Busy doing nothing

Hibiscus to the fore with bouganvillea still flowering.

After an enjoyable week with friends Derick and Jane and then a week away we have been working at 'Busy doing nothing very much'.

Unfortunately I picked up a cold from the trip to Riyadh which must have been from the air con and travel in general.  Not something that has happened to me much despite all of the travel that I have done over the years but when it does you can be sure I have shared it with everyone that gets too near.  Consequently as Lillian is the closest guess what ….. she too has a cold!

So a weekend lazing apart from a trip to the pub to watch England v New Zealand rugby.  I was sorely tempted to send SMS messages to all of our Kiwi friends when England went into the lead int he second half/  It was good job I didn't as true to form NZ whopped England in the last 20 minutes to be convincing winners.  It has not been a good week for England sport with two defeats for the soccer team and having risen at 0430 this morning to watch Ashes cricket I wish I hadn't sat through England being bowled out for 136!

Monday was bowls.  It seems a long time since I had played.  I was to be disappointed that nobody mentioned the fact that i had a new bowls bag, but why should they?  I certainly wouldn't have noticed anyone else's.  As usual two games, the first of which was interrupted by a sharp shower of rain for 5 minutes.  Whilst it has not been the first fall it has been the first that we have actually seen.  Everyone huddled under shelters and moaned …… goodness it was still 75F!  Lillian and I did not play on the same mats for any of the two games but I think for the first time we were both winners for both matches!

The garden continues to take time picking leaves and general trimming, a morning spent trimming the ficus hedge so that it keeps its 'flat top'.  The hibiscus are doing really well and we have never had some many flowers all at once.  There was a time in the summer we though they were in a drastic collapse as leaves were turning yellow and dropping daily but now they look a picture.

A week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Arrival on the first day at the school

I thought you have retired people are saying?  Well from being committed to working everyday I certainly have but when people ask about a short assignment why not?

So it was off to Riyadh last week for an assignment with a contractor from Vancouver, Canada.  I have known Doug for sometime who has his own education company so when he asked I could hardly refuse.  The task was to evaluate against international benchmarks, a private school which targeted local Saudi students.  It was owned and operated by a one of the richest mean in the Kingdom outside the Royal family.  How did it compare?  It didn't and was providing a fairly unacceptable education for a number of reasons which should not be disclosed here.

Some pad!

Saudi Arabia apart from having lots of desert and of course oil is fairly similar to the arab countries of Kuwait and Qatar both of which I have worked in.  The rights of the workers who come from out of country are minimal.  They are poorly paid, restricted in what they do and where they go.  They are unable to move to another job in country to better themselves as the sponsor / employee has power over the visa.  The ex-pat teachers, who were from Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iran etc were quick to use a visit as a time to complain bitterly about their pay and conditions. It will be in the report, which is one of the longest that I have written on an evaluation.  The school spends more on mobile phones than teacher training!

Chris and Doug relaxing

Flights were via Amman in Jordan to Riyadh on the way out and via Beirut, Lebanon on the way back where I waited five hours for the connection to Larnaca.  It was a good time to catch sit and write the report with a beer in hand with no opportunity in the Kingdom with alcohol banned.  Hotel was an OK business hotel, new built with a typical arabic style although staffed by ex-pats except for management and front desk.  Therefore it was interesting to watch in the lounges, which were quite busy Saudis having to speak english to order coffee. drinks etc rather than arabic.

Highlights of the week?  A meal / meeting with some potential Saudi investors who are thinking they want to build a school. Picked us up from the hotel in a Series 7 BMW …. love being driven in these cars and say we are going to an indian restaurant. Surprised at the choice and when we enter are informed that its fully booked!  Can't believe they hadn't got somebody to do that for them!!! So we end up in a Lebanese restaurant.  Love the food and the people.  Our debrief took place at the owners house.  This is the 6th richest man in the Kingdom.  This was not a house but a palace.  The picture here was the fountain taken as we left, the arch being the gate out.

Kingdom Tower

I couldn't take pictures in the house out of politeness so you will have to imagine a dining room that sat 32 on circular tables.  There were 6 when we sat down to eat.  I managed to count 10 four seater sofas in various places for 'discussion' with wonderful artefacts and pictures every where.

