Lefkara and Nikosia

Following the ritual swim in morning, we ambled off towards the capital Nikosia. On our way we stopped at Lefkara, a quaint village where they make beautiful silver goods and laces.

We have been a few times and Chris welcomed us and after some purchases for home had lunch with him.

Continued on to Nikosia and the haze was so bad it masked the grotesque flag carved into the hill on the Turkish side.

                                 Diana's new look garden

At the Mavrogeni's abode a number of changes had taken place. The apartment block still has Mama and Coco at top and each floor a different family member, however, following the GFC, some austerity measures have commenced.

Diana has closed her shop and moved it into her ground floor as well as Pavlos's Psychology  practice. It all fits quite neatly and utilized the massive space well.

I showed them a small video of Mary who had the accident last year and they were greatly relieved to see the improvement.

I left back for Pissouri and will see them again after Ed and Michelle leave.

A quick nap and off to village which was eerily quiet on a Saturday as there was a big party with bands on at the military base. That finished at 10.00 and the hordes descended on village square...

Di and Carolyn

Met new and old friends and after a time came home as a beach day for Janeys birthday is planned for the day.......

and so it goes on.....

A few dips in pool, and then up to village to pick up a car. Went down to Pissouri Bay where I caught up with half of the Breeze jewellery team in form of Dianne. As a Scot she was pleased with my visit to Scotland.

Back to Rantzo and relaxed until we made the short trip to Aphrodite Hills. This is a plush resort, and we plonked at a beautiful terrace table upstairs at Anoi Bar, where Valentino works.

                                  Ed and Michelle at Anoi

We ordered drinks and Valentino sent me out my Fresh Raspberry daiquiri. It was a giant snow cone and my battle was to try and stop it melting over edge!!! After a couple of brain freezes, I tamed the beast.....

Adult snow cone

From there we headed back to village where there was some traditional dancing at Platea restaurant.

And here its the boys dance

I went on to Iron Horse bar where Nicki the barmaid was pleased to sell hello and her dad Charlie was in town again. It was karaoke night and was lively to say least.

Fiona and friends

After a good while and a quick stop at After Square, I walked home about 3.00 am...... Off today to Nikosia to see the clan.

Village life

After a good sleep in yesterday, it was time to catch up properly with Ed, Michelle, her sister Nicholaina, and her husband Rob. This was accomplished via my host Panikos, who in his inimitable style made lunch.

Lunch for him consisted of large plates of chops, chicken, and ribs, all fan baked and beautifully crisped, served with salads, dips, olives and breads..... Enough for a platoon and washed down with bottles of Keo beer.

                                Lunch at Rantzo

Ann and John, friends from previous joined us and I will see them again when in UK.

It has been a tradition to bring Australiana gifts for Panikos, so to add to his Akubra hat, RM Williams belt, Aussie flag, and Emu egg, he is now the proud owner of a stock whip. This was fun and he soon mastered the 'crack'.

Crack that whip

So with a full belly and another swim, it was time for a siesta, and when up managed to swim in pool again.

                                         'Aunt' Michelle basking

Lazy arvo chatting, listening to music, and a couple of nooners to while away time.

                                  Local fauna

Off at about 9.30 to Moonlight tavern for a late supper and then visit to Flamingo bar and on to After Square... Slow night and fully sated we came home before 2.00.

What the day holds is up to the groundhog day gods...more swims, food and fun

Cyprus

A travel day saw me leave London for warmer climate of the Mediterranean. Said my goodbyes to Monica and adieu to the others as I will see them again after my first Europe leg to Cyprus and Italy.

Arrived Paphos where Ed picked me up and we went straight to Pissouri village. Caught up with some of my friends there and they all asked about Mary. Last year she had an accident, and I had taken a small video of her to show how she has improved.

                                 The girls with Jo's parents

After a while Michelle arrived from late dinner at Limnati with her family and we chatted, before making our way to After Square bar where I met up with Valentino again.

A few drinks there then home to Rantzo for a sleep.

Up this morning and the pool beckons. Some things never change and I have had coffee with Melise, Finicki, and Panikos.

                                  The weather is perfect as usual

So a quiet day planned catching up and resting. This is a holiday!

Farewell Scotland

Last day in Scotland saw Anne and I off to Stirling for a final history lesson. Lots here with Stirling Castle overlooking the site of the Battle of Banockburn, where the English were defeated in 1315. It has a long history and has changed hands many times.

