Half Term Adventures

So where were we, it seems forever since I last blogged. Half term has been and gone, as have 3 out of 4 of the sproglets, but before I start flooding the blog with photos of them and their adventures ........................... just look at this sky!  It lasted for just a couple of minutes, the race was on to find the camera and thankfuly the battery wasn't flat.  I do have a tendancy to put the thing to charge and forget to switch the socket on!

So the weather perked up for half term, Abbie had been on weather watch for atleast two weeks before she was due to arrive and was positively wibbling with excitement at the thought of leaving the cold UK behind for a week or so.  

We decided an outing to Cape Greko was in order it is fast becoming a favourite dog walking spot, the eagle eyed of you will notice a new addition, he is called Edward.  Andy found him in the middle of  a busy road, he isn't micro chipped, and has obviously looking after himself for a while.  He is not as yet a permanent addition to the household......................are we fostering or adopting?.................  Still undecided.  

Next day trip was just down the road to Victor Beach, a day of kayaking and attempted paddle boarding followed by lunch at the Officers Mess.  Getting upright and staying upright on a paddle board is not as easy as it looks, I am being particularly generous and only posting flattering photos, there are alot of pics with bums in the air or bums in the water which I am keeping under lock and key simply because most of them are of my rear.......................Andy should never be let loose with a camera!

Finally we pootled off to Nicosia again, this time we didn't need hat and gloves, we were smothered in sun lotion, it was a beautiful day

I am gently trying to encourage Mr Reed to blog, he does have tales to tell which I am sure Mr Jif will find amusing.

Beccy xx

Nicosia

Hi again, you'll just have to put up with me again, Andy is a little preoccupied with a visit from the head of Border Force this week, oh, and he is squeezing in a little bit of diving!  We did have a storm on Friday night though which carried on into Saturday which meant a Zenobia dive had to be postponed possibly until Sunday morning but after a fruitful trip to the pub to watch Newcastle win in the football and England win in the rugby it was abandoned due to the volume of vodka which was flowing nicely.  I have a feeling this coming weekend could have a six nations and premier league theme too with the arrival of Sam and Matt thrown in for good measure, and I do believe there is another dive planned!

A couple of weeks ago when it was still flippin cold we took a trip to Nicosia old town so this will be another picture heavy post.  Due to our anti social/out of season tourism habit there is a distinct lack of people!

We simply wandered around the south side which was cafe culture central and quite pleasant and must be humming with tourists and locals when the weather warms a little.  Then we crossed on foot to the north using the Ledra Street crossing, quite bizarre having your passport checked by both sides whist wandering through cafe culture central!  Once in the north though there was that same familiar feeling of peace and tranquility despite being in the same city where only a few minutes before there was much more hustle and glitz.

The Turkish Cypriots have a fantastic reuse/recycle policy this is Christian Church converted to a mosque by the addition of a minaret, this is common place in the north.

A Penny Farthing?????????????

Another example of British architecture and Turkish recycling.

Yet more examples of colonial Britain. 

Time for refreshments.

I think this pic deserves a caption, entries on a postcard please..................

Lefkara

We are doing the touristy thing, typically for us we are doing it out of season when there is a lack of other touristy types.  Apparently in the summer Lefkara is full of tourists and coaches bringing the tourists in especially to irritate folks like Andy who when we visited Cape Greko declared that there were far too many people there (I counted four cars in the car park !!!!!!!!!!!!).

So, back to Lefkara, it is located in the southern foothills of the Troodos Mountains and if famous for its needle lace.  The women sit on their doorsteps making the lace, some of the lace is quite beautiful and intricate and very detailed.  Despite being a tourist haven this is the most unspoilt village and area we have visited in the south of the island, the houses are all built of stone and nestled into the hillside with the most spectacular views.   So this is a picture heavy post but it is hard to choose just a few photos, so am just gonna post the lot.

Andy's favourite street in Cyprus.

Built during British rule, think thats failrly obvious, still in use and sitting proudly in the village centre (unlike council offices in the UK which are being closed/demolished and replaced with steel/glass sturctures which will last five minutes......mini rant over!

Andy's favourite street again 

When we left Lefkara we kept on driving further in to Troodos foothills, the latter photographs were taken whilst doing lots of pulling over, parking up  and ooing an arrghing at the views.  The photographs don't really do the views and scenery justice, so, if you are ever in Cyprus, Lefkara should be on your list of must do places to visit.

xx