Anastasia

Blogging in the Sunshine

Having spent a wonderful holiday in Serres and Thessaloniki, here I am relaxing at home on this last day of the Easter break. Since Alkis and I flew back home on Thursday, I've been looking at all the photos we took, bringing back so many wonderful moments of what was probably the best Easter holiday I've ever spent in recent years. 

I slept in today and missed most of the sunshine that flooded my terrace, but I did enjoy breakfast outside and blogging in the remaining sunshine of this bright Sunday in Larnaca.  Since we came back from Greece, I've been mostly sleeping or lazing around, unpacking and doing the laundry. It's funny how much laundry can pile up after a week away!  I don't have a tumble drier, so I was really thankful for the sunshine today which, apart from drying up laundry, also inspired this post!!

 

Time Out in Protaras

Saturday was the last day of classes before the Greek Easter break. Most private language schools here break up  during the Easter weekend only, which is next week, but I feel that after a long term and exams coming up soon, we all need a break. I'll be back to school on April 23rd after what I think is a well-deserved holiday for both my students and myself.  Soon after classes yesterday, Alkis picked me up and spent the night in Protaras located at about 50 km from Larnaca. As always, we stayed at The Golden Coast Hotel which has been my favourite hotel in the area for years.

 

We had lunch at Christos Fish Tavern in Ayia Napa while enjoying the great sunny weather as much as we could.  It seems that we're in for stormy days next week!  In the evening, we had dinner with some very good friends of ours at one of Ayia Napa's greatest Italian restaurants - De Medici. I had proscuitto  with strawberries, pear salad and grated parmesan for starters and tagliatelle with salmon and a divine pink sauce for main course. Unfortunately, there was no room for dessert! 

Today, after breakfast at the the Golden Coast terrace facing the sea, we went back to Larnaca and did most of our Easter shopping.

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? 

Haunted Doll

In 1897, a family named Otto lived in a nearby house in Key West, Florida. They owned a plantation and had a lot of servants working for them who they treated very badly. One servant girl gave their son, Gene, a present of a doll. What the Ottos didn’t realise was that this servant girl knew voodoo.

glitter-graphics.com

Gene's full name was Robert Eugene Otto. His parents had always called him "Gene", so he decided to give the doll his real name, "Robert".

Many Strange things began to occur in the Otto household. Many neighbors claimed to see Robert move about from window to window, when the family were out. Gene began to blame Robert for mishaps that would occur. The Otto's claimed to hear the doll giggle, and swear they caught glimpses of the doll running about the house.

Photo Credit

Gene began to have nightmares and scream out in the night, when his parents would enter the room, they would find furniture over turned, their child in a fright, and Robert at the foot of the bed, with his glaring gaze! "Robert Did It".... The doll was eventually put up into the attic. Where he resided for many years.

But Robert had other plans. Visitors that entered the house could hear something walking back and forth in the attic, and strange giggling sounds. Guests no longer wanted to visit the Otto home.

Gene Otto died in 1972.The home was sold to a new family, and the tale of Robert had died ....

But Robert waited patiently up in the attic to be discovered, once again. The 10 year old daughter of the new owners was quick to find Robert in the attic. It was not long before Robert unleashed his displeasure on the child… The little girl claimed that the doll tortured her, and made her life a hell. Even after more than thirty years later, she steadfastly claims that "the doll was alive and wanted to kill her."

Robert, still dressed in his white sailor's suit and clutching his stuffed lion, lives quite comfortably, though well guarded, at the Key West Martello Museum. Employees at the museum continue to give accounts of Robert being up to his old tricks still today....

via www.halloweenishere.com

Have a frightfully spooky Halloween!!!

Cyprus Independence Day

 

On October 1st, a bank holiday in Cyprus,  we celebrate our Independence Day with festivals at schools and communities and a big military parade in capital city Nicosia.  

According to the Zurich-London Treaty, Cyprus becomes an independent republic on 16th August 1960 with the charismatic Archbishop Makarios III as the first president who had already been elected on March 1st, 1959.  Cyprus also becomes a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Commonwealth, and the Non-Aligned Movement. According to the above treaty, Britain retains two Soverign Bases (158.5 sq.km) on the island. The Greek Cypriots alternating support for independence and union with Greece, and the efforts of the Turkish Cypriots towards partition of the island, in combination with the military and strategic aims of the Great powers at various times lead to a friction between both sides escalating into violence in 1963.

