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. 

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. 

Weekend at Protaras and the Fire Show at the Golden Coast Hotel

 

Situated on the east coast of Cyprus, Protaras covers approximately 5km of the golden Famagusta Coastline. Protaras flourished into a charming tourist resort in the 1980s as a more sophisticated alternative to the buzzing and wild atmosphere of its neighbouring town; Agia Napa (located 7 km west of Protaras).

Saint Nicolas Chapel

Before becoming a tourist resort, Protaras was essentially uninhabited; the area was mostly covered by a multitude of windmills, some of which still stand, adding to the character of the Protaras landscape. Artefacts uncovered during recent excavations dating back to the Greco-Roman era (58 BC - 395 AD) suggest the land where Protaras now exists may have been the ancient town of Lefkola, notable in those times for its hustling port.

The Fishing Harbour

Protaras became an idyllic holiday resort largely due to the beautiful sandy beaches in its vicinity. There are several excellent beaches, each developed to appeal to a particular type of holidaymaker. For instance, the main beach “Fig Tree Bay”, regarded as one of the most popular beaches on the island, offers a wide range of water-sports, while to the north of the coastline, the tranquil waters of Skoutari Beach, make for great snorkelling.

The Fishing Harbour

Protaras is particularly apt for package-holidays owing to the impressive array of hotels that have been built in the area since not many people actually reside in this town. Some hotels are enormous comprising several swimming pools and have been purpose-built to fulfil their guests’ every need. The "All-inclusive" deals at these hotels often cover the use of deluxe sports facilities such as tennis courts, gymnasiums and spas.

The Golden Coast Hotel Beach

The Golden Coast Hotel has been my favourite hotel in the area since it was built in 1986. Every summer, I spend at least a weekend there. Following tradition, I spent this weekend at The Golden Coast which also boasts one of the island's most attractive bays. This is where I look forward to having the first swim of the year in early June which marks the beginning of summer.

The Golden Coast Beach

It was a quiet and peaceful weekend during which I had the chance to relax and unwind after a hectic week at work.  Last night, after dinner, Alkis and I had the pleasure to watch the fire show right on the beach. It was an impressive show with real fire and excellent dancers. I really can't wait to go back to the Golden Coast Hotel, hopefully soon.

Fire Show on the Beach - The Golden Coast Hotel

The amazing fire show at the Golden Coast Hotel

Photos and Video by Anastasia Marou

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.

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?

 

The Disappearance of Advertising

A dramatic commercial could be made showing how much we would all miss advertising. The first few incidents would be easy. Posters and billboards would disappear. Most of the world's websites and television stations would vanish. Many newspapers and magazines would cease to exist and those that remained would be much smaller and more expensive.

Yet such deprivation would be nothing compared with the effect the disappearance of advertising would have on the process of mass production and mass consumption, on the price and range of goods in the shops, on the economy and on employment. Without advertising, many products, companies and jobs would simply cease to exist.

 We receive a pile of flyers in our mail box, every single day of the week despite the fact that Alkis and I put up a notice saying we wouldn't like to receive advertising flyers! This is what I call...aggressive marketing, yet I always have a look at the various special offers advertised.

Do you receive flyers in your area? To what extent does advertising, in general, influence your behaviour as a consumer?

 

Spring Weekend at Aphrodite's Hills, Paphos

Getting away for the weekend is definitely an invigorating experience and a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors - especially in spring. Alkis and I had been toying with the idea of spending a weekend at Aphrodite's Hills since early March, but the whims of the weather made us postpone our trip until early April. Ironically, after a gloriously sunny week with temps rising to spring level, yesterday I woke to gloomy, cloudy skies which threatened with rain and reminded autumn more than spring.

It was raining lightly when we set off for Aphrodite's Hills but we were determined not to let the weather spoil our high spirits and great mood. Aphrodite's Hills is a village-style development including luxury accommodation and leisure activities such as a riding school, a tennis academy, the Aphrodite Hill Golf Resort as well as many restaurants and tavernas.  It was built at about 5 km from Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) within the area where, according to Greek mythology,. Aphrodite and Adonis used to.roam over the hills and the valleys.

Aphrodite's Hills

The blustery wind and the rain had got stronger by the time we reached the village of Pissouri situated within the district of Lemesos - Cyprus's second largest city. We had lunch at Kastro by Pissouri Bay. The village of Pissouri is built on a commanding mountain side, just off the main road and motorway. Further south of the motorway you drive through one of the best vineyards of Cyprus producing Sultani Table Grapes, and eventually reach the bay. Pissouri has also become a centre for wind and kite surfing.