                                       Looking up to Stirling Castle

From the battlements you can also see the Wallace memorial which we had a peek at as well.

                                                William Wallace memorial

After a quick bite to eat we headed back towards Glasgow, but had time to stop at the Falkirk wheel. Engineering students will know this as another marvel of Scottish ingenuity. Instead of a lock to go up or down from canal levels, the boats are lifted on a balance. It is so perfect that only the energy to boil 6 kettles is used!

 It was time then for me to say farewell and I boarded the train back to London. The leg of the trip was fabulous, and I may try to see more another time.

Safe arrival in London, and after meeting Alli at mews, and waited for Fi to finish work, made way back to Greenwich.

Off to Cyprus tomorrow so need to wash, pack etc..... Fi's 2 sisters, one husband, and 2 kids arrive today so I need to get out of the way!

The adventures continue.........

Glasgow City

John drove us into Glasgow itself and took me past the home of the 'Rangers', who are doing it tough at present. We also had a look at a manor house 'Polocks'.

Met up with Anne and her beau Scott at the Granary hotel, where I said my goodbyes  to John and Jacci. 'Twas sad and I really hope to see them again sometime. Anne took me to hers, where We chatted before going into central Glasgow for a poke around.

Anne and I in town

We had a look around before going to Metropolitan for a feed, where they had entertainment in form of acrobatic troupe. The whole place is refurbished markets with central plaza.

                                                Catch?

After that a quick stop at 'Home' pub, then back to Anne's for sleeps.

Up today with a plan to see Stirling Castle, before I catch train back to London.

           

The Highlands

The day was a little cloudy as we left Paisley and headed up along the west side of Loch Lomond. The road is narrow and can wonder how coaches pass. Passed that you climb steadily and the surroundings become sparser. After one or the other climbs, you really reach the high country and it is majestic.

                                           Yes still snow up behind

A couple of stops for the scenery and we passed 3 sisters on way to Glencoe.

                            John and Jacci

Glemcoe is infamous as the site where in 1692 the Campbell's acting for the crown slayed 39 members of the MacDonald clan one morning. A memorial is there and is a tad eerie. That aside you can see how tough they had to be to live in this area.

                                 Looking down Glen Etive

We then went down Glen Etive and here is where the final scenes of the Bond movie Skyfall were filmed and much of it owned by the Fleming family. Not clear but at the foot of the hills there is a large manor. At the end of Glen Etive you reach Loch Etive.

This is a salt loch, and they use ships and a floating pier to transport renewable timber, so that the transport is away from the roads.

King's House

Next stop was King's House a circa 1795 establishment for a quick pint. There are wild deer roaming near the carpark. It was time to start heading back and when we came back down to Loch Lomond stopped at the 'Drovers' a strange pub over 300 years old. 

                              Some of the decor!

The whole place is filled with stuffed animals, mounted heads and even a stuffed Bear! Weird but somehow appropriate. I decided on a proper Haggis here as I was informed the little bites I had the other night was just pub nibbles. What came was a massive plate, and although I was not sure managed to eat the lot and it was lovely, spiced, and very filling.

                                 Now that's a meal!

Back to Paisley and although weary we trundled out and met up with more friends and although did not find 6 more new pubs, did find 3 and before we knew it, was chucking out time (1.00 am!).

                                 John, Lorna, Dougie, and Mavis

Bed has never felt so good..... So up today and going to meet Anne, another Scot, I have not seen for 9 years and will say goodbye to Paisley and tremendous Scot hospitality. Stay in Glasgow proper tonight and head back to London tomorrow....

Culzean Castle and 6 new pubs in Paisley!

A slow start and then Jacci's daughter Lauren and her partner Steven picked us up for the day out. A beautiful drive through countryside brought us to Culzean Castle at the same time as the weather cleared.

Absolutely stunning setting looking over the Firth of Clyde and the Irish Sea.

                                        Jacci having lunch

With Lauren's daughter Anna in tow we wandered for an hour and a half over sumptuous grounds.

                                       Clocktower keep

The castle was donated to National trust after war, and boasts the Eisenhower Apartments where as supreme commander of allied forces planned operation overlord.

                                  Part of main castle

The grounds and gardens with deer farm, walled garden, and swan pond is really worth seeing

                                 Imagine the upkeep?

