Thursday 1st September

First day of a new month.  A new school year about to start.  I used to have a real buzz as a Head at the start of the new year, good induction of staff in the few days leading into the students arriving, high hopes for improvements. Looking forward to that first assembly of the school year.  It was good to stand infront of the whole school knowing everyone was listening.   In Boreham Wood though new ideals were often shattered by poor behaviours and attitudes amongst some students.  It was a continual struggle there to maintain the upward trend.  We did OK and I look back now and think what we achieved and the First Schools paved the way for the new two tier system post re-organisation to be a success.

Now I do a little bit each day supporting the US schools from afar via the internet.  I know which I prefer.  Part-time via a computer with one more big trip planned or the intensity of being in school daily.  It was interesting last week in Boston to watch the stresses and strains a Head and senior staff are under at the start of a school year, especially when things do not go as planned.  Timetable changes because a parent does not like a grouping, reports to be re-written because a parent complained at the end of the year.  Customer satisfaction has always been important but within private education when the only income is the fees that the 'customer' pays.  It is crucial to keep parents and students happy.

The new path.

An early morning walk with Lillian towards the lighthouse and back along the beach. Stones to collect. Whilst I have been away Lillian has made a new path to match what was placed when the garden was landscaped just by collecting flat stones from the beach.  As ever, always seeking perfection changes were made and some replaced on our return to home.

Our walk was actually cut short as the 'satellite dish' man called to say he was coming.  An expensive operation now gives us a mixture of 'free to air' channels which surprisingly includes Abu Dhabi Sports which show premier league football.  However the remaining channels are not really 'compulsive viewing' and of course local channels are in Greek.  Cant think we will actually do a lot of watching but I do like to be able to 'flick'.


Swimming, lounging and an evening drive along the coast towards Zygi where we stopped at a fish taverna looking out to the sea as the sun set.  A fish meze for two left the three of us 'stuffed'.  Emily enjoyed it very much and we chatted away for a long time.  We were the only eaters in the taverna, even though there was seating for at least 100.  Does September mark the end of the year here?

Wednesday 31st August

Wednesday the day of rest LOL.  After the stresses and stains of BA travel, a night out in the village and a late night sit in the hot tub today was very much a 'chilling' day with lilo lounging, swimming and siting in the sun. Emily very much wants to race the tan along.

I had forgotten what a good swimmer Emily is. Just like Lillian she glides through the water powered by a strong leg kick when swimming breast stroke.  It is actually a long time since I have seen her swim as it is 6 years ago that she left Dubai to go back to UK for 'A' levels and when she did return the pool was either too cold during the winter months or it was used for 'cooling down' rather than serious swimming.  The pool in Umm Sequim was really only a leisure pool with a curving round shape compared to the rectangular 15m length we have now.  This pool, like the one in Dubai is heated only by the warmth of the sun and certainly already feels cooler in the morning compared to late afternoon when it has been warmed a bit.  I wonder how long we will be able to swim?  Probably a month I guess.  Cooler in the mornings? Overnight lows are about 23C - 76F so the water certainly does not get cooler than that.

Over the years when I have said that grew up in a seaside town people often made an assumption that I spent long summers on the beach and was forever in and out of water. That was not the case.  As a family we rarely went to the beach.  I remember so clearly my first ever visit to a swimming pool with my primary school. The open air pool on Clacton Pier.  I was aged 11. The chalk board said water temperature 57F.  With concrete floor changing rooms and an air temperature little more I was 'freezing' before even attempting to get in the water.  I did not learn to swim.  It was a long time until the opening of the indoor heated pool at Clacton Butlin's Holiday Camp that I did. Then I was self taught.  As somebody who was so good at sports at school I was somewhat embarrassed that all of my friends were in the 'swimmers' group when we once again went 'swimming' with school as part of the PE programme.  I was secondary age at this time.  Butlin's pool was open in the winter months to the Clacton public via a Winter Social Club so during that time, usually Saturday mornings, when no friends were around I used to go to the pool and thrash around.   I put that first day experience of freezing water as something that has impacted on me and caused me to be less than comfortable and confident in the water.  I have never forgotten it.

Only 10 lengths today - I feel so out of breath.

Lillian cooked and we eat on the patio and then played cards.  Bed at 10p.m. worn out

Tuesday 30th August

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.

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.

Boston Common in the sunshine

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 are. 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.

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 30^th 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?