Archbishop Makarios III - First President of the Republic of Cyprus

Photo Credit

Between 1963 and 1974, talks between the two communities were held in an effort to find a mutually acceptable formula. However, the situation was dramatically altered in July 1974 when the military junta that was then ruling Greece staged a coup d'etat against Makarios announcing that Makarios was dead. The President had escaped to Paphos and from there he addressed the people of Cyprus through a local radio station.  This triggered a  huge wave of enthusiasm amongst the Greek Cypriots who were relieved to know that their beloved leader was alive. 

Turkey, on the other hand, taking advantage of the situation and purporting to act under the Treaty of Guarantee attacked Cyprus on July 20, 1974. The Turkish Aggression  caused heavy loss of life both in the battle field and during attacks on civilians including children and old people. In addition to this bloody invasion, illegal immigrants from Turkey were brought to inhabit the northern occupied part of the island. To this day, the island remains divided in two parts: the Republic of Cyprus which has been an official member of the European Union since 2004 and the illegally occupied area in the north.

Adana Concentration Camps - Turkey - July 1974

Photo Credit

All six presidents of the Republic of Cyprus

 

How To Treat Sunburn

Maybe you skipped the sunscreen because you didn’t think you’d be outside for very long, or perhaps you forgot to reapply after a dip in the pool. Whatever the reason, your skin is red-hot to the touch and seriously painful. Now what? You can pop an aspirin and apply a standard drugstore treatment that contains a numbing agent like Lidocaine, or you can try one of the following natural remedies.

Photo Credit - © Shutterstock

To Stop the Pain:

1. Slather on aloe. If you’re going to buy it in a bottle, the best choice is one that contains no added colors or fragrances. (A good option is Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera.) But aloe straight from the plant may be even better and possibly more effective, says Lynne C. David, ND, a naturopathic doctor at the Center for Integrative Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Purchase a plant at a garden store or florist, and then just split open a spear and rub the gel on your skin.

2. Milk it. Soak a clean cloth in cool milk and apply it to the burned area for 20 minutes, says Hadley C. King, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Make sure you use whole milk; the fat content is what’s soothing. Reapply every two to four hours.

3. Soothe with baking soda. You use it to deodorize your fridge, clean your house and bake bread…but did you know that you can use baking soda to treat sunburns, too? Just dissolve a spoonful in water to make a cooling compress, or add 1/2-cup to a tepid bath that you can soak in, says Dr. King.

4. Try vinegar. According to Dr. King, a popular folk remedy is to use white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar to relieve sunburn pain. She admits there’s no science proving it works, but says that it can’t hurt to try it. Just soak a cloth or towel in a solution of half vinegar, half water and apply it to the affected area.

5. Heal with herbs. The herbs comfrey and calendula promote tissue healing and have anti-inflammatory properties, says Dr. David. Ask at your local health foods store for a cream that contains this combo, or try Country Comfort Herbal Savvy, which contains both of these herbs as well as aloe vera. Or you can buy calendula tea bags, wet them and apply them to sensitive areas of your skin, leaving them on until you feel better. Mint tea bags are also a good pick, as mint has cooling, pain-relieving properties. If you don’t want to apply tea bags directly to the skin, you can brew the tea, let it cool and then dip cotton balls into it to dab onto the affected area.

For more on healing with herbs, click here.

To Help Repair the Damage:

 

6. Drink up. “Dehydration is a serious side effect of sunburn,” says Andrea Donsky, co-founder of NaturallySavvy.com, a website for natural, organic and green living. She recommends drinking plenty of water (your healthiest option) and other fluids to help re-hydrate the skin and fight dryness.
7. Let honey help. A thin layer of raw honey (the unprocessed kind; it should say “raw” on the label) spread on the affected area can reduce inflammation and help fight free radical damage incurred by the burn, says Donsky.

8. Lock in moisture. Dr. David recommends:

Burt’s Bees Aloe & Linden After Sun Soother, a creamy lotion containing bee pollen, coconut oil, aloe and linden extract to calm and moisturize inflamed skin. Dr. King is a fan of Bach Rescue Cream, a homeopathic moisturizer with flower essences that hydrates and soothes the skin while fighting inflammation. She recommends applying the lotion right after a cool to lukewarm shower, when your skin is still a little damp.

