The Greeks come to Town

Last night, Pete and I made our way to the Europa Conference League clash between Aris Limassol and AEK Athens — a fixture that promised passion, drama, and a true footballing spectacle.

As arrived at the ground, hundreds of AEK fans had gathered, their voices echoing in a chorus of chants. Red and yellow flares lit up the night sky, sending plumes of smoke drifting over the stadium. 

From the first whistle, the game was played at a tremendous pace. The visitors from Athens wasted no time stamping their authority, surging into a two-goal lead that had their travelling supporters roaring in delight.

But Aris weren’t about to roll over. Spurred on by their passionate home crowd, they fought back with grit and determination. Two quick goals brought them level, and by the time the referee blew for half-time, we had been treated to a thrilling, end-to-end 45 minutes.

The second half was a more cagey affair. Both sides pushed for a winner, creating chances but unable to land the decisive blow. In the end, the match finished 2–2 — a fair result after a night of high drama and relentless energy.

The Greeks had come to town, and they’d brought the noise, the colour, and the spectacle.

Mandela and Octopus

The weekend begin with  Mandy packing her tote bag, slapped on the factor 50, and headed off to the sun-drenched Cypriot village of Peyia.

Mandy enrolled in a Mandala Dotting Course. And no, that’s not some trendy dance move or yoga thing. It’s proper mindful business involving paint, patience, and an eye for symmetry.

Held in a shady little garden,  the course was run by Ren, who taught the ladies how to dot on ceramic tiles.

Saturday afternoon saw us drive over to Kyrenia beach restaurant for lunch. As we hit the coast line we could see the kite surfers riding the waves with their colourful sails above,

it could’ve been painted. It was the perfect backdrop as we settled down at our table.

As always, we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes — smiles and a little wink from the waiter who remembers Mandy’s order better than she does. It’s that kind of place.

Rob, being the braver soul, went for the grilled octopus. Tender, smoky, and beautifully charred on the edges. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a chilled glass of white, it was the standout dish of the day.

Funday on the Pitch

 On Sunday 27th July, the Pissouri Football Pitch was transformed into a lively hub of community spirit as locals and visitors gathered for the Charity SKE Fun Day. Organised to raise funds in support of SKE Pissouri Nursery School, the event delivered on its promise of fun, laughter, and heartfelt generosity.

One of the highlights of the day was the traditional dancing, performed by a group of local children. , the young dancers delighted the crowd with their graceful steps and proud smiles. It was clear they had practiced hard, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

The energy didn’t stop there. A thrilling martial arts demonstration by local youngsters had everyone on their feet. With precision kicks, disciplined movements, and coordinated routines, the children showcased their dedication and the skills they’ve been learning. The crowd applauded loudly, especially as some of the younger participants confidently took centre stage.

One of the most popular attractions of the evening—the foam machine. Screams of joy and bursts of giggles filled the air as children dashed through waves of foam, slipping, sliding, and shrieking with delight. Some dove into the frothy sea headfirst, while others tried to stay upright, only to be gently toppled over by their friends. It was pure summer fun, and parents looked on with cameras ready and wide smiles.

Even some of the older "kids" joined in !

House of Giota

On a warm summer’s evening, just days after its official opening, Mandy and I, along with our good friends Jane and Barry, had the pleasure of dining at The House of Giota, the newest addition to Pissouri’s growing culinary scene.

From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the stunning views from the terrace — sweeping vistas that perfectly framed the golden glow of the setting sun. The décor is tastefully done, blending modern touches with traditional charm. It's clear that care and attention have gone into every detail.

Mandy presented Giota with one of her Mandala discs to mark the occasion.

As for the food — it was simply outstanding. Each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavour, and the wine pairings were spot on. It’s the kind of place where you savour every bite and make mental notes to return soon.

But what truly elevated the evening was the warmth of Giota herself and her wonderful team. Their hospitality made us feel more like guests in a home than customers in a restaurant. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming, they created a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that added to the experience.

The House of Giota isn’t just a new restaurant — it’s a new favourite. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit.

European Football in Limassol

Last night, Pete and I headed over to the impressive Alphamega Stadium in Kolossi to catch the Europa Conference League tie between Aris Limassol and Puskás Akadémia of Hungary. It was a warm summer evening, perfect for some European football under the lights.

