Anastasia

Fridays in June

I usually start classes early in the morning on Saturdays, so Fridays are almost like any other weekday. From September to May, they certainly don't herald the weekend as a time to relax or spend a wild night out, but, on the contrary, they invite me to go to bed quite early as I have to get up at six thirty on Saturdays. However, in June, Fridays are special because my Saturday classes finish end of May. What's normal for most people who work from Monday to Friday, Fridays in June are like a long weekend for me! This is why, I'm enjoying them as much as I can.

 

Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto 2

I read a lot. I've been reading Eliot's Waste Land for the upteenth time this week. And while I'm writing , I enjoy listening to Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto 2. Classical music relaxes me greatly just like blogging. I sometimes wish I had the time to blog more often or read more books or listen to more of my favourite music - not just at the weekend or on holidays but every single day of the week. And, of course, when I don't work, I also enjoy cooking. Naturally, I cook , almost every day, sometimes we order take-away and sometimes I only do pasta and / or salads. But on my days off work, I do my best to be more creative.

Have a great weekend ahead!

The Benefits of Healthy Eating

Many people believe that fatty foods are much tastier than their healthy version. But have they ever tried to adopt a healthier eating pattern  in their daily diets? I don't think so because if they had they would have acknowledged the great benefits of a daily healthy diet. Healthy eating has nothing to do with dieting, it's a lifestyle and in the long run you can enjoy it so much that you will never feel like going back to unhealthy eating habits , such as the consumption of too much red meat, fried or processed  foods, for example.

My Chicken Burgers

Grilled Vegetables with Low Fat Yogurt

Healthy eating can help you prevent and control many health problems such as high blood pressure, heart diseases and diabetes type 2. What's more, it will definitely help you get rid of stress since it will boost your energy. Alkis and I are great fans of healthy eating and we honestly think that chicken, fish or vegetables are much tastier when grilled. And , of course, we love salads with the mediterranean dressing: 1 tsp olive oil and a few drops of vinegar.  Eating as much fattening food as you want is the surest way to an early grave.

Greek Salad

My Favourite Green Salad

Green Beans in Tomato Sauce

Grilled Salmon with Brown Rice and Fresh Lemon Juice

Adopting a healthy eating pattern has helped me get rid of some extra kilos, but , most importantly, I've been able to keep a healthy weight and...stay there!  Dieters seem to spend most of their time turning their noses up at food. Most of them spend a lifetime fighting a losing battle against spreading hips, protruding tummies and double chins. I am very much against dieting, I tried it in the past and , unfortunately, I gained all the weight lost within weeks after having given up the dieting. 

Baked Aubergines Imam Baildi

Sticking to a daily healthy eating pattern allows you to enjoy your favourite comfort food occasionally. I love cheese fondu, pastitsio, souvlakia and pancakes and I do enjoy them once or twice a month. This is the greatest benefit of adopting a healthy eating pattern instead of going on a diet.

   

Time Out - Protaras - June 2013

After a hectic month at the school, I felt I needed a break before starting to mark final exam papers, writing final reports and doing some more extra lessons for my Cambridge ESOL students in June. As you may know, I am incurably in love with Protaras. It's like a magic spell I'm unable to resist to. This is where you can enjoy some of the best sunkissed sandy beaches in the Mediterranean Sea.  I've travelled a lot to Greece and to many other European countries but never have I come across more beautiful beaches or such crystal clear blue waters as in Protaras. Protaras has been my haven of peace and the ideal place to relax for the last 28 years.

The Swimming Pool at the Golden Coast Beach Hotel

The Sunrise as seen through my lenses at 6:28 yesterday.

Protaras

Protaras Fishing Refuge

The Golden Coast Beach Hotel

The Golden Coast Beach Hotel

Protaras

Since 1985, I've always stayed at the Golden Coast Beach Hotel - actually since it was built!  And I'll certainly never change it for any other hotel in the area. Alkis and I had a lovely time there despite the fact that Alkis had to attend an important meeting at work on Saturday morning. On Friday evening, we had dinner at Koi Restaurant. I love sushi and sashimi, so I had an assortment of sashimi together with nigiri, maki and temaki sushi - 16 pieces in all. Alkis, who is allergic to fish, had a chicken curry which he said was just as delicious.