9. Get more vitamins. It won’t dull the sting of a sunburn, but an extra helping of antioxidants can help your body repair itself faster, says Dr. King. For a few days after getting sunburned, she recommends taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin E, 15 mg beta carotene and one to two tablespoons (or three to six capsules) of liquid flaxseed oil. Donsky also recommends loading up on vitamins, but she prefers to get extra A, C and E from food. “Carrots, spinach and red bell peppers are rich in vitamin A; citrus fruits and dark leafy greens offer plenty of vitamin C; and avocado, almonds and wheat germ are packed with vitamin E,” she says.

10. Go fish. Donsky says omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, sardines, herring and anchovies, can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing from the inside out. Not a fish fan? You can also get these healthy fatty acids from walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, chia seeds and hemp seeds.

 

via shine.yahoo.com

These last few days, I've been suffering from minor sunburn as a result of  my desperate effort to get a decent tan this summer! I did some online reading seeking advice which would help me soothe my pain and I came across these great tips which do wonders-especially aloe vera and omega-3 fatty acids! I 've been eating sardines and fresh salmon for the last 6 days and  I'm feeling much better now. I'm still as red as a lobster but the itching is gone. I'll be away for the next 8 days, spending time with friends and family, travelling again and hoping that I'll go ...brown by the end of this holiday! 

 Have you ever suffered from sunburn? How did you treat it? Do you easily get a gorgeous tan without getting sunburnt? If you do, please tell me your secret!

August is Special

Time for me has passed by in a flash since June 17 when school broke up for the summer. I had so many things to do in these last five weeks, like shop for the holidays, see good old friends I don't see very often when I work, go to the cinema, go to concerts, go to beach parties, read books, create a new blog, spend a long weekend  in Protaras and a week in Kos.

Photo Credit

When I had a quick look at August 2011 Calendar, I realised that I've only got 19 days left off work. I'm back to work on the 22nd to start preparing for the 15th school year at my language school. and the 4th online year at English Today. which is a free online course of English as a second language. But. right now, I'd rather feel the salt in my hair and my feet in the sand!. Alkis went back to work soon after we came back from Kos, but I hope that we'll have the chance to get away for a weekend before lessons start in September.

August in Cyprus is not only the hottest month of the year but also the month when everyone goes on holiday - both in public and private sectors. A few years ago, I used to enjoy spending time in my hometown Nicosia which is a ...ghost town in August since almost everyone is away.  Larnaca has nothing to envy, now. On the contrary, this small seaside town has a lot to offer such as great beaches, summer concerts, beach parties, the best greek tavernas and many cultural events.

August is a very special month for me because on 21 August 1976, Alkis asked me to be his girlfriend and I accepted. I could never imagine then that we'd spend a lifetime together filled with so much love and happiness.

 

Holidays in the Aegean: Kos - Kalymnos - Nissiros, Dodecanese, Greece

Marmari-Kos

For the last 10 years or so, Alkis and I have been spending our summer holidays in Greece, mostly on the Greek Isles.. Having already visited most of the Ionian Islands (Eptanisa), we felt like exploring the Aegean Islands renowned for their unique natural beauties. But then again, is there one single Greek Island which is not noted for its crystal clear waters and amazing sandy beaches? In the Aegean Sea, there are about 115 inhabited islands divided into 3 districts: the Dodecanese, the Cyclades and the Greek Archipelagos. We've alredy been to quite a few of them: Rhodes and Symi in the Dodecanese, Tinos, Syros, Myconos, Paros in the Cyclades, Crete, Skiathos, Skopelos. This summer we went back to the Dodecanese, on the island of Kos. From there, we also visited the islands of Kalymnos and Nissiros.

The Island of Nissiros

We had already got up before the alarm went off at 6:30 am. Everything was ready! As per usual, Alkis started grumbling about "all the excess weight" we'd have to pay for at the airport and went on to wonder why we needed two suitcases and not just one for the two of us! Funny how men can be so naive, at times! I smiled at him sweetly and asked him to carry both suitcases downstairs because by 7:00 am, the taxi had alredy arrived! At luggage check in, Alkis, at last, realised that we had 3 kilos less - the allowance is 23 kilos per person and we only had 44 for the two of us. I thought the luggage allowance was 20 kilos... Had I known I'd have packed my platform sandals I recently got from Amazon, my brand new strapless floral dress, and a few more bikinis! Needless to say that Alkis was very pleased to see that we were below luggage weight limit! He congratulated me on my packing skills but thought it would be more convenient if we had taken only one suitcase! I promised I'd do that next year. I'll only pack one pair of shorts for Alkis, 1 T-shirt. 1 pair of trousers and only one swimming suit for him!

