Anastasia

September

Mazotos

We are already in mid September, however it still feels like summer in Cyprus. It's got 35*C (95F) inland right now and 33*C (91F) on the coast. This is no surprise. In my part of the world, September has always been..... the fourth summer month!  This is why it is so hard for all primary and high school students to get up at 6:30 am and get ready for the first day at school after the summer break! Primary school here starts at 7:30 am and finishes at 1:10 pm. High school starts at 7:45 am and finishes at 1:30 pm. Soon after school, most children  take up English, French or German, piano, swimming, football, computer, taekwodo or ballet lessons at private schools.  Lessons at my school start a bit later - on September 17.  I am looking forward to meeting my students and beginning together a new school year.

As you may realise, September is for me that time of year when- regardless of the weather - I go back to work and get ready for the new school year.  However, this year, September is also the time when I'm going back to the beach and swimming in the sea. Because of some health issues (angioplasty), I wasn't able to swim at all during my summer break. I now wish the hot weather continues till the end of October!

What's September like in your part of the world?

July

July 1969 was one of the sweetest and most adventurous summer holidays I've ever had. I was 11 years old then and had been looking forward to discovering Europe for months! Dad had planned everything quite in advance. The only booking he had made was our cabin on  the ship - The City of Athens - advertised as a luxury vessel offering elegance and sophistication to all her guests and connecting Lemesos, Cyprus to Pireus, Greece - something like The Titanic! After a long delay at the port of Lemesos, we were welcomed on board The City of Athens - a warship, really, transformed into some kind of an ... ocean liner!!  No sooner had the ship sailed off than a terrible storm broke out and all passengers spent the night in their cabins, feeling seasick. I think I was the only passenger NOT to be seasick. As the storm got worse the following morning, our captain said that we had to stop at the nearest port which was the island of Rhodes. From there Olympic Airways.....safely flew us to Athens. However, just before landing, we were given instructions for.... bracing position and emergency landing! Hence my fear of flying!

We spent three days in Athens , sightseeing - that was the first time I visited the Parthenon and was so thrilled! Then we all went to Pireus where The City of Athens had finally arrived.  Dad had loaded the car on the ship. From Athens , Dad drove us across Europe: Thessaloniki - ex-Yugoslavia- Austria - Germany - Switzerland - France - Italy and back to Greece by ferry from Brindisi. It was a memorable 3-week trip - one I'm not likely ever to forget. I'd always carry all the great photos my parents had taken. Unfortunately, I lost them all in Famagusta during the Turkish Invasion in July 1974 

In the ensuing years, I had the chance to travel across Europe again and re-discover  the charm and treasures of an amazing continent.  

What's the most memorable trip you've ever taken?

End of School Year 2011-2012

So, another school year has come to an end. Funny how I feel sad and already look forward to the new school year beginning in September. I guess this is not normal but I know in my heart of hearts that I'm going to miss my kids for the next two and a half months. I've been jam-packed with work lately, having to mark exam papers, type Final Reports in addition to extra classes for the students who enrolled to the Cambridge ESOL Examinations. English Today.my online course of English as a second language - will be breaking up for the summer soon.

I still can't believe I'm on holiday for the next two months. All I know is that I'm going to make the most of my summer break. I'm going to read books, that's for sure and, perhaps, publish my book on T.S.Eliot on TypePad. Considering that during the school year I work from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, I'm certainly going to hang out with my girl friends for a coffee at Finicoudes, go out with Alkis more often, cook his favourite dishes , such as Beef Stroganov. And I'm going to take a holiday, as always somewhere in the Greek Isles. I can't imagine spending a summer holiday anywhere else. I've been fascinated by the Greek Islands since I was a little girl and to this day I still think they are magical.  

I'll love you and leave you with one of my most favourite songs. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Free Time is a Luxury These Days

Here I am relaxing at home after a hectic week at work. It's that time of year again when esl exams are round the corner in addition to preparing school exams and organising the new school-year 2012-2013. I was a bit under the weather today and please pray I don't get that nasty virus which has been around recently. The weather has been playing up again! We had some warm, sunny days end of April which gave way to a cloudy and rainy early May while today temps went up to 26C! Honestly, I don't know what to wear! See why I hate spring? Wearing jeans and T-shirts plus a jacket seems to be the best  option while looking forward to our long, hot summer. My summer break starts on June 23 - not that far - so I can dream of my summer holiday in July and plan it with Alkis. I dream of unspoilt beaches and lazy days in the sun, secluded coves and ....astakomakaronada  (lobster pasta) by the sea. But right now,  I'll love you and leave you and go back to marking my students' IGCSE Mock Examination.

 

Saturday Night Out at Ktima Georgiadi

Located on the old road Nicosia-Limassol, between Skarinou and Kofinou, at about 25 km from Larnaca, Ktima Georgiadi is probably one of the best options in Cyprus for a night out with good friends or family. The well-known Greek Cypriot singer Stella Georgiadi and her brother Pieris have made their father's dream come true: the return to innocence, the return to their roots, the return to tradition far away from the bright lights of the city. 

