Green Monday in Cyprus

On a lovely, sunny Spring day the new village council of Pissouri organised a celebration of Green Monday, the beginning of Lent and a time of fasting of certain foods.

The gathering took place in the Panorama residences area of Pissouri. With music, dance, food, drink and flying kites meant the residents of our village enjoyed a wonderful day.

Day 26 - Leaving South Africa

On a beautiful Summer's morning we took a stroll around Company gardens in Cape Town, it has a lovely cafe in the heart of the gardens and we enjoyed coffee and cake before watching a local  couple get married.

We h0pped in a cab and took the twenty minute drive to the airport in light traffic. At the airport we were surprised how quiet it was, no other passengers at check in or security, so it was a breeze to go through. We decided on one last treat before our Emirates flight so we checked into the Bidvest Premier Lounge.

The combined travelling time to get home to Cyprus was over 20 hours we arrived to blue skies, tired but happy.

Table mountain and a whole lot more

On our final day in Cape Town we woke up to an overcast day, which was a real bummer because we had planned to go up to the top of Table mountain, so we made our way downtown to the local outdoor Friday markets.

 








After an hour’s browsing we decided to do the Hop on-Hop off bus tour, the tour was passing the Table Mountain cable station at the foot of the mountain so we hoped the cloud would clear.

As we approached the iconic mountain we could still see cloud on top, we were indecisive about whether to go up or wait. At the last moment we said “lets go for it”, after a smooth cable car ride up to the top we found out that our luck was in and we had those dramatic views from Table mountain overlooking the City of Cape Town. On the Eastern side of the mountain the 12 Apostles were shrouded in cloud giving them a ghostly look.

We continued the bus tour until we reached the V&A waterfront, among all the tourist development there still stands a working dry dock, Rob was fascinated by this, because he used to work in shipyards around the World, but as they say, “You can take the boy out of the shipyard, but”.....Well you know the rest.

We had a very good lunch in the shadow of Table mountain and then did the harbour cruise which was very informative about the history of Cape Town's port and we got to see plenty of seals.

 We finished of our day with a tour around the infamous “District 6” and the the civic center, where the old town hall overlooks the Grand parade, this is where Nelson Mandela gave a speech to over 200,000 people setting out his vision for a new South Africa.

So that was the final full day of our South African adventure, it’s been an absolute blast, we have met so many warm and friendly people along the way, seen some wonderful sights, eat and drank too much, had a thousand laughs and we both know how fortunate we have been to make this trip.

A Game drive and Dinner on The Mighty Zambezi River

Our visit to Victoria Falls began with another early start, as we headed out for an early morning game drive in the Zambezi National Park. Our guide for the day, Eddie, greeted us warmly, and to our delight, we had the Jeep all to ourselves.

As we set off, the cool morning air mixed with the fresh scent of the wilderness, making it a peaceful start to the day. While we knew this drive would likely not match the intensity and excitement of our previous experiences in Kruger, it still offered a chance to take in Zimbabwe’s unique landscape and wildlife.

Eddie was incredibly knowledgeable, pointing out every animal we came across. We saw towering giraffes gracefully munching on the treetops, herds of zebra and wildebeest grazing, and a group of warthogs scuttling about, their tails comically raised like little antennas. Baboons were everywhere, a familiar sight after many game drives, and we also spotted several impala, their smooth coats glistening in the morning light. A group of mongoose darted in and out of the bushes, quick and curious.

After taking in the spectacular views, we popped into the nearby town of Victoria Falls for a bit of a mooch around. There wasn't a great deal to see, though the place had its own charm, but the African sun was beating down relentlessly, and before long, we decided to head back to the lodge to escape the heat.

That evening, however, was a real highlight. We made our way down to the Zambezi River for a dinner cruise on the stunning three-tiered boat, The Zambezi Explorer. Boarding the boat felt like stepping into a little slice of luxury. We set sail around 4:30, just as the late afternoon light began to soften, and the river took on a golden hue.

The cruise took us within about a kilometer of the falls, and although we couldn't see them clearly from there, you could still sense their presence, with the faint mist rising in the distance. As we glided along the river, we were treated to some wonderful wildlife sightings. Crocodiles basked on the riverbanks, and every now and then, a hippo's head would bob up out of the water, only to disappear again with a splash. The atmosphere was serene, and the wildlife, combined with the stunning sunset, made the evening truly unforgettable.