The last afternoon was one of relaxation and a trip to Mishkat a project in Riyadh for young people to understand that as a country they need to think beyond oil as their only source of power.  I hands on, exploratory learning display that if it could be taken outside the Kingdom it would be a great success.  Very impressed.  The project was 'owned' by a Board member of the school and at the moment although it must have cost millions $ to set up is only open to school parties who are not charged for entry.  There is a need to educate the young!

A week with friends

A little behind with updating the 'blog' due to being busy and once again travelling (more on this later).

Since the last update we welcomed our last visitors of 2013 save daughter Emily coming for Xmas.  Derick and Jane Fulcher made their first visit to us although not their first visit to Cyprus which they say they visited some 8 years ago.  We have known Derick and Jan for some 25 years having first met on a skiing trip when we worked as couriers and they were clients.  As we reminisced our first meetings and their children Sophie and Sam whizzing down the slopes it only seemed a short time ago. Sophie and Sam are both married with children of their own now!

When not sitting chatting during which there was much laughing and joking we spent the week being hospitable with the normal visitor 'things to do'.  Walks along the beach and eating in the village are pretty much the norm and with the sun shining time strolling along the shore line was a great way to relax together.  A trip to Kyrenia in Northern Cyprus for lunch was a good way to see some of the island during the drive and a lovely place to visit.  An evening stroll along the promenade of Larnaca gave an idea of our town, although so very quieter than the summer months with bars and restaurants virtually empty.

A game of golf at Elea golf club was much enjoyed.  So much so we have persuaded them to join us on our annual trip to Turkey - next May 2014.

Of course there was the traditional stone laying ceremony.  A truly joint effort with both Derick and Jane contributing to the completion. D&J have a place in Cadiz in Spain hence the two maps of the respective countries.  The dotted line from Lillian to Chris represents the suggestion that we should go there next year.  That we will do at some stage - we have promised to accept the offer.  

Quick trip back to the UK

A week back in the UK where the weather except for a huge storm that blew across Southern England was surprisingly good.  It is always good to see family and friends and we managed to catch up with a number.  A visit to Clacton to see parents, night out with the children, time for Lillian to do some shopping with Emily and for me a couple of trips into London for a visa to Saudi Arabia.  Yes its back to work but only for a week to help a former colleague out on a consultancy project.  Three trips to the doctors for more tablets, blood tests and and general consultations.  All is good.

Back here the garden had done well and was in good shape, with pots surviving a week without TLC and good to see the sun still shining.

We have friends here this week - last visitors of the year.  Good time which will be elaborated on in the future however today is a day to remember

FIRST RAIN OF THE YEAR!  And quite a lot too!

Departing friends

So ....... home alone once again until the next visitors, the last of the year at the beginning of November.

The Plastows were 'chucked out' at Departures at the airport this morning and we waved as the British Airways flight   passed virtually over our garden some twenty five minutes late.  Don't know if they could see us or not but they were sitting on the right side of the plane with window seats.  Actually they were on the left of the plane but I'm sure you know what I mean.  We had all enjoyed their stay which allowed them to 'chill' after busy work schedules although looking at the UK weather it might be that they will chill at home also.  The weather could not have been better for them over the last seven days and once again today there are clear blue skies.

After the traditional fun with the stone laying ceremony and drinks on the patio as the sun set it was a walk into the village for a meal at Pyrgos and then into the pub to watch the England v Poland World Cup football match.  There was a good atmosphere with a solid 'round of applause' from most of the throng when the final whistle blew.

Today is the usual cleaning and clearing after visitors and Lillian in her normal efficiency had the washing machine going within the hour of returning home from the airport.  However a walk beckons later this afternoon as we move to 'remove' the extra pounds from a week of too much eating and drinking.  Its tough go being sociable.

Think of the best of UK summer days.  Blue skies, without a cloud, warm at 82F / 28C and at times a gentle breeze.  This exactly describes the weather here this week.

Pissouri Village

For visitors Chris and Nick its idyllic and just what they wanted.  Warm enough to sit out all day but not too hot to roast.  As ever with visitors a couple of days out.  One to Pissouri Bay, between Limassol and Paphos.  A lovely bay with sandy beach, good for swimming and sun lounging.  For Chris and Nick that is what they did but for Lillian and me it was a stroll to the very end of the bay to sit on a rock jutting out in the sea with legs dangling over the edge.  A good way to spend and hour.  Lunch at a beach side tavern and more walking and sitting.  Chris and Nick on the beach but for Lillian and I a seat in the shade where we passed the time with me testing her on 'greek verbs'.  Lillian continues to be modest in her capabilities of learning to speak greek but she impresses me every time she speaks, which is more and more now in shops and restaurants.

