Anastasia

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. 

A Midsummer's Night Dream at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel

Apart from being one of the most prestigious hotels in Cyprus, the Golden Bay in Larnaca  aspires to preserve our customs, folklore and traditions. Every summer, the management team of the Golden Bay organise a special Cyprus Night featuring traditional folk dances, the making of baskets, flutes and, of course trahanas,  halloumi cheese and loukoumades   .  Naturally, the Executive Chef prepared a wide variety of traditional Cyprus dishes and desserts which we enjoyed under the stars  by the beach.

 

The good old traditional way of making halloumi cheese

 

 

The Final Product - Halloumi

 

 

This lady is showing us how to make halloumi in the traditional way - when factories and technology did not exist.

 

 

Cooking trahanas

Trahanas - just delicious for a soup on cold winter nights

 

 

Cyprus Night - Golden Bay

Traditional Cyprus Baskets

This lady is showing us how to make traditional Cyprus baskets.

The making of a flute

Traditional Cyprus Baskets

 

 

A midsummer's night dream at the Golden Bay

 

This fabulous night ended with folk dances from Greece and Cyprus.

 

Ο Χορός της Στάμνας - The Dance of the Clay Jug

 

Syrtaki (Zorba the Greek)

Sunrise at Mckenzie Beach, Larnaca

 

Mckenzie Beach - Sunrise- 6:41 am

 

It took Alkis almost three months to talk me into going walking with him along Mckenzie Beach which is only 5km away from home. On the one hand, there was the problem with my leg and on the other hand  I love to sleep in on my short but precious summer break. I thought he was simply crazy to ask me to get up at 5:45 am every day. I like trying new things, though, so yesterday I said ok but... "would you please wake me up if I fall asleep on the sand? " His answer was: "You won't!"

Mckenzie Beach - Sunrise - 6:45 am

 

 

Sunrise - Mckenzie Beach - 6:47 am

 

 

Sunrise-Mckenzie Beach - 6:48 am

 

When we got there, I was breathless! The most beautiful sunrise  in Cyprus - and probably in the Eastern Med -  was just next door! Only then did I realise what I've been missing all this time. Today I got up at 5:30 looking forward to walking along McKenzie Beach. I walked about 45 minutes at a slow pace right now as I'm following doctor's orders and covered 3,5 km.  If you live in the area or nearby, get up early in the morning and take a walk along Mckenzie. You won't regret it!

How to Pack Efficiently by Louis Vuitton

The Art of Packing by Louis Vuitton Shows You How to Pack Efficiently

Melanie Pinola

Packing efficiently may well be considered an art. This interactive guide to packing from Louis Vuitton can teach you a few tips and tricks for maximizing your suitcase space and folding your clothes to reduce wrinkles.

 

You'll find step-by-step guides to packing clothes and accessories for both men and women, and can choose between a trunk, rolling suitcase, or carry-on bag (all LV luggage examples, naturally, but you can adapt the tips to any kind of luggage). The webapp highlights which pieces to pack first (e.g., heavy toiletries) and shows you the best way to fold clothes. For example, click on the shirt to button it up, turn it over, fold in the sleeves, and unfold the collar to make it ready for packing.

While we've featured lots of other tips for packing perfectly for a trip before, this is a fun visual guide that covers a range of items.

via lifehacker.com

Such a great guide!

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?

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.

 

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!

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!