On Saturday night, we went to a traditional local taverna in Paralimni - Ttappis Tavern - which serves excellent local meze. We were unable to finish all the dishes but we tried a little bit of everything and loved the homemade red wine.

Ttappis Tavern - Paralimni

Ttappis Tavern - Paralimni

 

Protaras is a magical resort, a pole of attraction for many tourists who come to spend a holiday there from all over Europe. For me it's simply my favourite haven of peace and an ideal resort to spend a weekend away at about 61 km from home. 

Sunsets

Today marks the end of classes for the school year 2012-2013 but the school year hasn't come to an end yet. Next week, all classes will have to take final exams which are compulsory and free of charge. So, as you may realise, it's been a hectic week at work. I had to prepare the final exam papers, teach in the afternoon and do office work in the morning.. Then in June, I have some extra classes for the students who have enrolled to Cambridge ESOL Examinations in addition to marking exam papers, issuing results and completing the Final Reports which will be sent to my students by the end of June. 

Sunset in Larnaca

Alkis also has a lot of work these days and we hardly see each other during the day. But after a long day at work, we often go for a walk at the beach and contemplate the sunset. The sunset in Larnaca takes my breath away. It helps me relax and look forward to yet another new day - it's the promise of the dawn.  I guess sunsets are magical regardless of where you live.  They are inspiring and can reduce stress to a great extent. Sunrises can be just as inspiring and relaxing if you can get up at the crack of dawn! 

 

My Mother

My mother and I don't always get along very well. More often than not, it seems that one of us is saying the wrong thing, presses the wrong buttons and, as a result, our conversations tend to be quite explosive! Yet, in our heart of hearts, we know that we love each other dearly. I always felt, though, that my dad could understand me more than any other person in the world - this is probably why I'll never get over his sudden death 10  years ago.

With my mum - Nicosia, September 1958

I've often had a rather strained relationship with my mother. She'd criticise almost everything - my hair, my clothes, my friends, my behaviour or attitude, my opinion on various issues, the way I decorate my flat, my flat in general - the list is endless! I strongly felt being under scrutiny and, as a result, I avoided sharing my secrets or troubles with her. On the other hand, I admit to my flaws. I'm kind of blunt and always speak my mind because I'd rather say something to somebody's face than behind their back. In other words, I'm not diplomatic! Our relationship improved a lot when I decided to see things from her point of view.

My mum - Christmas Eve 2004

I felt I could understand her better and eventually realised how much she cared and how wrong I was to pick on her. By appreciating the positive side of her character, I was able to connect with her and communicate much better. For example, she never meddled in my life, never made any comments whatsoever. On the contrary, she was a pattern of discretion. My mum is the sweetest and kindest person I've ever known. Despite her occasional criticisms, she's always been there for me offering her support in times of hardship and sharing my happiness in times of joy. Now I know that she's done an excellent job and I'll be forever thankful for all the sacrifices she's made for me and my brother.

On a summer holiday with my mother - August 2005

At 76 , my mum is an independent person, who lives on her own and has many hobbies and interests in her life such as going on day trips, cooking, reading, writing, charity, decorating to mention only a few. She's also the kindest person I've ever known. She always has a good word for everyone and when she can she helps others very willingly. I feel I owe her a lot - most importantly I owe her my life.

Easter With The Family in Greece

Spending Easter with Alkis' family in Greece has always been a wonderful holiday to look forward to and a great family get-together. On Thursday, May 2, we flew to Thessaloniki feeling excited about meeting family and friends who we hadn't seen for a year. Thanasis, Alkis' youngest brother, picked us up at Macedonia Airport and drove us to Serres, Alkis' hometown, which lies at about 83 km from Thessaloniki. In about an hour, we arrived in Serres and checked in at Philippos Xenia Hotel - our favourite hotel in Serres. Soon after check-in, which was amazingly fast and efficient, we realised that we were starving as we only had a snack on the plane. Late lunch at Ouzomagies was very rewarding! I fast during the Holy Week and was pleasantly surprised to see the variety of lenten dishes available at the tavern. There's one thing I regret, though. I was so hungry that I forgot to take photos of all the great food we had there. Later in the evening we had dinner at the hotel's splendid roof garden restaurant with Zoe - Thanasis' daughter - her husband Stratos and their beautiful daughters - six-year-old Maria who's already been to Primary School and can read very well and four-year-old Alkistis, our goddaughter.