After time on the beach it was up to the main village and a stroll around the streets of Pissouri before more eating and drinking.  Food was typical of all village tavernas, although I enjoyed my pork chop, my staple diet! Late home as its a 90 minute drive but an enjoyable day.

With the weather warm and friends wanting to make the most of the sunshine yesterday afternoon was spent on our own beach at Faros.  The last open vendor for sun loungers needed the custom and only four beds were taken which was the complete reverse the day before at Pissouri where it was quite busy.

Lillian, Nick and Chris all braved the sea without too many grimaces whilst I played with the camera trying to take numerous pictures on different settings.  This sounds fine in theory but of course by the time you come to look at them you cant remember which setting was which.  I need to continue to experiment but with a notepad next time.

As the shadows grew so the beach became empty and even the vendor had left by the time we climbed the steps to the cliff top and the car park.

Stopped at the Artcafe restaurant, under the Faros lighthouse for a beer and chat before heading home.  New pergolas have been added with glass screens to protect from the winds and this really is becoming a good venue for sundowners.  The picture at the side gives some idea of the red sky.

Home for more drinks on the patio and a Sunday roast courtesy of Lillian.

Stop that pigeon

Ok.  Had enough of pigeons basking in the sunshine on our solar panel and leaving their mess to fall onto the hot tub.  This should do it ..... courtesy of Barry the pigeon man.  It was not free gratis.... charged more than expected but he was on the roof for 7 hours!  Sods law we have not even seen a pigeon in the sky for the last two days let alone on our roof.  However they will be around again we are sure and then we will see if the neighbours are covered and we are clear.

Friends Chris and Nick from Harrow arrived at 0530 this morning.  So glad that British Airways are changing their flight schedule next week to more reasonable times.  The forecast for the next seven days is great with daily temps all listed at 28-29C so hope they will have the relaxing time they say they need.  Hard go working at the best of times with two weeks holiday a year but Chris works shifts which must be the same as me getting caught up with jet lag going from one time zone to another.  Chris has a huge suitcase.  When asked what she had in it a one word reply.  BOOKS. Hope they have a good time.

All smiles at the start of the game!

It rained during Saturday night - not that we saw it only the resultant puddles on the road on Sunday morning.  The first since April if memory serves right.

Some events since last posting.

A trip to Kyrenia in the north for a night stay and a game of golf with Geoff and Hazel at their club.  First game for Lillian and i since June and it showed, well in my game with 7 lost balls on the very tight course meant a poor score.  But it was all fun except for some of the hills.  Having elected to walk instead of a  buggy cart was a brave decision with us gasping for breath on more than one occasion.

Each year the village of Pervolia has a Charity week.  Events are created at may of the restaurants and bars in the village to raise funds to help those less fortunate in the area.  It is a sign of the times when supermarkets have large perspex containers past the check-outs where shoppers can donate foodstuff that they have just bought.  So on Friday night it was a 'Dutch Auction' of various gifts given by regulars that would make attractive 'parcels' of prizes to bid for.  We had nothing that we could think would be useful so after a meal in Pyrgos determined to be charitable and make some good donations we joined the fun, helped by more than a few beers.  If you have not been to a Dutch Auction there are a number of methods but this was designed to raise the maximum amount of cash in the shortest time.  Hosted by Nat, the landlady of the The Cottage, who did a fantastic job, she first selected a number of gifts that had been donated to make an attractive package.  Bidding started at anything from 10 cents to 5 Euros depending on the prize. So whoever bid say 10 cents placed the 10 cents in the bucket, the next bidder who perhaps raised the stake to 20 cents put 20 cents in the bucket and so on.  It was easy to get carried away and soon place a lot of cash into the bucket.  Everyone was in good spirits and it was all a lot of fun with over 2000 Euros being raised by the end of the evening.  We had contributed well and come home with some 'junk' and a voucher for a meal at Pyrgos!  We will enjoy it as we spent enough to go there 5 times!  Still a good cause.

