4D's Birthday Trip up North ( Part 1)

To Celebrate 4D's birthday we drove up to the North of Cyprus, our base for our visit was The Ship Inn. We arrived in Girne (Kyrenia) in the middle of a huge electrical storm. The deafening claps of thunder reverberated around the Pentadactylos (Besparmak) mountians and the lights from St Hilarion castle looked like lava tumbling down the mountain cliffs.

The next morning the storm passed over and we made our way West to the town of Guzelyurt (Morfou), the town had a colourful Saturday open air market where locals turn out to buy their fresh fruit and veg.

We then walked over to St. Mama's monastery named after the Patron saint of Tax evaders. Mamus died about 275 AD and legend said his sarcophagus was washed ashore where a peasent found the remains and was told in a vision to the spot where the monastery now stands.

Leaving Guzelyurt when drove East to Morfou bay, a totally unspoilt area of natural beauty with its long sandy beaches and home to nestling turtles.

Next stop was the small village of Korucam which is home to the only Maronite village in Northen Cyprus, the village is dominated by the large Roman Catholic church. Directly opposite the church is The Yorgo restaurant which is run by Maria Skoullou, the Keleftiko and salad meze is to be recommended and Maria is a wonderful host and likes to tell her guests about the history of the village and the Maronite people.

The final leg of the day's trip was to Cape Kormakitis which lies at the Northern tip of Morfou Bay, we had to hike several Kilometres to reach the headland and on our arrival we toasted the end of our journey with a nip of so zivania.

We have had 3 days of Constant rain here in Cyprus and  a lot of people have caught the bug that is going around the village, including us, time for a break to recharge the old batteries.

Bonfire Night

On a mild November evening we made our way  over to Episkopi Garrison for the annual bonfire and fire works show. The large crowd was also entertained by the band of the Army Air Corps.

We then returned to Pissouri to celebrate Joesy'e birthday with a couple of drinks and a lovely chocolate cake at the Spari bar.

A visit to Apoel Nicosia Supporters club

Rob, Steve, Warren and Derek made their way up to Nicosia to watch the Champions League match between Apoel Nicosia and FC Porto.  The lads arrived without tickets and despite their best efforts to wangle their way into the stadium they were thwarted at pitch side by security staff.

Plan B was to head over to the Apoel supporters club, the home fans made the lads welcome and when the home side got a last minute winner the fans in the club went Loopy.

Diveathon

Pissouri's top dive instructor (4D) took part in a 24 hour diveathon that was organised by Pissouri Bay Divers. The event was held at the Ampeli taverna and all proceeds raised went to SSAFA (The British Soldiers, Sailors and Family Association.

     

PRA Centenary

The building that hosts the Pissouri Residents Association celebrated its Centenary and Theo organised a Sunday afternoon Party. A large souvla (bbq) was served up along with  some lively music and Theo cut a dashing figure in his traditional Vraka  outfit.

Kareoke

After the disappointment of the rugby, we headed down to the 1911 club for an evening of kareoke and proved the point that not everyone from Wales can hold a tune.

Rugby World Cup

 I just want to Thank the Welsh Rugby team for an outstanding effort in the World cup, (despite an appalling decision by the referee..shame on you Mr Rolland) the Welsh team put up a great display.

Lisa's Birthday Party

To celebrate Lisa's 30th Birthday we organised a surprise party for her at their villa. Friends and family turned out on a warm evening to wish the birthday girl well. 

Somebody fell "buttock over breast" into the shrubbery but memory fails me who it was !

Bright Lights

The following evening we hit the "Bright Lights" of Pissouri  with visits to the Sparti pub, The Hideaway restaurant and the Iron Horse.

Visitors from South Wales.

Nine family and friends flew in from Cardiff-UK for a week's holiday in Pissouri. The first part of the week was spent relaxing and sunbathing around the pool.

Statos Ayios Fotios

Now that the weather has cooled down its time to get the old Hiking boots on. Our first hike of the season started near the Kolios winery just outside the village of Statos- Ayios Fotios .

The path which drops steeply, leads down to the old abandoned village of Agios Photios where photographs were still attached to the wall and jackets were still on their hooks, it gave it a spooky feeling.

The old church was still in good condition and looked to be still in use. A number of home made wind vanes, made out of sticks, nails and cigarette packets dotted the path.

The hike back up the mountain is steep and several water breaks were needed.

At the end of the hike we nipped into the winery for a couple of bottles of wine.

Sex, Chips and Ouzo

We made our way down to Pissouri ampitheater to watch the comedy Sex, chips and ouzo.

The play centres around four characters: Two British pals, Sadie and Moira and their involvement with crotch-grabbin’, taxi-cabbin’ Yiorgos and his sidekick, Sotiris. Set in Cyprus during the polyester-pumping seventies, Moira and Sadie visit the Island for their " summer of lovin" in Paphos.