Pissouri Bay

 
The rain had stopped at last by the time we finished lunch.

Alkis looks great and relaxed!

Soon after lunch, we headed for The Intercontinental at Aphrodite's Hills.We stayed at one of the hotel's loveliest suites.

The bedroom

The living room

The bathroom

Relaxing by our private swimming pool.

 or simply enjoying the splendid view

For the evening, we booked a table for two at Leander Restaurant. I loved the fusion of japanese and european cuisine. The food was just divine! And, as always, Alkis impressed me with his choice of wine - a great French Bordeau - Fleuri. But, most importantly, I had a great time with my significant other!

Just before dinner

At Leander Restaurant - waiting for the first course and having a great time with Alkis

Mozarella Stick - the Chef's compliment

Japanese garden salad for me with tofu, cashew nuts and apple

Maki for Alkis

Such a great fusion of beef "chateaubriand", pepper steak sauce and scampi garnished with mashed potatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Congratulations to the chef! What a gastronomic performance that was!

Today, we woke to a bluer sky and a sunnier day. After breakfast, we went for a walk and to my surprise, I discovered the first spring greeting.

The first poppies!

...and some yellow daisies

We had coffee after this invigorating, morning walk in the heart of Mother Nature.

On our way back home, we stopped at Petra Tou Romiou - the Rock of the Greek or Aphrodite's Rock.

On reaching Petra Tou Romiou, one can see an impressive rock formation with the largest rock close to the beach. According to Greek mythology. Aphrodite (Venus), the greek goddess of beauty and love was born here. She rose from the white foam of the soft waves, floating on a sea shell and came to rest at Palepafos where her temple was erected.

In his Odyssey, Homer writes:

But laughter-loving Aphrodite went to Cyprus, to Paphos, in her precinct and fragrant altars...

The moist breeze of zephyr  brought her there on the waves of the sea, with a noise of thunder among the soft foam....

 

Mondays vs Weekends

My weekend passed in a flash and here is Monday again. Mondays are, almost invariably, busy days at work as I finish classes later than usual - I'm never home before 9:30 pm - and have lots of office work and marking to finish in the morning. But I had a very pleasant and enjoyable weekend which gave me loads of energy and stamina to face the week ahead.

The Medieval Castle in Larnaca

Just after work, I spent most of Saturday afternoon at the gym. Alkis and I had invited some good friends to dinner, so later in the evening. I prepared a king prawn cocktail with calypso sauce for starters, my famous Beef Stroganov served with rice and and a variety of fresh vegetables for main course but I got the dessert from the cake shop - apple-pie and tiramisu. Then I served cognac, liqueurs and coffee or tea in the living room by a glowing fire and lots of candles. Despite all the cooking, I didn't feel tired at all! It was such a pleasure to cook for good old friends and chat away till the early morning hours.

Finicoudes Seafront

On Sunday morning, I woke to a bright, sunny day and incredibly blue skies! Alkis came back from work a bit earlier, so we spent some time strolling along Finicoudes Seafront - a pole of attraction in Larnaca, especially when it's sunny! Finally, we had lunch at our favourite Latouros Restaurant in the surrounding countryside, near the village of Mazotos. It's by far one of the best tavernas in the area.

I'm off to sleep. It's been yet another long Monday!

Sunday's Trivial Pursuit

Photo by Anastasia - Platres 2006

My long weekend seems to have almost flown by in a flash! Although our planned weekend away to Platres was cancelled unexpectedly, I refused to cry over the spilt milk and found ways to enjoy it. I read Maria Tzirita's "Αν Δεν Υπηρχε Αυριο" recommended by my friend Phivos Nicolaides quite some time ago. At least I kept the promise I had made to myself: no more Eliot, no more Faulkner, no more English Lit at least for a while - and started reading Greek books. I loved the book! On Friday night, Alkis and I had dinner at our favourite French restaurant - the French Rendez-Vous. I hadn't eaten frog's legs in a long time! And I loved them! The Executive Chef is French so he knows how to cook them! After a  typically French béarnaise fillet de boeuf ( at last a decent saignant- rear!) avec pommes frites (french fries / chips) there was no room for their divine deserts!

Tonight we are invited to a party. I've at last decided what to wear:

 

By 8:00 pm I need to decide which pair of sandals to match the dress with.....

PS ~ On Saturday night, we played Trivial Pursuit and I lost - ah well, Alkis is a human wikipedia!