June 2002 Sarah and Leighton's wedding party.

 The Wedding party for Sarah and Leighton was held at The Coal Exchange in the Docklands of Cardiff. It was a good chance to catch up with some old friends.

Our first visit to the Island of Cyprus -2002

 In June 2002 we flew from Cardiff,UK to Paphos airport in Cyprus.

Our base for our visit was the Mirimare hotel with was situated on the coast in Limassol.

 Our hotel overlooked the stunning Mediterranean, and from the moment we arrived, we felt the charm of the island. There was something about the mix of ancient ruins and the modern Mediterranean vibe that made it special."

We took a trip out to Limassol bay on the catamaran Mediterraneo and sailed across to Cape Gata.

Mandy: "One of the highlights was definitely our catamaran trip from the port of Limassol. We set off in the early morning with the sun glistening on the water. The wind was just perfect, not too strong, so it was more of a leisurely sail. Out at sea, we could see the coastline stretching along with the mountains in the distance. The water was such a vibrant blue, almost as if it were glowing under the sun. We even had a chance to dive in and swim, which was so refreshing."

Rob: "There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being out on the open sea like that, the salt air, the waves gently hitting the sides of the boat. For a moment, it felt like time stopped, just us, the Mediterranean, and the horizon. It was one of those peaceful memories that sticks with you, a perfect escape from the busyness of everyday life."

We rented a small car, eager for adventure, and set off to explore this stunning region. The roads were narrow, steep, and winding, with hairpin turns that added a touch of excitement to our journey. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the landscape transformed before our eyes. Lush greenery enveloped us, and the scent of pine filled the air, invigorating our spirits.

At every bend, we were treated to spectacular views that took our breath away. The distant valleys, dotted with charming villages and terraced fields, seemed like something out of a postcard. We stopped at several viewpoints, each one more captivating than the last, soaking in the serene beauty of the mountains and the clear blue sky.

Driving through the Troodos Mountains felt like stepping into another world, where time slowed down, and nature reigned supreme. We relished the quiet moments, the sound of birds chirping, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was a journey filled with wonder and awe, one that left us with memories we cherish to this day.

 We explored the village of Platres and superb views from the highest point, Mount Olympus. 

We stopped off for lunch in the village of Pedhoulas at the Two flowers restaurant.

The next day we explored the enchanting village of Pissouri. Nestled in the hills, this charming village exudes a warm, welcoming vibe, with its narrow streets lined with traditional stone houses and vibrant bougainvillea.  Our first stop was for coffee at The Two friends Taverna with the stuuning views over the valley to Episkopi bay.

After soaking in the village's beauty, we made our way to Pissouri Bay, just a short drive away. The bay welcomed us with its stunning turquoise waters and sandy beaches. It was here that we discovered the Captain's Table, a delightful seaside restaurant known for its fresh seafood. We savored a superb fish lunch, with the gentle sound of waves and the salty breeze adding to the perfect ambiance. Each bite was a taste of the Mediterranean, and little did we know that this picturesque location would one day become our home.