The Tower in Thessaloniki

This is what we woke to the following morning.

Serres

Serres

Serres

At Philippos Xenia Hotel, we had a beautiful, spacious room overlooking the back yard. This was only a small part of the evergreen city of Serres. We rented a car and soon after breakfast we explored the surrounding countryside. Serres boasts the most beautiful countryside in Northern Greece, off the beaten track. The park at Eleftherias Square in the city centre matches the beauty of the country. We enjoyed coffee and bougatsa there and just before lunch an ouzomeze   

Serres

Alkis in his hometown Serres

Serres - City Centre

The Archaeological Museum in Serres

Ai Yiannis - Serres

Ai Yiannis - Serres

On Easter Day, May 5, we had the perfect traditional Greek Easter lunch at Gazoros - a small village at about 25 km from the city of Serres.  Thanasis proved to be a master at making the traditional ovelias- lamb on the spit. Alkis was just a ...sous-chef (under-chef) and was only trying to help! The result was simply delicious!

Thanasis, my brother-in-law, cooking ovelias - lamb on the spit

Ovelias and Thanasis

Thanasis - Just Perfect..or not?

Some more ...cooking

what a feast!

The Lamb!

Alkis as a sous-chef was only trying to help!

The two brothers have finally agreed that the Easter Lamb is...just perfect!

Alkis and his nephew, Konstantinos

The Family

On Easter Monday, we left Serres for beautiful Thessaloniki - also known as the nymph of Thermaikos. We stayed at Macedonia Palace Hotel which we didn't really like and  regretted not booking Electra Palace, but we got better prices at Macedonia Palace. We got a double room for €100 a day vs €170 at Electra but it wasn't good value for money, anyway.  However, this did not spoil our holiday.  We'll simply not go back again!

Macedonia Palace

Alkis and I walked along Nikis Avenue to Aristotelous Square and had a great dinner just the two of us at Roumeli Tavern by Athonos Square. Walking back to the hotel was an invigorating experience after all the great food we had there. 

A Stroll in Thessaloniki

Dinner at Roumeli Tavern

Roumeli Taverna - Athonos- Thessaloniki

On Easter Tuesday, we were invited for lunch by our great friends Irini and Stelios at Scholari - situated at about 25km from Thessaloniki . This is where I met Aspa - a wonderful person who I consider to be a wonderful friend now, even though I've only known her for a few hours!

Stelios, Irini, Me, Aspa and Asterios

Stelios, Alkis, Asterios

 We had  such a great time there and enjoyed it  so much.  Irini proved to be a top chef but we also loved the men's cooking,... like the baby goat on the spit. I know Stelios contributed a lot but my congratulations go to Asterios! Believe it or not, we had a huge dinner at Anestis Tavern in Perea, Thessaloniki. We were invited by Antonis - Alkis' cousin - and his wife Irini. And we still had a lot to eat and drink.

Macedonia Palace

Wednesday morning was shopping day. Thessaloniki made me reconsider shopping in Athens! In the evening, we had another great dinner at Roumeli Tavern with Antonis and  Irini.

Alkis in Thessaloniki

A few years ago, I was quite reluctant to spend Easter with Alkis's family in Greece. I thought I'd feel a stranger being from Cyprus. But his wonderful family made me feel I'm part of them. I would like to thank everyone for their wonderful hospitality and for making me feel at home. 

Job Satisfaction

As second term reports are round the corner, I've been burning the midnight oil all this week in order to meet deadlines and finish my marking before April 15.  "Why worry about deadlines? After all, you are your own boss!", friends and family often remark. The truth  is I don't always understand them. Since I started running my own language school back in 1997, I've  realised that nothing really changed compared to working for other schools.

Piles of tests to mark at the weekend.

The work has to be done. Ah right! I'm only called to account for myself but, then again, I find that myself as a boss is  much more demanding than any boss I've ever had in my teaching career. One of the many reasons why I declined a job offer in public schools is because I had a very different idea of teaching English and French as foreign languages and my idea did not comply with theirs.