Late Saturday afternoon saw a special bowls event when people from the town of Kiti were invited to try bowls for the first time.  About 20 turned up, many not speaking English so Lillian was a star with her greek. After a couple of hours of fun, which seemed to be enjoyed by all it was locals time to entertain with three games of bingo (numbers called in greek as well as English) and kebabs and pitta from the BBQ all held in the meeting hall.  It was a good event.

Sunday ...... with the pool temperature reading only 20C it was probably the last swim of the year. Managed 6 lengths before saying enough ...... believe me the hot tub felt roasting afterwards.

Bowls Club

So much for saying bowls has improved ........... after four wins on the trot normal service resumed this morning with two defeats this morning although it was not all down to me.  Two very close games both decided on the last end of 11.

Strong winds today.  My little app on the iPad shows 30mph and although I have no way of confirming it certainly matches the beaufort scale description of whole trees sway and the awning staying firmly in.  Waste of time doing any tidying in the garden as it would be an never ending job trying to clear leaves when the wind is so strong.  28C / 83F though is still very pleasant to sit on the patio despite the wind.  Have had to rescue the garden furniture twice.

We have new neighbours.  A Chinese family moved into House number 2 yesterday.  They stayed the night but today seem to have gone again.  Perhaps they are just out exploring the surrounds?

Its getting colder

September moves into October and whilst life continues in much the same way with routine days of pottering interspersed with 'special' events so the weather changes too.  The clear blue skies and hot sun of summer are now not guaranteed with the first clouds of the approaching cooler period becoming more regular.  In fact there has been rain ...... not here in Perivolia  but in the surrounding districts causing flash flooding in dry river beds and subsequent mud and rocks washed across the roads.

The cooler days, temperatures are now in the upper 70F to low 80s F are coupled with certainly cooler nights.  Great that we no longer have the air conditioning blowing at bed time but the cooler nights have certainly lowered the temperatures of the pool.  We are still swimming but for how much longer ...... a week or so at the most I think.  Another downside to the cooler temps is the return of the mosquitos which buzz around in the evenings entering via open windows.  The bites are fierce and both Lillian and I compare both numbers and severity with very much 'my bites are itchier than your bites' tone.

Village of Kalavasos

Since the last blog I've had yet another birthday.  Pleased to still be having them and if it was not for the skill of surgeons in Dubai I might not.  Everyday is but a bonus which I try to remind myself and time should not be totally wasted.  However I'm thinking of counting backwards now with birthdays.  62 - where did the last 20 years go?  The strategy of taking a year off will fit with Lillian's view that I am regressing as I get older.  We actually had a very nice day.  Pottered about in the garden, beach walk and then a trip into the Troodos mountains to stay at the Library Hotel in the small village of Kalavasos.  The meal was good, but not good enough to go there just to eat in the future, but we had a very nice room and it was nice to be able to sit with a brandy and coffee post meal in a nice lounge not worrying about driving back home.  In the morning we walked the village and then drove for a couple of hours on a fairly long route home taking in the views.  There really are some pretty little traditional villages here.  It was on this drive that we saw the effects of the rain and flooding mentioned above. and allowed us to collect a few coloured rocks for the garden

Rocks from the Troodos, washed down by rains

A 70th birthday celebration for friend Val, who has greek lessons with Lillian was a nice afternoon / early evening event.  Sitting under a beautiful grapevine, beer in hand, drinking and chatting with 'new' acquaintances whilst Val's husband john slaved away at the BBQ is a very pleasant way to spend time. I am still resisting the long ago stated promises that 'sometime' I will BBQ.

Red sky at night

Trips to bowls have now become a 2 / 3 times a week occurrence.  Despite my protestations that i am useless the last couple of sessions have no been so bad.  Trying to develop a new technique by bowling off the other foot which seems to be helping and I have now been on the winning side for four games in a row .... this is a record.  So the bowls improves slightly and the golf takes a massive step back.  Having last played in June, we ventured to the north of the island to stay with friends Geoff and Hazel and play on their course in Kyrenia.  They play 4 times a week now as their club is only four minutes from their home.  In all the years Ive played golf with Geoff I don't think he has ever beaten me until this most recent game .......... soundly thrashed.  The course is very hilly and at times I wished I had an oxygen cylinder in the bag .... it felt heavy enough to have had one!