Ktima Georgiadi - my friend Andreas Morfitis on the dance floor.

Stella Georgiadi Live

My friend Andreas Morfitis who invited us to a great night out at Ktima Georgiadi.

My friends Stavros Rossos and Andreas Morfitis - alias "gerondas" - wise man.

Pieris and Stella have turned a traditional, old mansion into a Greek taverna  where you can let off steam, eat, drink, dance  and sing with Stella and her band.  In the summer, you can enjoy the show under the stars and the orange trees where Stella and her siblings played when they were kids.

Stella Georgiadi and her daughter Eleftheria who had her b-day yesterday. Her gorgeous mum sang Happy Birthaday to Eleftheria.

Stella Georgiadi who did not hesitate to give up on a bright career as a singer in Athens and return to her roots.

My husband Alkis

Last night, Alkis and I had a great time there with good friends. After a long week at work, it was THE perfect night out. Stella will welcome you to her mansion with an old Greek song which she sings amongst her guests without music or micro. A big hand follows and then the show begins with Stella and her band.  Prices are reasonable, yet the food needs to be improved. 

 

Photos and video by Anastasia Marou for Anastasia

 

Carnival Fun

The Limassol Carnival is one of the most important events in Cyprus, related to the Dionysian Festivals of the classical antiquity. It is a joyful and colorful event that attracts both young and old, locals and visitors, making Limassol the carnival center of Cyprus.

The festivities begin on Shrove Thursday (February 16th) with the entrance of King Carnival in town and  last for ten days. The Limassol Municipality organizes various events such as open-air parties, children’s parades and serenaders evenings.

Τhe Grand Carnival Parade on Sunday, February 26th, is the culmination of the carnival events. It will start at 13.30 from St. Nicholas roundabout and will proceed along Makarios III Avenue.

For the detailed programme click here

via www.cyprusevents.net

In Nicosia where I was born and reared, the Carnival was certainly not as popular as it has been for years in Limassol. As a child, I never used to dress up or go to fancy dress parties. Having been to the Carnival in Limassol about 10 years ago, I had so much fun that I decided to dress up for Carnival and go to fancy dress parties in Larnaca! Neredless to say I had a great time! But just like in hometown Nicosia, the carnival isn't very popular in Larnaca either, so I haven't been to a fancy dress party since 2008!

Funky Nurse in 2006

Crazy hippie in 2007

Brazilian Girl in 2008

Is Carnival popular in your area?

 

Love is .......

Alkis and I would usually spend Valentine's Day somewhere special. But this year we both had a long day at work, so we celebrated Saint Valentine's Day at home. After all, home is as special as any place can be.. It was 9:30 pm  when I got back home from work. Alkis said he was starving but , nevertheless, greeted me with a red rose and a glass of champagne....despite the football match on TV - APOEL-LYON.  As the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, I made my famous Beef Stroganof - Alkis's favourite dish! For starters, I made what I call "Love Nest" - a pastry pouch filled with French cheeses and smoked ham served with a great French red: Chateauneuf du Pape - Les Cadres. For dessert, we had some Valentine's Chocolate Heart bought at Zorbas Bakeries.  

Many people don't believe in Valentine's Day but we do. Alkis and I believe that Love should be celebrated on a special day while enjoyed throughout the year - just like we shouldn't thank our loved ones on Thanksgiving Day only  or thank God on Christmas Day only. Right? To me, love is turning an ordinary day into a party for two and celebrating it on a special day.

What is your definition of love?

An Eventful Week in January

Monday, January 23, 2012

I woke to the sound of roaring thunder and torrential rain and refused to get up at 7:00 am. My gym class was at 8:00 but I knew I'd miss it!  I didn't want to know what was happening outside and subsequently covered my head with the pillow...hoping that I could go back to sleep for yet another hour. So I did. Alkis had already gone to work when I finally got up at 9:30. It was still raining heavily. I got to work just in time for my first lesson at 11:00 am. 

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

I couldn't believe it was still raining today! On the plus side, we do need rain in Cyprus after such a long period of drought. Despite the weather, I was at work at 8:30 am  It was a long day which ended at 9:20 pm. The rain was going on and on when I got into the car at the end of day....but the car wouldn't start! I tried again and again....I toyed with the idea of calling Alkis , explain the problem and ask him to pick me up.... but I knew he'd laugh at me and say "You've choked the car...again!" I've only choked the car twice in 25 years - that was the second time.  I lit a cigarette and let the car cool down.... 9:35 pm - I gave it another try. Thank Goodness!  I managed to start the car and go back home.  I mentioned the problem to Alkis over dinner. "When was the last time you had it serviced?" he asked. Ohhh! I couldn't remember... ages ago? Before going to bed, I made a mental note to have the oil changed by the end of the week and schedule service some time in February. 

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

I got up this morning feeling terrible. I had fever (38.5), a splitting headache and a lousy tummy.  I made an effort to get up and go to work...yes, I am stubborn. On Wednesdays, I have my French lessons - three double periods. All of a sudden, I got dizzy and almost passed out. That's when I decided to cancel my lessons and visit the doctor.  Alkis had already flown to Zurich on a business trip so I spent the rest of the day in bed.  I did take my medication and I remember having eaten some chicken soup.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

I think the medication PLUS the chicken soup did wonders. I felt much better today albeit a bit under the weather...