Working at the Weekend

I don't employ other teachers apart from myself, so all the responsibility is mine. Nor do I aspire to make big money. My greatest satisfaction  lies in my students' success. Believe me, it's very rewarding! Job satisfaction is an important element of individual well being. To me, salary is not as important as enjoyment at the workplace which, in turn , brings happiness. Surely, money is important. However, money doesn't make happiness, it may just as well  contribute to it.

Sunday Outing - Agios Theodoros

Today was one of those lovely, sunny days in early spring, albeit a bit windy. It was one of those days which make you unwilling to stay indoors, so Alkis and I decided to spend it in the nearby countryside.

Agios Theodoros Beach

Agios Theodoros Beach

Agios Theodoros Beach

Agios Theodoros Beach

Situated off the beaten track in a lush valley along the banks of Pentashinos river, at about 25 km from Larnaca, Agios Theodoros is a small, traditional village with a population of 600 inhabitants. Named after the patron saint of the village, Agios Theodoros of Tyrona, this tiny village offers stunning views of the mountains, and yet, it's only just a 5-minute drive from the coast. The inhabitants of the village are like a big family who would greet and welcome a visitor with a big, genuine smile. The village is also noted for its great tavernas serving meze, fresh fish and local specialities.  

Marida

Red Mullet

Having taken a long walk along Agios Theodoros Beach, we had lunch at Limni Tavern. Being a great fish lover, I had marida for starters - a kind of small fish which lives in the Greek seas. It's so tiny that you can eat it whole with its head and bone. I just love it! Then I had my favourite fish -  fresh red mullet which was delicious! After such a great lunch, we enjoyed  coffees and pishies - a local dessert - while contemplating the infinite blue of the eastern Mediterranean. 

February in Cyprus

February arrived in Cyprus with a huge grin and gorgeous sunny days. I could almost smell Spring in the cool breeze coming from the sea, flirting with my veranda throughout the weekend and spoiling us with mild temperatures rising to 20 degrees celsius on the coast. But just about as I was starting to consider getting rid of coats, boots and umbrellas, today's stormy weather made me have second thoughts. February in Cyprus is  a moody month. It will drift along lazily with its moods...on a whim. Now it's sunny, now it isn't! 

Larnaca Medieval Castle

Mosfiloti

Mosfiloti - Larnaca

 

Regardless of its moody attitude, February is one of my most favourite months. Its birthstone is the amethyst which symbolises piety, humility, spiritual wisdom and sincerity. Its main zodiac sign is Aquarius like my husband whose birthday is on February 17. It's an unfortunate coincidence that this year his birthday is on the same day as the Presidential Elections. We'll vote and then celebrate over lunch for a change in order to watch the results of our Presidential Elections in the evening. 

Alkis's 60th Birthday

Valentine's Day 2010

February is also the month which celebrates Love. Just like we celebrate Christmas,Easter,  name days and birthdays on a special day, Love  is celebrated on February 14th , Saint Valentine's Day. 

I'm looking forward to yet another great Valentine's Day! How about you?

 

Sundays - January 2013

Sunday is the only day of the week I'm off work so I try to spend it doing my favourite leisure activities unless marking tests and homework piles up. What relaxes me most is the sea which has always been fascinating to me. The nearest beach is only about 4 km from home. In summer I go swimming almost every day and in winter I enjoy taking a long walk along the sandy beach on a sunny day like today. After the cold spell in early January, we are now enjoying blue skies, sunny days and temperatures rising to 20*C. I can even smell spring in the air! Alkis usually works on Sunday mornings but we often  have lunch in the nearby countryside. Our favourite restaurant is Archontiko Papadopoulou at Kornos village.

Finicoudes Beach - Larnaca

I enjoy cooking on Sundays, though. If we don't eat out, I  test my culinary skills. Cooking can be both relaxing and creative. I love making greek pies such as leek pie with mince meat or cooking  Alkis's favourite:  whole wheat spaghetti with mixed vegetables and ouzo. Whenever I prepare this dish, it turns out great!

whole wheat spaghetti

Archontiko Papadopoulou - Kornos

Blogging is by far my most favourite pastime and I sometimes wish I could blog more often during the week. On Sundays, I also love re-arranging my perfume collection or simply indulging a craving for chocolate!

Twirl