Dinner on board was just as delightful. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we enjoyed a delicious meal while watching the river transform from bright gold to dusky purple, with the sounds of the African bush in the background. It was the perfect way to end an incredible day at one of the world’s natural wonders.

 














We were joined by four lovely people from New York City, who turned out to be delightful company. It was so easy to get along with them, and their infectious enthusiasm added to the fun. After exploring the falls, we made our way to the river for an evening cruise. The boat gently drifted along the Zambezi, with the warm African sun slowly setting behind us. We docked at around 6:45 pm, just in time to soak in the colors of the fading day.

Day 24 Cape Town and a Wine Tour

Saying goodbye to Vic falls we hopped on the BA flight to Johannesburg which turned out to be quite bumpy 90 minute flight. At Joberg Airport we found a really good micro brewery bar that had a great selection of of Ales that were good value.

After a 2 hour wait at Joberg we boarded another BA flight to Cape Town which took around an hour and a half. We checked into the Long street boutique hotel and checked out the somewhat lively bar street.




















The next morning we joined the “Wine Flies” wine tour, we headed out of the City and headed towards the town of Stellenbosch, we visited 5 wine farms that were at in some wonderful country side and tasted over 25 wines. We stopped off at one of the farms for a lovely lunch cooked on the open fire. Our guide for the day was "Legend" pronouced Lejohn and he proved to be very knowledgable and entertaining.

Our final stop was at a farm that specialises in sparkling wines, our guide then split us into teams for a quiz about our tour, with the help of two Dutch guys we managed to win and our prize was a nice bottle of wine.

A Visit to The Victoria Falls

Our visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe began with an early start, the air crisp and cool as we made our way to the entrance of the Victoria Falls National Park. The excitement built as we walked down the tree-lined path, our steps cushioned by soft dirt and fallen leaves. As we moved further in, the roar of the falls grew louder—a deep, resonant thunder that made the ground beneath our feet hum slightly. It was impossible not to feel a sense of anticipation.

Then, we came to a clearing, and there it was: the almighty sight of Victoria Falls in all its glory. Water, more than I could have imagined, cascaded down in an unbroken sheet nearly 100 meters to the gorge below. The sheer force of the deluge was breathtaking, a powerful reminder of nature’s raw and untamed beauty. Mist rose up in a fine spray, glistening in the early light and gently dampening our skin. As we stood there, watching the falls tumble into the depths below, the constant roar filled our ears, and we were lost in awe.

The sight was unforgettable, a moment that truly makes you feel small in the face of such a natural wonder. We stood in silence for what felt like ages, just taking it all in—the sound, the power, the incredible beauty.

Visiting Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences of our lives. As Mandy and I approached the falls, we could already hear the thunderous roar of the water long before we saw it. Nothing quite prepares you for the moment when you first catch sight of that immense wall of water cascading into the gorge below. It’s impossible to put into words—just breathtaking. The sheer volume and force of the water is overwhelming, and the spray it creates drifts into the air like mist, which completely soaked us. But honestly, we barely noticed. We were just absorbed in the beauty of it all.

The path that runs parallel to the falls stretches for nearly a mile, giving you different vantage points along the way. At each stop, we marveled at how the falls seem to go on forever, stretching across the horizon. It’s a humbling sight—a reminder of the raw, untamed power of nature. The sound, the sight, and even the feel of the falls are something you just need to experience in person to fully understand.

We spent about an hour and a half exploring, which gave us plenty of time to take in this natural wonder from every angle. Drenched but exhilarated, we decided to dry off with a walk over the famous railway bridge that connects Zimbabwe to Zambia. From the bridge, the views of the gorge and the falls are equally stunning, and the sight of the mighty Zambezi River crashing below is something we’ll never forget.

The border crossing itself was an experience. The bridge was full of colorful characters—locals, tourists, and border officials—all moving between the two countries. It added a lively, human element to the scene, contrasting with the powerful natural backdrop. All in all, it was an unforgettable day.

After spending the morning marveling at the majestic Victoria Falls, Mandy and I decided to make our way to the famous bridge that spans the Zambezi River. The thunderous roar of the falls echoed behind us as we crossed, with mist rising high into the air and giving everything a mystical, otherworldly feel.

