Orange dust cloud and a Promotion

 A severe Saharan dust cloud, referred to as an "extreme" event, swept over Cyprus in  April 2026, blanketing the island in a thick, orange-hued haze. Conditions were particularly severe in Nicosia, where concentrations reached 667 micrograms per cubic meter of air, while the normal limit does not exceed 50 μg/m³ – more than 13 times higher.

Good to see our Old football team get some sucsess. Cardiff City sealed a dramatic promotion to the Championship with a thrilling 3–1 victory away at Reading. The decisive moment, however, came miles away — where Exeter’s goalkeeper produced a stunning equaliser deep into the 10th minute of added time, a goal that ultimately made Cardiff’s promotion possible.

It was a afternoon of tension, late drama, and unforgettable moments — the kind that defines football at its very best. Cardiff did their part in style, but fate was sealed in the most unexpected way, as a goalkeeper became the unlikely hero.

Easter Sunday in Pissouri

Easter Sunday in the charming village of Pissouri is always something special.

The heart of the celebration was the village square, which was alive with energy from early afternoon. Locals and visitors gathered in large numbers, filling the space with laughter, conversation, and that unmistakable sense of community that Cyprus does so well. The atmosphere was vibrant yet welcoming, with families, friends, and travelers all coming together to celebrate one of the most important days in the Cypriot calendar.

We began our afternoon at the ever-popular Flamingo Bar, soaking in the relaxed mood before the festivities really got going. It was the perfect starting point—cool drinks, friendly faces, and a great view of the growing buzz around the square.

As the celebrations picked up, we moved closer to the center of the action, taking our seats just in time to enjoy the traditional performances. The sound of live Cypriot music filled the air—rich, rhythmic, and impossible to ignore. Soon after, the dancers took to the square, dressed in traditional attire, moving with precision and pride. Their performances were captivating, offering a beautiful glimpse into Cyprus’s cultural heritage.

A Rainy Day at Kathikas Saturday Market

 Our trip to the Saturday Market in the charming village of Kathikas began with a sense of cautious optimism. As we made our way from Pissouri, the sky ahead told a different story—dark, brooding clouds gathered ominously over the hills. Still, we pressed on, hopeful that the weather might hold off long enough for us to enjoy the day.

Perched at an altitude of 655 metres, Kathikas greeted us with a noticeable chill in the air. We quickly set up our stall, clutching cups of hot coffee to keep the cold at bay. Mandy’s display of beautifully handmade beaded items added a splash of colour to the otherwise grey morning, and it wasn’t long before the village square began to come alive.

Despite the threatening skies, visitors started to arrive, wandering between the various stalls that showcased an impressive range of mostly handmade goods. There was a warm, friendly atmosphere as people browsed, chatted, and supported local artisans. Mandy was pleased to make a few sales, and it was lovely to see her creations being appreciated.

Of course, no market visit would be complete without a treat or two, and we couldn’t resist stopping by the ever-popular “Mr Pie Man.” With steaming coffee in hand, we tucked into a couple of delicious sausage rolls—simple pleasures that tasted even better in the crisp mountain air.

Meanwhile, the bouncy castle was doing a roaring trade. The laughter and excitement of children filled the square, completely unfazed by the weather, as they bounced and played with endless energy.

Unfortunately, our hopes of dodging the rain didn’t last. After a couple of hours, the heavens suddenly opened with a vengeance. What started as rain quickly turned into a torrential downpour, complete with hail. Within moments, stalls were soaked, goods were hastily covered or packed away, and visitors scrambled for shelter.

Reluctantly, like many others, we had to admit defeat. The market came to an abrupt end as stallholders packed up and called it a day, drenched but still in good spirits.

Though cut short, our visit to the Kathikas Saturday Market was memorable—a mix of community warmth, small successes, tasty treats, and a dramatic finale courtesy of the weather. It’s all part of the experience, and one we won’t forget anytime soon.