The first half belonged to Aris. With sharp movement and confident passing, the home side looked well in control and raced to a deserved 2–0 lead. The crowd was buzzing, and there was a real sense that more goals could follow.

But football has a way of flipping the script.

In the second half, Aris seemed to lose their rhythm. Whether it was nerves or complacency, Puskás Akadémia found their footing and clawed their way back into the game with two goals that silenced the home support. Just when it looked like the tie might end all square, Aris managed to sneak in a late winner, restoring a narrow advantage to take into the second leg.

Aside from the action on the pitch, there was a great atmosphere in the stands. A few locals near us were celebrating a birthday and even had a little cake party right there in the stadium. In true Cypriot fashion, they offered Pete and me a slice—football, good company, and a bit of birthday cake... what more could you ask for?

A night of goals, drama, and a sweet surprise—European football in Cyprus never disappoints.

Forest Fires

A tragic few days unfolded on the island as wildfires broke out on July 23rd, just north of Limassol in southern Cyprus. Fueled by extreme heat—soaring to 43–44 °C—and strong, gusting winds, the fires quickly spread across mountainous terrain.

At least four to a dozen villages, including Agia Varvara, Malia, and Lofou, were evacuated as flames closed in. The images were truly harrowing—walls of fire racing through dry hillsides, driven relentlessly by the wind toward homes and communities.

Here in Pissouri, the air has been thick with smoke, and the acrid smell of burning vegetation has lingered for days.

As I write this, the fires remain out of control, and with stronger afternoon winds forecast, the situation could sadly worsen. Our thoughts are with those affected.

Sailing to the Blue Lagoon

The following day, we made our way to Latchi Harbour, a charming little port on the north-west coast of Cyprus. There, we boarded the Nafsika II, a lovely boat that offers short cruises along the stunning coastline of the Akamas Peninsula.

As we set off from Latchi, the sea was calm, the sun was shining, and the atmosphere on board was friendly and relaxed. The highlight of the trip was arriving at the Blue Lagoon, a breathtaking spot known for its incredibly clear, turquoise water. It was absolutely perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating in the gentle waves.

The boat was well-equipped, with a slide into the water, easy access back on board, and helpful crew who made the experience smooth and enjoyable. It really was a memorable outing — fun, and surrounded by natural beauty.

The only negative is the number of tourist boats that are now moored in the bay. It has grown to the point to where this beautiful bay is now overcrowded. 

A weekend in Latchi

On a humid Friday morning, we set off from Pissouri and drove north to the coastal town of Latchi. The drive took about an hour. Our base for the well-deserved weekend break was the small, family-run Souli Hotel.

Our first stop was the hotel’s restaurant, which sits just meters from the sea. We enjoyed a fresh salad, washed down with a cold glass of white wine.

We then spent the afternoon relaxing by the pool. In the evening we made our way down to the marina and sat watching the tourist boats returning to port. We the went over to Y&P restaurant for a underwhelming meal, which was a pity because the atmosphere was so relaxed.

The ELO Encounter in Pissouri

 Last night, we had the absolute pleasure of seeing ELO Encounter live at the Pissouri Amphitheater—and what an unforgettable evening it was. The setting itself was magical: the show began right at dusk, and as the sky darkened, a full, bright moon slowly rose over Episkopi Bay, casting a silver glow across the sea and the stage. It felt like nature itself had turned up to watch the performance.

The band were nothing short of excellent. From the very first note, they captured the spirit and sound of the Electric Light Orchestra with incredible energy and precision. Every song was played live, with no shortcuts or backing tracks—just raw, authentic talent.

A special highlight of the night for us was the string section. The two girls on electric cello and violin were simply outstanding. Their musicianship added so much depth and emotion to the performance, and they played with such style and confidence. It was clear they were enjoying every moment, and the crowd loved them for it.

Overall, ELO Encounter delivered a truly impressive and memorable show. Great music, a stunning venue, and that moonrise—what more could you ask for?

Alektora Stalla Grill

On the weekend we drover over to Alaktora with our friends Barry and Jane to visit Stalla's Grill.

We settled into the courtyard just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the village We settled into the courtyard just as the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the village rooftops.

The atmosphere was peaceful, relaxed, and full of that authentic Cypriot charm. Stella and her husband, Hero, who run the taverna, couldn’t have been more welcoming. Their warm hospitality made the evening feel like dining with old friends.

The food was delicious—freshly prepared, full of local flavour, and perfect for a summer evening.