Once we reached the other side of the bridge, we took a leisurely walk down the path towards the Outlook Café, about 400 meters away. The heat of the day made the walk feel longer, but the anticipation of lunch and drinks kept our spirits up. As we approached, we were greeted by the most stunning view—perched on the very edge of the gorge, the café offered a breathtaking panorama of the river snaking its way through the cliffs, the mighty falls just out of sight upstream.

The setting couldn’t have been more perfect. We sat down on the open terrace, looking out over the deep gorge below, the sound of the rushing water and the occasional call of birds soaring above completing the scene. We ordered lunch and enjoyed a couple of cold drinks as we soaked in the incredible atmosphere.

After enjoying a drink at the café, we set off on the short ten-minute walk toward the Victoria Falls Hotel. As we strolled through the familiar paths, a wave of nostalgia hit Mandy—this was her first time returning to the hotel in over 40 years. She had stayed here when she was just a young girl, and now, so many years later, it was an emotional return.

The grandeur of the Victoria Falls Hotel hadn’t faded with time. Its colonial charm stood proudly against the backdrop of Zimbabwe's wild beauty. Mandy grew quiet as we approached, her eyes scanning the gardens and the hotel’s grand entrance, clearly taking in every detail, every memory resurfacing. I could see how much this place meant to her.

Once inside, we wandered through the elegant corridors and out onto the terrace, where the view took our breath away. There, beyond the rolling lawns and palm trees, was the spray from Victoria Falls itself—just as dramatic as I had imagined. The mighty Zambezi River surged and thundered as it plunged over the edge, sending mist high into the air. Mandy stood still, gazing out at the scene, lost in memories of the girl she once was and the life that had passed since.

We sat down on the terrace, ordered a drink, and just soaked in the atmosphere. It was a special moment, not just because of the view or the historic hotel, but because I could feel how much it meant to Mandy. She was retracing her steps, connecting with a part of her past, and I felt honored to be here with her for that.

Sitting on the hotel’s terrace, we were treated to an amazing view—acres of perfectly manicured lawns stretched out before us, with the faint sound of the falls rumbling in the distance.

We sipped our cocktails slowly, savoring not only the refreshing taste but also the peaceful ambiance. There was something truly relaxing about being there, surrounded by such beauty. The warmth of the afternoon sun and the coolness of our drinks created a perfect contrast, making it one of those moments you wish could last forever.

After soaking in the view, we wandered inside to explore the hotel’s interior, curious about its history. The old colonial décor transported us back in time, with polished wooden floors, antique furniture, and high ceilings that seemed to tell stories of a bygone era. It felt like we were stepping into a scene from an old travel novel.

Despite not being guests of the hotel, the staff welcomed us as though we were. Their kindness and warmth left a lasting impression, especially considering we were just day visitors. We couldn’t help but feel at home in this grand setting.

 After a long day of exploring the falls, we decided to treat ourselves to a visit to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

In the evening, we drove over to this stunning lodge, tucked away in the bush. The hotel itself was gorgeous, blending so naturally with the surroundings. Before dinner, we made our way to the Buffalo Bar, which had a large deck overlooking a water hole out in the bush. It was the perfect spot to sit, relax, and take in the wildlife that Zimbabwe is so famous for.

With a drink in hand, we watched as the animals cautiously approached the water hole. A family of elephants lumbered in from the trees, their trunks dipping into the water as they drank. A few impala darted in and out, while warthogs snuffled along the edges of the water hole. The scene was serene, and it felt as though we were right in the middle of the wilderness, witnessing something so naturally beautiful.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we realized how magical this moment was. We stayed there for a while longer, just absorbing the sights and sounds of the bush before heading inside to enjoy a fantastic dinner at the restaurant. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable day.

One of the most impressive sights was the vastness of the sky, stretching out endlessly above us. It’s true what they say—Africa really does have enormous skies. The sunset was a spectacle, with vibrant colors melting into the horizon, and dramatic cloud formations adding to the scene. We had a front-row seat to this incredible view, right from our dinner table overlooking the bush. It felt like nature’s own private show, just for us.

The meal that followed was just as memorable. I opted for something more familiar, but Rob, adventurous as ever, plumped for the roast warthog. He couldn’t stop raving about how excellent it was—succulent and full of flavor. As we dined, we watched as the African night slowly settled in, the distant sounds of wildlife adding to the atmosphere.

It was one of those perfect evenings that we'll always remember—a blend of natural beauty, delicious food, and the enchanting charm of Africa.