After sating my appetite for castles, we drove the hour back to Paisley where we had dinner with John and after meeting with Lorna, I was taken out to see pubs of Paisley I had not been to previously. For a smallish town Centre there is no lack of them!

We were out until last drinks were called and awake today a little dusty. Off to see Loch Lomond and area today......

It is truly a magical place..... I expect Brigadoon any moment.

Scotland is grand

Up an at them in the morning...took tube to Euston station to catch the choo choo to Glasgow. This fairly hoots along reaching speeds of 160 km at times. Not really condusive to watching scenery, however the trip is just over 4 hours.

                                 Yes it is green

Arrived Glasgow Central and my hosts John and Jacci were there to meet me. The Scottish hospitality is great, and even as I had not seen them for 9 years was as warm as could be.

A short drive to Paisley, where they live, and the area was once the home to the textile factory that produced the namesake fabric. The are also had other industry such as a Chrysler factory, but is now housing.

I was given a short tour of town and it has some lovely buildings.

                                            Paisley

After we dropped of my bag we walked around to see the locals. Managed 6 pubs during which time we also stopped and had dinner. I had my first haggis! Quite tasty actually.... and I will try again.

Met up with Lorna, a friend of Jacci at the 4th pub, where I realized that my hosts actually know everybody in town.

One thing for certain is that the Scots have not capitulated to the PC wowserness of others and you can still party.

                                10 quid jugs of cocktails!

Lorna left us as it is a school night and we wandered back up the hill to the abode.

                                The Bull

After a quick nightcap it was off to bed about 11.00 which is nearly the earliest night I have had yet.

John is working today, but Jacci, her daughter, partner and I are off exploring.

I like castles and with 3,000 in Scotland should not be too hard to find one!

Aye it is grand up here.........

Quick one before Scotland

Yesterday also sailed by with little ado... Think I am getting the hang of this holiday stuff. One quick trip to Canary Wharf on the DLR (Dockland Light Railway) with Leann for shopping.

Maybe it is just me but when train pulls up without a driver should one be concerned?

                                               Where is the driver?

In any case we returned and with Leann's friend Megan over for dinner a and her family, we sat outside and enjoyed it all.

Off to Glasgow this morning.....so will post when able

Rest day

After a week of non stop, a quiet day was in order. Kath and Lynn left for Brugges and I said my goodbyes as Our paths will not cross again. I did some washing and wandered down for some groceries.

                                Sir Walter Raleigh (he is at back)

Leann and her family were staying at Portsmouth so only Fi and I home. Cooked a roast as we need normal food.

Sun came out at 6.00 pm and evening was balmy.

Another quiet one planned as I am off to Glasgow tomorrow.

Goodbyes and culture

After the night before we arranged to meet Bern about 1.00 pm  for lunch. We went around corner to Guildford Arms hotel first opened 1796! From front not much, but opened up behind to a great beer garden. Leann and her family arrived and lunch was superb. The chef also runs a nice restaurant in Greenwich called "Inside'.

                                  Beer garden at Guildford Arms

Dave had met a mate for lunch so we rendezvoused at the Gypsy Moth Pub, which is next to the Cutty Sark. As they only had a couple of hours we looked at the local sites. The old seamans home designed by Christopher Wren and incorporating the Queens cottage, is great.

                                  Bern and Fi

Within the 2 buildings is also housed the chapel and the 'Painted Hall', where Nelson laid in state. Both are amazingly decorated.

                                               Painted Hall

Time was running away so after a quick beer at the Brewery, we said our farewells to Dave and Bern.

The long trek home (about 10 minutes) could not be accomplished without a recce of the Mordern Arms. So when we got back, we were quite tired, but stayed up until Lyn and Kath got back from seeing 'Warhorse'.

Quiet day planned now......will see how that goes

Picnic in the park.

Sunday had been planned as day in park. 3 different weather sites had 3 different forecasts for the day, so we chanced our arm in any case. We set up under beautiful Plains Trees in Greenwich Park, and stared down the weather!

After a couple of light showers the weather cleared to a beautiful day.

                                 Bern and Fi

From about 2.00 pm others started to arrive and we chatted, watched a few squirrels and set up the game of Kubb. A Swedish game involving tossing wooden blocks. On such a lovely day we had a ball.

