The Mystery Bus trip

 It was an early start on a beautiful morning for this year's Mystery Bus trip. We joined around 35 people who boarded the bus in Pissouri and headed towards Limassol and then to The Troodos mountains. 

Our first stop was a The Katerina Cyprus Sweets near the village of Dhoros. The number of homemade sweets, jams and picked items is very extensive. 

We then drove towards the Troodos mountains, slowly climbing upwards through the tree lined vallies. Our destination was The Troodos botanical gardens. We walked over to the visitors centre where we listened to a talk about the mountain  region and the history of the local asbestos mine by a Park ranger.

We then had some time to stroll around the small garden area and  admire the forest  views towards Limassol. We did notice  the drop in temperature as we were at nearly 2000 metres. 

We then stopped off at a view point that overlooks the site of the old Amiantos Mine, which once again gives tremendous views of the surrounding area.

We drove on through Platres and continued the steep descent to the outskirts of the village of Omodos where our next stop was the Oenou Yi winery. 

Firstly we went out out onto the veranda to take in the view of the surrounding vineyards and the village Omodos just a kilometre away.

We then took a informative tour of the  fermentation plant, the storage area, the bottling plant and the area of wooden casks that stores their "Holy Cross" .

Then we walked up to one of the tasting rooms where we tasted 3 white wines, one red wine and a glass of the Holy Cross desert wine. We then bought a couple of bottles of our favourite wine, the Xynisteri.

Refuelled and it was back on the bus and we headed for our lunch stop at Agios Amvrosios at the Sykaminia taverna. 

Lunch was a mini meze and a bottle of wine from the local Zambartas winery served in the taverna's picturesque courtyard .

From Agios Amvrosios it was the just a short journey back home to Pissouri after an enjoyable day out. A big "Thank you" to Tanya and Bob for organising the whole day out.

The 3rd Annual ΟίνοFest in Lofu

The day of the 3rd Annual ΟίνοFest wine festival arrived with the early autumn sun casting its warm light over Pissouri , Mandy and I were excited for the scenic drive ahead to Lofu. It was one of those ideal mornings in Cyprus – clear skies, a slight breeze, and the hint of adventure in the air. We hopped into the car, eager for a day of good wine, beautiful views, and local culture.

As we left Pissouri, we meandered up the winding roads, with the countryside unfolding around us in a patchwork of olive groves and vineyards, stretching out over the hillsides.

Arriving in Lofu, we parked and followed the sound of music drifting through the narrow, cobbled streets towards the festival. The village itself was charming – narrow alleys lined with stone houses, some draped with vines heavy with grapes.

We started by exploring the various wine stalls, each one with proud winemakers offering samples of their creations. Mandy’s eyes sparkled as we tried our first sip of the locally crafted red. It was smooth, with hints of berries and spice – just what we hoped for from the region. Moving from stall to stall, we tasted a little of everything: full-bodied reds, crisp whites, and a delightful rosé. Each wine had its own unique character, reflecting the land and the hard work of the people who made it.

As we were sipping a glass of wine we bumped into the owner of the local florist in Pissouri, Thekla and her husband George, so we sat with them and chatted in the sunshine of the courtyard.

As the day wore on, we wandered through the craft stalls and admired the local pottery, hand-woven textiles, and intricately painted ceramics,

We has another glass of wine while we listened to the very good live band playing Funk Jazz.

All to soon it was time to make our way back to Pissouri and let the 6 O'clock party begin in Lofu.

Laneia Market Fair

On a beautiful, sunny Autumn day, with just the right touch of warmth in the air, we made our way to Laneia, a charming little village nestled in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. The sky was clear and blue, and the sun cast a golden glow over the village, giving it a postcard-perfect quality. 

Laneia Market Fair, which we had heard so much about, had transformed the village square into a bustling hub of activity. About 25 stalls were set up, each one brimming with handmade crafts, delicious local foods, and quirky knick-knacks.

The first stall we approached was full of vibrant pottery, each piece carefully crafted by hand. Mandy was drawn to a beautifully glazed bowl in shades of blue and green that seemed to reflect the Mediterranean Sea.

 I watched as she chatted with the artisan about the inspiration behind his designs, while I admired a set of hand-carved olive wood spoons.

After strolling through the narrow cobblestone streets, exploring the market stalls filled with local crafts, handmade pottery, and delicious Cypriot delicacies, owe decided to rest at a cozy coffee shop nestled in the heart of the village square.

 The square itself was shaded by large, old trees, their branches casting dappled sunlight onto the surrounding buildings.

Our visit to Laneia's church, The Virgin Mary of Lania, was a step back in time.Our visit to Laneia's church, The Virgin Mary of Lania, was a step back in time.

 The church stood out against the backdrop of the surrounding greenery. Its white stone exterior, built from the local area’s materials, gleamed softly in the sunlight, giving the church a sense of purity.

After leaving the charming square of Laneia, we began our walk back through the village's narrow, winding streets. The sun filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows on the cobblestones. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers from the small gardens that seemed to spill out of every corner.

As we strolled along, hand in hand, we couldn’t help but admire the beautifully renovated houses lining the streets, each one unique in its own way. Some were painted in soft pastels, while others had exposed stone walls that hinted at the village’s long history. Quirky decorations adorned several of the homes—brightly colored ceramic pots hung on walls, and little wooden signs with sayings like "Kalos Orisate" welcomed visitors.

As we neared the car, parked just outside the village, we glanced back at Laneia, the village had a quiet charm that felt timeless, and we knew we’d return to wander its streets again.

Oktberfest at Aphrodite Hills

Along with a number of friends we had the pleasure of attending an unforgettable Oktoberfest evening at the stunning Aphrodite Hills Golf Course in Cyprus. This luxurious resort, known for its world-class golf and breathtaking Mediterranean views, transformed into a Bavarian wonderland for one night, bringing together the best of German culture, beer, food, and live music in an idyllic setting.

The venue was adorned with classic Bavarian décor—think blue and white checkered banners, long communal tables, and the warm glow of festoon lights hanging under the evening sky. The smell of sizzling bratwursts and freshly baked pretzels filled the air. The serving girls were dressesdin tradional serving costumes and a number of male guest were decked out in Lederhosen.

The entertainment for the night was equally impressive. The Manaloop Project Duo kicked off the evening, filling the space with an eclectic blend of live electronic music. Their performance was unique—mixing smooth beats with live instruments, they created a chilled yet dynamic vibe that got everyone swaying in their seats, building anticipation for the night ahead.

Then, as the night unfolded, the headlining act took the stage: Minus One, a renowned rock band in Cyprus, and they did not disappoint. Their energy was infectious, and as they performed both classic rock hits and original songs, the crowd couldn’t help but get on their feet. The fusion of rock music with the festive Oktoberfest ambiance was a perfect match. Minus One delivered a high-octane show, and by the end of their set, everyone was cheering for more.