrid my passport is hardly looked at yet here in Uk there is scanning, looking, comparing photo image with reality.


Its good to be back, although the weather urgh.  Rain and cold and on Saturday night we put the heating on as I was freezing!

Anyway during our last few days in Pervolia Lillian thought we should join the stone decorating tradition by preparing a decorated stone to celebrate one year of our home.  Whilst I agreed readily that it sounded a good idea I promptly disappeared away from Cyprus leaving Lillian to walk the beach (must be collected personally ..... a rule) and paint.  So here they are ....... shades of Julia setting expectation high when surely it will be my turn next year.

Thursday 5th July 2012

A shame to write the final blog from a hotel room in Madrid and not our lovely home and the sunshine of our garden, the pool and the beach.
The last two days, Monday and Tuesday flew by although we did get time to walk to the beach, swim, garden and even one night session of bowls and as lillian said in her blog on m behalf plenty of work preparation. No time to write.

Wednesday was an early start with a 0345 depart from home to the airport and then flight to Madrid via Athens. From there tomorrow its back to London and a five week stay in the UK except for a week to New York and Chicago. Love the travel but it will be good to be back with the family and of course we have 'Olympic tickets'!

Lillian leaves Pervolia also tomorrow, Friday and its back to sunshine on 12th August. So until then ...... thanks for reading.

Sunday 1st July 2012

Well, for the first time in this blog’s history,  I have been designated “deputy editor” for the day, as Chris has got do much work to do before he heads off to Madrid on Wednesday  that he can’t take a break to write!

So it’s Lillian reporting on life in Pervolia.

Chris hasn’t updated you so far on the latest acquisitions at our house- so I’m very glad to be able to!  Before he had gone to Doha, we’d had a company called Ikos come and quote for an awning for the patio and some curtains and Roman blinds for the lounge.  The awning went up while he was away, and the curtains were just being finished as he returned.  

I think it all looks lovely, and has really added the finishing touches to our house.  It also means that those visitors who aren’t sun-worshippers like ourselves, can sit on the patio in the shade with th sea breeze helping to cool them! It has certainly been pretty hot the last week or so....up in the 90’s most days now, and very humid, so few clothes, or pure cotton if you have to wear something is the thing!

I have to say I really enjoy just sitting in the lounge, gazing out, or relaxing on the patio admiring our garden.  When people ask us what we do all day, it’s really quite simple, walk, swim, cycle, garden, relax, eat and drink!  But for today there was no biking but we did make a trip to the beach fro yet another two bags of stones.  Only one more strip to fill!

Saturday 30th June 2012

View of course from the clubhouse

Pervolia and Cottage Golf Society Golf Day held at Elias Golf Club, designed by Nick Faldo at Paphos.  The boys from the pub (Cottage) plus one lady - Lillian day out.

A 0730 meet at the Cottage before a 90 minute drive to Paphos and the newly opened golf course and very good it was too.  A challenging course in true Faldo design.  He is well known for the difficulty of the Faldo Course at the Emirates in Dubai and this was no different.  With no play since our golf trip to Turkey expectations were not high of a great round and so it was meant to be.  With no points scored on the first four holes a late recovery was all I could expect.  A mixture of good shoots, unlucky shots and more than one rubbish shot and the usual poor putting left me very much mid-field from the 23 players, whereas steady Lillian, who was it would appear mostly straight on the narrow fairways finished with a very creditable score and ended with the winning score of those who entered the sweepstake.  Well done Lillian. The beers were on you!  Thanks.  A whisper said she would have been the winner overall but as we are not monthly ‘payers’ into the golf society funds she was not allowed to take the star prize!

The company was very good for the day with a mixture of old and young, golfers and not such good golfers.  A well organised event with one guy riding around on a buggy cart keeping everyone supplied with drinks and snacks.  The drinks were much very much appreciated on what was a hot day.  Oh that there was such a course near this end of the island and it would have been there 5 days a week rather than working!

Back to the Cottage pub for prize givings and a snack and a couple of hours of drinking and chatting.  It was one of the numbers 40th birthday and he did not know a special event had been arranged for him at the pub.  We stayed for a bit but home to watch Wimbledon and a relax for us oldies who cant keep up the pace.