Dear Diary....

 

School started today after the Christmas break and the first day of the second term went off uneventfully checking on homework with most classes and reviewing grammar and vocabulary. Most kids were rather slow but it was only natural after a two-week holiday break.

As always at this time of year, I feel sad Christmas is over; I have the impression it’s just flown by! I haven’t taken down my Christmas decorations at home yet in an effort to prolong the magic for one last weekend. I still think of the great party at The Golden Bay Hotel where Alkis and I welcomed 2010 with some very good friends like my friend Linda from the UK and her husband Christos. Christos’ sister and Linda’s parents, who came to visit, were also with us. They’re an adorable couple and a great pleasure to talk to. I guess some people are simply…ageless. I admit to drinking a lot of champagne that night but I did enjoy every single glass. If I were richer, I’d drink champagne at least once a week! I was sober all the time though surely because of the Executive Chef’s great festive menu described in the photos below. I’ll also admit to yet another sin: after the dessert, the coffee and the traditional Vasilopita, I had an ice cream! Linda thought I was crazy! We spent the night at the hotel or ..should I say the day? It was 3:30 am when we went to bed.

 

New Year 2010

 

Alkis was back to work at 8:00 am on New Year’s Day and for yet another time I was impressed with his energy and stamina. I got up at 10:00 am and had breakfast on the balcony. I wish I had brought my swimming suit. I’d have certainly spent time sunbathing on the beach. I don’t think I could be brave enough to swim, though! It was the warmest New Year’s Day we’ve ever had in years.

New Year’s Day was also the first day of the smoking ban in Cyprus. I remember having strongly reacted against the ban when it was implemented in Greece last June. On second thoughts, I am now very much in favour of the ban as it does not only protect those inhaling second-hand smoke but also helps smokers like me to cut down on the bad habit and hopefully give it up. During our long weekend in Paphos, I realised I had smoked far less than before the ban. This said, I don’t mind at all going outside to smoke and I think I’m going to do that at home as well. So, soon after the New Year, Alkis got the weekend off work which we spent in Paphos – our favourite destination for weekends away.

Yesterday, I organised a fondue bourguignonne night at home and invited my friend Aranka and her husband Thomas who had never had fondue before. I was so glad they enjoyed it. Alkis, as always, was the perfect host and helped out quite a lot but I had to do the cleaning the following day!

 

 

 

Right now, I’m looking forward to the next celebrations of the New Year: Saint Valentine’s Day and soon after that Alkis’ birthday!

Comments

[Laura]

I enjoyed browsing your album, Anastasia. Sounds like you and your friends had a great time. It's been snowing a lot in my area. I only wish I had some of your sunshine!

[Phivos]

It sounds you had a lovely time! This is good!!

[Alexia M]

Great photos! I love your New Year Album...thanks for sharing. I can see you had a very good time with Alkis and your friends. I love fondue! Both cheese and bourguignonne AND chocolate fondue for dessert!!! I first tried it when I was an area manager in France and also learned about the big debate: is fondue French or Swiss???

[Constantinos]

I guess you realise now you can have a great time without smoking. And I really hope you will eventually give up this very bad habit.

[Andy]

You look absolutely stunning in that black dress!

[Stefania]

It was a pleasure looking through your new year photo album.Sounds like a great party! Ohh! And I must learn to make that fondu but I guess you need a special fondu set. Is it possible to find this in Cyprus? Does it cost much?

[Anastasia]

Yes, you will need a special fondue set. In Larnaca you can find one at MVF on Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue. The stainless steel set with 6 forks costs 120 euros.

[Stefania]

Thanks for the info, Anastasia. I think I'll get that set and you can teach me the art of fondu cooking. I know you are an expert.