A visit to Famagusta

To celebrate our wedding anniversary we decided to have a weekend break in the Northern town of Famagusta. We were joined by Mary and Steve and our base was the Sky Venus Beach Hotel ( which was a disappointment.)

We visited the impressive old town with its walls and Bastions. Its an interesting place to explore with its narrow streets and numerous churches, which are mostly in ruins.

We also visited the Restricted area of Varosha which is a ghost town of crumbling hotels and has remained uninhabited since 1974.

Strangely enough there is a wonderful beach still accessible in front of the security post.

We finished off our visit by driving up the coast to the Kiyi restaurant which  is situated  right on the coast and we enjoyed a lovely fish lunch.

Lisa working in the Wirraka Maya health centre

Just received News of Lisa working in the Wirraka Maya health centre in Port Headland in Western Australia.

      

Lisa and Ben are due to visit us in Cyprus in October along with other Family and Friends.

Happy Valley Fete

On a Blistering hot day we made our way down to the British Army base at Happy valley in Episkopi to attend their annual fete. The fete was extremely well organised with numerous stalls, a sound stage with live music, an exhibition arena and a food and drink village.

There was also a classic car show, a troupe of wandering Morris dancers, show jumping arena and various military display teams.

Tracie's Birthday Party

Tracie celebrated her birthday with her party at her house in Pissouri. The evening kicked off with a few drinks followed by one of Arthur's famous curry's. Alan's pool table was a big hit and the evening ended with some lessons on traditional Greek dancing.

Robin's SCUBA Diving day

Robin joined SCUBA Steve for a day's diving on the West coast of Cyprus. Robin thoroughly enjoyed his two dives and saw a variety of sealife.

Robin Flies in.

No Volcanic Ash this time but a technical problem with the plane meant that  Robin had a 12 hour delay at Stockholm airport.  He  finally flew into Cyprus for a weeks holiday after a long haul from Sweden.

Theo's Summer BBQ

To mark the arrival of Sean and Rosie to Theoxenia heights, Theo organised a BBQ. Perfectly cooked souvla and good company made for a lovely afternoon in the Cypriot sunshine.

New Master SCUBA diver

To Celebrate Scuba Steve's advancement to PADI Master dive instructor, The Pissouri Master Baker made him a Special cake, Congratulaions Steve.

Brush fires around Pissouri

Huge fires swept along the valley close to Pissouri, scrub land and carob trees burnt quickly as winds fanned the flames, at one point in the early evening it looked as if the whole valley was alight as the fires stretched for miles.

Fire fighting helicopters spent over 24 hours dumping sea water on the surrounding area as the fire crept towards the village of Avdimou.


More photographs at About Pissouri

Bush Fires

Sitting on our balcony we noticed smoke from a fire that looked as if it was very big, apparently the fire started in the North of the Island in Kayalar.

Strong winds fanned the flames and its reported that a fire fighting plane was brought in from the Turkish mainland.

President Christofias  asks his entire cabinet to resign in the aftermath of the explosion at Evangelos Florakis.

Here in Pissouri, we are now experiencing two power cuts a day and this is expected to last for a number of Months.

Microlight Flight over Cyprus's West coast.

Alan Carter took Rob for a flight in his microlight from Paphos International airport. Flying North from Paphos towards the village of Stroumpi before heading West towards Cape Drepano.  The route then took them North along the coast with some tremendous views.

They then turned inland and headed over to Latchi and along the Northern coastline before heading South and returning to Paphos Airport.

  More Photo's here

Dave Sykes who is attempting to fly in a Microlight from York, U.K to Sydney, Australia has reached Indonesia, follow this amazing journey at 
http://soloflightglobal.com/

After the devastating explosion at  Evangelos Florakis naval base , power cuts have become a daily occurrence in Pissouri. With the worry of water cuts people have been warned to watch their water consumption and several people have already been fined for using hosepipes to wash down local streets.

Power Station Explosion

Massive Explosion in Cyprus

Cyprus has rocked by a massive explosion at  the Evangelos Florakis naval base in Zygi, A number of fatalities have been reported as a munitions depot explodes apparently caused by a brush fire.

 The fire spread to the nearby Vassilikou power station and cut electrical power to most of the Southern part of the Island.


Reports say that every window in a 5km radius was smashed and considerable damage was caused to property nearby, we have also been told that debris on the nearby motorway caused accidents.


Locals have just told  me that we could be without power for upto a month, but the power came on here in Pissouri at 14.15.

Phil's birthday in 1911

To mark Phil's Birthday, a "Themed" bash was held at the 1911 club in Pissouri. A good crowd turned up to help "Earnie" celebrate his birthday in style.

Mandy won first Prize as  "Nurse Jackie  and "Harry Potter" turned up to save the day !

More pictures can bee seen here

Sunflowers and Ladies

The weekend started with the judging of the inaugural Sunflower growing competition. The winner of the tallest flower went to Rob with a height of 1.028m. A fine display of multiple flowers was grown by Mary.

On a lovely warm Summer's evening, some of the Ladies of Pissouri met at The Vraka taverna  for dinner and drinks.