Friday, January 27, 2012

I felt much better today and even  went to the hairdresser's. The work day went off nicely and my car did not act up again. I was back home  by 9:30 pm. But ... I couldn't find my keys! Where on earth were they?  Luckily, the main door of the building was open - I'd really hate to disturb my neighbours -  and then I tried hard to remember where I had hidden my second pair of keys! Meanwhile, Alkis called me from Zurich. I said I was ...just fine! It took me 21 minutes to remember where I had hidden my second pair of keys! When I stepped into my flat at  10:10 pm, I was exhausted and ...frozen!

Right now , I'm looking forward to a long, cosy weekend ahead. Monday is a school holiday.

Christmas 2011 at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel, Larnaca

Naturally, Santa was there too!

Christmas at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel has always been a unique experience but it seems to me that this Christmas it's been the best ever in more ways than one.  Everything was just perfect: the decor, the music, the joyful festive atmosphere and the food! My mother and I joined Alkis early in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, had a light snack and then went up to our rooms to take a nap and get ready for the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner while Alkis went back to work. After a hectic week at the school which ended merrily with the Christmas party on Friday afternoon,  it was the best way for me to start my Christmas break.

The Christmas Eve menu was an amazing, gastronomic experience as the Executive Chef went out of his way to create .... works of art. Here's what the 6-course festive menu consisted of:

Smoked salmon pancake roulade with prawns and caviar cream for starters.

Chicken Cream Soup with Almond Crumble

Duck Rillettes with Red Onions and Mandarin Refish followed by an Orange Sherbet with Cointreau to refresh the palate.

Roast Turkey Rolls with Liver and Pine Nuts Stuffing and Foie Gras Sauce married with Wild Pork Loin with Pheasant Cream Mousse , Vegetables and Potato Amanti.

Baked Cheese and Chestnut Tart Light Chocolate Parfait with Cinnamon Cream and Rasberry Coulis.

...followed by coffee and sweet bites

Apart from the food, I was particularly impressed by the Home Band who played Christmas melodies throughout this exquisite dinner and later  helped us....burn some of the calories on the dance floor! 

We even got Christmas weather and white Christmas for all those who celebrated high up in the mountains of Troodos. On Larnaca Bay, we got strong winds and  downpours on Christmas Eve, overcast skies and some sunny intervals on Christmas Day.

How was your Christmas? 

On Christmas Eve

Me and My Brother in 1962

Christmas Eve invariably brings back happy memories of my childhood and adolescence.  As a child, I remember Dad getting us a tall pine tree - there were hardly any artificial Christmas trees in those days - and all the family together would help to put it up and decorate it. In the evening, mum prepared a special dinner of various snacks which we all enjoyed by the fireplace while listening to Christmas carols, often singing along. At 10 o'clock, both my brother and I had to go to bed or else Santa wouldn't visit. Terrified at the thought, we both went to bed on time after making sure there was some milk and Mum's delicious Christmas cookies by the tree for Santa.  

Then one rainy Christmas Eve, my five-year-old brother had a great idea: " How about waiting for Santa to come? It's raining and he might get wet.  We can dry his boots and clothes by the ashes of the fireplace while he's enjoying the milk and cookies! " I was only eight  but still believed in Santa... yet I had my doubts. " What if Santa doesn't visit? Mum and Dad said he'd never visit if we are awake!"  "Yes, but Mum and Dad would be very proud of us when we explain that we just wanted Santa to leave us in dry clothes!" , my brother replied. That was the end of a dream. We hid behind the curtains only to find out that Santa was ...Mum and Dad! They didn't even drink the milk or eat the cookies!

As a teenager, I was weird! I sometimes loved Christmas and sometimes hated it! Yet on Christmas Eve, I'd always look forward to the pine tree, mum's cooking and the presents, of course. I was 14 years old when ....Santa brought me a typewriter!!! I used to type all my school work as well as my Diary entries.  A few months later, on my birthday, my parents offered me a typing course. I never missed a lesson! To this day, I can type my posts without looking at the keyboard.

My most embarrassing Christmas Eve was in 1981.  I was still a student in Geneva, Switzerland when I decided to invite a few friends over. I promised them all that I'd cook .... le canard  à l'orange  - a  traditional French dish in which the duck is roasted and served with an orange sauce as well as with glazed chestnuts . Needless to say, I had no idea how to cook this and there was no Internet at the time.  Alkis was just a student at the hotel school , then, but he saved my bacon ! He glazed the chestnuts and the carrots beautifully, roasted the duck in my mini oven stove and made me feel I was the queen of Swiss- French   gastronomy! He also MADE  a Christmas log for dessert! This  Holiday Season , Alkis works on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day but I'm glad to spend these days with him at the hotel . Soon after the Holiday Season, we are going away on a short Winter holiday.