The Town Hall in Kos

We flew Aegean Airlines to Athens. The flight was bumpy due to strong winds but the pilot managed to land at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. I felt sick on the plane but did not throw up. I did eat the great breakfast, though! Pancakes with feta cheese, yogurt, hot rolls, butter and jam, coffee and ornge juice. I was scared to death before landing. I almost thought we'd crash!

In Athens we had about one hour and a half before boarding Olympic Air  to Kos. We had plenty of time for coffee outside...and a smoke at last!  Olympic Air left on time and safely landed at Hippocrates Airport, Kos at 2:10 pm. By 3:00 pm we we had already arrived at Palazzo Del Mare at the village of Marmari at about 10 km from the airport and 15 km from the town of Kos. We were shown to the veranda and offered a welcome drink during check-in which was fast. Soon afterwards we were shown to our room which had private access to the largest swimming pool I've ever seen in my life! I thought the one at Aenias Beach Hotel, Cyprus was the largest! But I was wrong!  This one was much larger! The greatest surprise ever was a variety of fruit and a bottle of champagne. Alkis and I felt like spending our 28th honeymoon at Palazzo Del Mare.

..and cheeses

We had a short nap and then a swim in the pool before getting ready for dinner. We were on half-board terms and had dinner at the hotel. But just before dinner, we had a long walk on the beaach contemplating the sunset at Marmari, Kos.

 

Marmari Beach , Kos

The following day we visited the town of Kos, situated at about 15 km from the village of Marmari.

An ornamental, imposing building

The Ancient Agora

And a few days before coming back home, we travelled to the nearby islands of Kalymnos and Nissiros. Kalymnos is the island of the sponge divers while Nissiros boasts some of the best fish tavernas ever! Try grilled lobster with ladolemono (olive oil and lemon juice) or astakomakaronada ( lobster spaghetti) at one of the many tavernas by the seafront.

kalymnos

TO BE CONTINUED

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I guess I could have saved this post as Draft and publish it once completed instead of editing, but I know it would take me a long time to finish it. My mind is still filled with so many images and aromas from all the new places I've been to that I couldn't wait to share my experience with you.

Kalymnos is known as the island of the sponge divers. Manolis Neophytos writes in his book Kalymnos - The Island of the Sponge Fishers, the Arts and the Letters: "Kalymnos is the metropolis of the Greek sponge divers. Of course, all islands of the Dodecanese are known worldwide as places of divers and sponge-divers who rank among the best in the world. But Karpathos, Kasos, Nissiros, Megisti, Symi, Chalki and , above all, Kalymnos, are considered the main learning places for these divers, whose activities extend not only to the whole of  Eastern Mediterranean, but as far as Florida in the U.S.A. There, they founded the town of Tarpon Springs where Kalymnians and other Greek-Americans from the Dodecanese live. These people continue the Aegean tradition of the sponge-divers in these far-off places, diving for sponges in the Bay of Mexico. Every year, 40-50 groups of fishing boats with crews that reach 800 to 1000 seamen set off from the islands of Karpathos, Symi,, Kasos, Nissiros, Chalki and particularly from Kalymnos, heading for the shores of Africa, specifically to Tunisia and Libya. In order to bid the sponge-divers farewell, festivities are held in Kalymnos that last two days. These festivities begin by sprinkling the boats with Holy water and end with the Supper of Love. All the inhabitants of the island (16,000) participate in the festivities."

1940 - Sponge-divers and their catch in Kalymnos

Photo scanned from: "Kalymnos - the Island of the Sponge-Fishers, the Arts and the Letters"by Manolis Neophytos

After a 10-minute bus ride to the neighbouring village of Mastihari, we caught the boat to Kalymnos. The voyage, which lasted 45 minutes, was sheer bliss! As much as I fear flying, I thoroughly enjoy being at sea. I could sit hours on end at the upper deck contemplating the immense blue of the Aegean.

The Voyage to Kalymnos

Alkis - strolling in Kalymnos

We spent the whole day in Kalymnos strolling along the picturesque seafront or the narrow pebble streets despite the heat wave. We had a divine ouzomeze  - a variety of finger food to eat as an appetizer with a glass of ouzo - at one of the many ouzeries by the seafront before taking the last boat back to Kos.

