The Beginning of the End!

Following on from our visit to the Troodos Mountains we thought it a good idea to take a formal tour over to the Turkish side so once again up at 5.30 to catch the Tour bus from Coral Bay for the very long trip to Famagusta along with forty other people mostly Brits!

The cross over was interesting – uneventful - while taking possession of our passports we were warned not to take any photos whatsoever of the border control – ignored by one of us although we think that it is a bit un necessary considering that it was all a big bore!  

We didn’t get lost that day since we were on a tour bus and had to do what we were told once again !

Turkish Cyprus is much less interesting than the Greek side and far less tourists although we were welcomed and enjoyed our time there – yet more ruins of which we are more than slightly tired but one place really offended Lorraine and that is the once beautiful Cathedral – now a Mosque with all the fabulous frescoes of early Christians whitewashed out. This gorgeous structure was designed by the  Frenchman who designed Notre Dame in Paris. It is now drably covered in carpets all set up in rows and is decidedly musty and neglected. A huge contrast to the monastery we visited in the Mountains.  In the courtyard was  a tree – a ficus – 600years old!!

Visited St Barnabas’ church in the countryside and his tomb and sampled the Cypriot Delight and apricots on offer in the courtyard.  We had a fun meal in the old city centre and visited Othello’s castle – the setting for Shakespeare’s tragic play of the same name although we understand he never visited there!

A very long day following which we learnt to relax and swim and eat all the next day by the pool as the temperatures have climbed and make movement in the middle of the day decidedly unpleasant.

We also visited Nicosia – the old city within the ramparts – very interesting tiny alleys and shops and we again did our bit for the economy but found the temperatures – 40degs plus too much for us although we managed to visit the Byzantine Museum and Art Gallery.  We would have liked to cross the Green Line within the city but found it too hot and difficult as it had to be done on foot, so gave that a miss. On the way home we stopped at the beautiful little village of Lefkara where lacemaking and silverware are the focus.  Lovely stuff and could have spent a good deal more time there but browsed and purchased before driving home in the late evening and falling into the pool under the stars.

We drove over the hills to where Aphrodite bathed in a little Grotto beside the Mediterranean sheltered by an ancient fig tree and where she was wooed by Adonis who fell under her spell. We also visited Lara Bay where the Leatherback turtles come in to lay their eggs before returning to thesea and leaving their babies to hatch and take their turn at running the gauntlet of predators to grow to adulthood.  We understand that only about 2% of all hatchlings survive. The beaches in this area are very stony but the water is crystal clear and warm and very good for swimming.  We found little cafes right on the beach at which to dine and watch the sun go down blazing over the horizon.  

We have pondered our trip and together summarised some of the highs and lows:-

The watermelons of Jordan and Cyrus - delicious

Coming to grips with the rich history of Egypt – challenging and overwhelming –in particular the amazing Sphinx – 20 Mtrs high,70 mtrs long  a sight to remember – Tricia.

The wonderful first sight of the Pyramids on arrival in Cairo - Pat

The Frescoes of Abu Simbel – extraordinary – Betty

The Skill of th e Ancients in construction – fabulous

The re-location of the Temples up the banks of the Nile was mindblowing – Lorraine

Wonderful refreshing Lemon/lime and Mint iced Juice

Pat stopped photographing everything for a while due to photographic memory byte lapse – somewhat of a relief to everyone else!!!

Cruise up the Nile was pure luxury – The Fellucca sail around the Islands of the Nile was an experience not to be missed culminating in a visit to a Nubian primary school and dinner in a Nubian Family home.  This gave us a unique insight into the life of the local people - an extraordinary glimpse of life in a poor community on the Nile. We are concerned for the people who rely heavily on donations from visitors just to furnish their school with the basics. We learnt our names written in Arabic!!!!

A night in the Sinai Desert in Bedouin Camp /Bedouin wedding in the desert to which we were invited to participate.

Beautiful children everywhere – much loved by everyone and displayed proudly for us to greet.

The food – African, Nubian – high , International – both high and low

The gorgeous city of Petra.

Local  fish in Cyprus – at least some of us loved it – trout , Sea Bass, Octopus – yum!

Low – chips every  meal!!!!

Pastries and breads  - fabulous in Cyprus – not fabulous for the waistline!

Fresh orange juice in Cyprus

Horse and Carriage, donkeys, camel, hot air balloon, felucca, cruise boat, crappy old Ferry where we were "upgraded" to Distinguished class!!!! and the good old buses – some better than others!

Driving in Cyprus on the same side as us although road signs are perplexing to say the least – not only because most are  in Greek – and as Bet says “What road signs?” but we have managed to get ourselves around with a lot of “help” from 4 passengers who point in all directions at the same time!!!!!!

We’ve seen enough old rocks to last a lifetime, especially in this heat and all are “ruined” by the sight of yet more ruins.

 We are not planning a continuing education course in Archaeology of any sort!