Anastasia

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!

Happy Birthday Cyprus!

Photo Credit

Today, the Republic of Cyprus is 50 years old - a bit younger than me! :-) So, all Greek Cypriots celebrate their Independence Day from the British rule. Considering that more than 45% of my country's territory is still under illegal Turkish occupation, this 50th Independence Anniversary shouldn't really be a day to celebrate. First of all, Cyprus is 100% Greek with a relatively small Turkish-Cypriot population. Turkish-Cypriots have nothing to do with the Turks who illegally inhabit a Greek Island. The Turkish Cypriots are our brothers and sisters and personally, I love them dearly. This said, I'm not against the average Turk. My father taught me not to hate anyone and, although I experienced a brutal war at 16, I don't hate the average Turk. I just want all Turkish troops out of my country1.

In a lighter vein, I tried not to feel disappointed when Alkis told  me, yesterday that our long weekend away was cancelled because something came up at work. But I do understand that sometimes work comes first. Although I am usually an early riser, I did sleep in today and I think I'll have a siesta this afternoon as well! We have planned a late night out today..... Any plans for the weekend?

Coral Holidays in Paphos

As almost every year, at the end of the summer and just before school starts, Alkis and I spend a weekend at Coral Bay, Paphos. Coral Bay is located north of Paphos and consists of a rugged, 600- metre coastline of fine golden sand and a pair of headlands and boasts one of the island's most desirable beaches. It seems that in the distant past, coral reefs composed a part of its underwater structure - hence the name Coral Bay.

We set off on Friday afternoon and just before dusk, we checked in at the Coral Bay Beach Hotel- one of the finest hotels in the area, which stands only a few metres away from Coral Bay. We were just in time for an aperitif on the veranda of our room while contemplating the sun set on the bay. And since old habits die hard, we had a romantic dinner at Doria Restaurant by the seaside - not far away from Coral Bay. When in Paphos, rain or shine, we always have lunch or dinner at Doria's. The food is excellent, the service is impeccable and the view to the sea is amazing.

On Saturday, we spent all day on the beach swimming in the incredibly blue waters of Coral Bay. I even enjoyed the waves which we don't often have in the south. I'm a good swimmer but that's all - not as brave as Alkis, anyway. Short siesta after lunch followed by more swimming and coffee on our veranda. But I missed the sunset this time as I was getting ready for our second night out. (Yes, it takes me ages to get ready!). Some great friends from Paphos had called earlier and invited us to dinner at Koi - the most trendy Japanese and Thai restaurant in Paphos. I love Japanese food, but just for once I didn't have sushi but chicken on a skewer for starters served with satay sauce and teriyaki beef with apple sauce and vegetables cooked in the wok. It was also great to see good, old friends after such a long time!

Time flies when you are having fun. So Sunday arrived in a flash. By 5:00 pm we were back home. Alkis helped me unpack and then we spent the rest of the evening talking about what it was a great weekend away and browsing through our Coral Holiday photo album on the laptop.

More Photos

Time Out, My Cactus Flower and the Pope's Visit to Cyprus

Getting away for the weekend, even for a short while, is something I always look forward to with delight. When we set off to Protaras on Saturday morning, I was also looking forward to my first swim of the year. It was warm and sunny albeit a bit windy but the sea water temperature must have been below 16*C. I guess I'm not the adventurous type and not brave enough to swim in cold waters. So I spent some time contemplating the sea, enjoying double espressos and ....marking final exam papers. On Saturday night there was a Fakir show at the Golden Coast Hotel. The Fakir asked for some empty bottles that the hotel provided for him, then he broke them to pieces, he mixed up the pieces and walked on them as if he were taking a stroll at the beach! Then he drank something and "swallowed" some flames. I only wish I had taken some photos but the batteries of my camera went flat right at that moment! The Fakir, of course, refused to reveal the secrets of his performance. I was quite pleased with my students' performance although some of them could have done much better.Earlier on Friday morning, I was thrilled to see that my cacti had produced a bright red flower which, I think, means luck and happiness.

But the highlight of this weekend was the Pope's official visit to Cyprus - a historic visit since this is the first time the Pope visits a Greek Orthodox country. According to The Cyprus Mail, Pope Benedict XV! signalled the need for "moral rectitude and impartial respect for others" in political and diplomatic affairs to promote harmony in the troubled regions of the world. Amen! 

President Christofias and  Pope Benedict XVI - Photo Credit

The Pope entering the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Nicosia's Green Line - Photo Credit

 

Weekend Getaway in Protaras

Protaras has always had for me a kind of magic spell that attracts me to unspoilt sandy beaches, rocky lagoons and an immense blue that I can contemplate hours on end. This magic place lies only 50km east of Larnaca - a 30-minute drive on the highway. Since Easter, Alkis and I have been planning to spend a weekend there but something would come up the last moment and we postponed it. Finally, we managed to get there for our holiday weekend on May 1st. Naturally, we stayed at our favourite hotel - The Golden Coast Hotel.

It was such a relaxing weekend - exactly what I needed before the load of work at the end of a school term. The weather said we were in for a stormy weekend but the downpour on Friday afternoon did not put us off! Well, it was cloudy and a light drizzle had started by the time we left, but we had some great weather on Sunday....even if the sun was playing hide-and-seek with the clouds. I tried to play photographer again and took this picture! 

All Photos by @anastasia.marou

Ayia Napa - Short Weekend Away

It was really a last-minute getaway for the weekend as I had a lesson cancelled on Saturday. Getting away from routine even for a few hours and spending a night at one of the most classy hotels in Ayia Napa is certainly an invigorating experience. Alkis made his own arrangements and was free by 12:00 on Saturday. By 1:00 pm we were checking in at The Grecian Bay Hotel in Ayia Napa, at about 40km east of Larnaca.

After check-in, we were shown to one of the hotel's finest suites facing the swimming pool and the garden. The first thing I notice when I step into a hotel room is the bed! And I loved that bed, the soft pillows and the fluffy quilt. I also loved the minimalist deco and all the other facilities - such as the remote control for getting the blinds up or down! AND the number of hangers in the wardrobe! 

It was still sunny on Saturday despite the breeze coming from the sea, so we enjoyed a beer and cashewnuts on the balcony before going out for lunch. Alkis wanted to take me to a tavern called either Argotiko or...Archontiko somewhere in between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. But we didn't find it! So we drove all the way back to Ayia Napa and Christos"s Restaurant at Limanaki.

We didn't have lobster but we loved their fish meze consisting - amongst others- of grilled tsipoura (seabream), octopus, calamari , soupia(cuttlefish) and mussels. We enjoyed our lunch outside in the sun which was off and on and despite the wind from the sea. It wasn't really cold with a jumper and jacket on. But some tourists sitting near us were in T-shirsts and shorts!

After lunch, we went for a walk on the beach but it was very windy so we returned to the hotel and had a short siesta before dinner at Hokaido - the best Japanese restaurant in Cyprus! However much I love sushi, after all the seafood I had for lunch, I decided to go for a Tepanyaki chicken. It was delicious!

When we left the restaurant, it was drizzling. The drizzle turned into a storm during the night. And it was still raining today. But this did not prevent us from going to Cavo Greco to watch the huge waves breaking on the rocks.