Kalymnos - Poseidon(Neptune) - the god of the seas

TO BE CONTINUED

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At the village of Kardamena, which lies at about 10 km from Marmari, we took the boat to the nearby island of Nissiros. Nissiros is noted for its volcano which is still believed to be active. Just like Kalymnos, Nissiros is a tranquil island with amazing beaches - an ideal holiday destination off the beaten track. We were told that most of the inhabitants live on fishing - hence the numerous fish tavernas on either side of the small harbour. Alkis is allergic to fish, so he had feta saganaki and chicken souvlaki for lunch while I had  seafood salad for starters and an astakomakaronada(lobster spaghetti) - the best ever!

A few days before our trip to Nissiros, we visited the town of Kos which is situated in the north-east of the island and constitutes one of the gateways to the villages such as Pyli, Marmari, Tigaki, Kardamena, Asfendiou, Mastihari, Kefalos and many others. Against a background of tall palm trees, cypresses, jasmine and hibiscus, the past blends with the present in perfect harmony. The ruins of bygone times, the well-preserved buildings of the Italian period, byzantine churches and minarets stand next to modern buildings in the wide avenues or the narrow streets of the island.

The spade of the archaeologist brought to light precious remnants of the past - Kos Town

Defantar Mosque at Eleftheria Square

Eleftheria Square is the most central part of the town. You can enjoy a drink at one of the many bistros, visit the town's museum, the Defentar Mosque or buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the public market. There is no public transport in the town, so most people get around by bike. However, regular bus services link the town and all the villages of the island.

Eleftheria Square

Funny how time flies when on holiday. The last day arrived in a flash. We spent it leisurely on the beach, basking in the sun, swimming or eating melon and water melon offered by the hotel. That was such a nice treat! Aegean Airlines safely landed at Larnaca International Airport at 4:10 pm last Wednesday. We came back home filled with so many sweet memories from an unforgettable holiday in the Aegean. I can still picture the immense blue and smell the salty air.

Mastihari - Kos

Exploring the Greek Islands

Blue Caves - Zakynthos 2002

Since my childhood, I've been fascinated by the unique beauty of the Greek islands and seduced by their magic charm which I can't really define. Is it the immense blue of the Aegean, the amazing archaeological sites, the secluded sandy bays you can only reach by boat, the seaside tavernas where you can choose the fish from the fisherman's basket, the breathtaking views of white houses perched on evergreen hills and overlooking a golden beach, the hospitality of the islanders ? Whatever it is, I can't imagine choosing a different destination for a summer holiday.

 
Agios Nicolaos - Crete 2005

Greece and the Greek Islands

Skiathos 2005

Rhodes 2006

Kefalonia 2008

There are over 6000 islands and islets in Greece but only 227 are inhabited - 78 of those islands count 100 inhabitants. Some Greek islands have become the pole of attraction for many celebrities from all over the world - Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, Skiathos but also Crete and Rhodes. In the last ten years or so, Alkis and I have been to five islands but also in Halkidiki and twice in Alexandroupolis in mainland Greece.

Halkidiki 2003

Alexandroupolis 2007

Alkis and I are soon heading for yet another Greek island. I won't disclose the destination right now, but I promise to tell you everything once we are back and show you lots of photos and, hopefully, a video.

Have you ever been to a Greek island? What did you like about it? What didn't you like? 

Relaxing in Protaras

Protaras is by far my most favourite summer resort in Cyprus and, more generally, in the eastern Mediterranean. With 300 days of sunshine, golden sandy beaches, clear waters, great hotels and a myriad of restaurants and bars, it's no wonder why European holidaymakers flock to Protaras every summer. For the party animals, Ayia Napa nearby (about 16 km) boasts the best clubs where you can dance into the small hours.

Situated at about 64 km east of Larnaca, Protaras is a tourist village - just a breath away from Ammochostos (Famagusta) - illegally occupied by Turkish forces for 37 years now.  Protaras occupies about 5km of the golden Ammochostos coastline. Having lost Kyrenia and Ammochostos - our two greatest summer resorts during the Turkish Invasion in July 1974, we had to do something in order to revive our economy which largely depends on tourism. Or else we'd die. The Greek miracle happened again and Protaras was created in the early 80s out of nothing in those difficult years following what I call "the war of the cowards." The Turks,you see, unlike Hitler, did not declare war!!!

The main reason why Protaras is my favourite summer resort in Cyprus is because it reminds me of my beloved Ammochostos where I used to spend my summer holidays as a child and as an adolescent. What's more, after a long school year and long hours at work, I took the time to relax and unwind and enjoy the sun and the sea and those gorgeous sandy beaches!