                                   Referee Howie with competitors

A few people stopped and watched as well as shouted encouragement.

                                  The gallery

All things come to an end, also brought on by the fact that although it is a 'Royal Park' there are no public utilities! So off we toddled bags in hand and a few of us stopped at the local on way home to visit the utilities and a brew.

At 10.00 pm Luke the barman advised us that we have to go inside or leave. We left laughing as another day disappeared.

Dave and Bern's last day, so lunch is planned.

Culture? and bbq

Early morning start for Leann who picked up her family from Heathrow airport and was back here by 8.00 am. We chatted whilst Fi caught up on much needed sleep.

Once all were up we met at Greenwich markets where Lynn and Bern attempted to ensure no shoes were left for others. Must be their way of stimulating the economy.

Sian (Fi's 2nd cousin) met us and we went off to see her university presentation. Once in London proper she led the way using the versatile red brolly so we did not lose her.

Follow that brolly

Sian's class presentations on spacial design were great, and extremely interesting.

                                         sorry about the quality...

After that we thought we would look at the fine art? Well all I can say it was varied! I took a video of one, however it does not seem to be supported on this blog. It appeared to be a deformed hand or foot hitting a table on a continuous loop. If anyone can explain this to me I would be appreciative.

After our culture hit we returned to Greenwich where we decided to call London's bluff and fired up the Webber. Gotta love the English sausages, so we cooked up an assortment and noshed down. They were great.

Before we knew it twilight left and it was 10.30! Bern and Dave trundled off and we all called a deserved early night.

Picnic in park today if weather holds. Until later.......

The Mews and more party

Friday meant that we were meeting Fi and Leann at the mews where they work for another celebration of the gals birthday.  Kath, Lynn and myself made our way there and set up , was to be a bit of surprise that Fi thought was for half a dozen... Ended up 30 or so at times.

                                 Kath and new besty

The queen of the mews is Alli, and she knows everything that occurs in her realm.

Queen Alli over sighting

Kath had done a cake for Fi that was the same as her 3rd birthday and her 30th.... Involved a carousel, dolls, and a red umbrella. 

                                        Fi reliving the past

So we kicked on for some time then made our way back to Greenwich. Saturday brings Leann's family and a new party  time begins........ Some catch up sleep is needed.

Idle Day

A slow start and after Fi and Leann went to work, I trundled off to Canary wharf. Apparently that is closest big supermarket. There I found the Waitrose store (not the Waycho  store I was looking for, the accents got me). Bought the fixings for Chilli sausage rolls and came back.

Hmmm note to self: after cutting chillis be more cautious where you put your hands if you need to go to toilet.....fortunately only 1/2 hour discomfort and hopefully no permanent damage.

Made the sausage rolls for today, and when Kath and Lynn came back from their shopping foree they prepared dinner.

                                 Fi, Dave, Kath, Lynn

Dave and Bern came over and a lovely evening, some singing, and laughs were in order. The weather cleared a bit and for first time saw the moon and stars.

                                 Moon over chimneys

Morning has arrived and with it the clouds again! Off to Paddington later to see all the Mews crew, and why I had to make the sausage rolls.

So the days fly by

La Pont de la Tour..........and happenings

So Fi's birthday has arrived, and dutifully she went off to work. I went for a wander through Greenwich looking to buy a UK phone. And wander was it! Did a fair few kms, with no joy in that area but saw some great sites. They are everywhere.

                                 National Maritime Museum
Not a phone shop but found heaps of betting shops! Wandered back with some groceries and then a bite to eat. Jumped on train to Deptford where there were rows of phone shops! Sorted that and back to prepare for night.

With Fi's mum and Aunt Lynn in tow we made our way to the restaurant with only minor hiccups... Lost Lynn, left the mum with a homeless man whilst found her, started to rain, hair went bad....glad to get to pub, pick up Dave and Bern and then to the La Pont De La Tour. This is next to London Bridge and with 15 of us a great time was had. Can recommend the rabbit.

                                 Some bridge of note?

Fi was spoiled rotten and after copious liquids, bigger laughs we made our way back to Greenwich.

                                  Scott, Richard, Megan and Carina

Sure we did not need more but finally called stumps at 2.00. It is a school night for some!

                                               Birthday gal and Megan moo

It was a good idea at time, but this morning some difficulties encountered with motivation. OK for me, I can have a nap, but those off to work will struggle......