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.

Tulip Festival in Polemi

 There’s something special about a countryside day out in Cyprus, and our recent trip to the village of Polemi for its annual Tulip Festival was no exception.

Our day began on a breezy morning as we picked up our friends Mary and Steve, setting off with high spirits and anticipation. After a relaxed 50-minute drive, we arrived in Polemi—a village that’s usually peaceful, but on this occasion was buzzing with life and visitors.

Our first stop was the charming Corner CafeBar, where we enjoyed freshly brewed coffee accompanied by some complimentary cake—a simple but perfect start to the day.

From there, we made our way to the beautifully restored Metochi of Polemi, now a vibrant community space used for local festivities. The walk down to the Metochi was an experience in itself, lined with stalls selling everything from traditional foods and local drinks to handmade souvenirs and bric-a-brac celebrating the festival.

Inside the Metochi, the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. A stage had been set up in the courtyard, and we arrived just in time to watch local children proudly performing traditional Cypriot dances—a real highlight that captured the spirit of the community. Around the courtyard, there were craft shops, small art galleries, and even a modest museum, offering plenty to explore.

The only slight disappointment of the day was the lack of tulips. Known for its vibrant blooms, Polemi didn’t quite deliver this year—apparently due to a poor growing season. Still, the charm of the event more than made up for it.

For lunch, we headed to the ever-popular Kokkinos Tavern, where we received a warm and friendly welcome. The meal was a feast: a traditional barbecue spread starting with fresh salads and dips, followed by generous servings of pork, chicken, and lamb, all accompanied by perfectly roasted potatoes. To finish, we enjoyed a light orange cake and fresh fruit—a satisfying end to a hearty meal.

As we made our way home toward Paphos, the scenic drive through the rolling hills provided stunning panoramic views and a chance to reflect on a thoroughly enjoyable day.

While the tulips may have been scarce this year, the warmth of the village, the lively atmosphere, and the excellent food made this a memorable outing. Polemi’s Tulip Festival remains a lovely way to experience local culture, and we’ll certainly be back—hopefully when the flowers are in full bloom.

Geoff Ray at the Pissourianna hotel

Soul singer Geoff Ray delivered a thoroughly impressive performance at the Pissourianna Hotel, bringing a rich blend of classic soul, Motown, and smooth reggae-infused rhythms to the heart of Pissouri. With a voice full of warmth and character, he moved effortlessly between well-loved classics and his own distinctive interpretations, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.

                                                

Farewell Theo

 Today we said goodbye to our dear friend Theo, and it’s hard to put into words just how much he meant to us.

When we first arrived in Cyprus over twenty years ago, everything was new and unfamiliar. But Theo was one of the very first people to welcome us, and that simple act of kindness made all the difference. We weren’t just newcomers to him — we were neighbours, living in the apartment above his family home, and from the very beginning he made sure we felt like we belonged.

Many people in Pissouri will remember Theo from the 1911 Bar, where his cheerful nature and easy smile seemed to light up the place. He had that rare gift of making everyone feel comfortable, whether you’d known him for years or had just walked through the door.

But for us, some of the most special memories were away from the bar — the barbecues in his garden, the gatherings at his farm just outside the village, the laughter, the food, and the effortless way Theo brought people together. Those moments weren’t just social occasions; they were a reflection of who he was: generous, warm, and full of life.

Over the years, Theo became far more than a neighbour or a friendly face in the village. He became a true friend. The kind of friend who leaves a lasting mark on your life simply by being himself.

Today, Cyprus feels a little quieter without him. But we’ll always carry those memories with us — the laughter, the warmth, and the kindness he showed from the very beginning.

Rest in peace, Theo. You will never be forgotten.

26. The Journey home

Arriving at Haneda Airport for our long-haul journey back to Europe, we were met with some frustrating news. Our onward connection in Munich Airport to Larnaca International Airport had been cancelled due to a pilot strike at Lufthansa. It was the second Lufthansa flight cancellation we’d experienced during this trip to Japan—hardly the farewell we had hoped for.

With little we could do about it, we continued with the first leg of the journey and boarded our flight with All Nippon Airways. Our aircraft, a sleek Boeing 787 Dreamliner, would carry us on an epic route home.

The journey itself was remarkable. We flew north over Alaska, then across the vast icy wilderness of Greenland, glided past Iceland, and finally descended into mainland Europe. In total, the flight covered more than 8,000 miles and lasted just over 14 hours—an impressive stretch of sky.

When we eventually touched down in Munich, the morning greeted us with steady rain. Thankfully, there was a small piece of good news waiting on the Lufthansa App. We had been rebooked onto another flight to Cyprus, though it would depart about three and a half hours later than our original connection.

By this point, exhaustion was beginning to take hold. After such a long overnight flight, the thought of several more hours in the airport, followed by the flight to Cyprus, arrival at Larnaca, and then the drive home to Pissouri did little to lift our spirits. Still, the end of the journey was finally within reach.

25 Thoughts of Japan

As our amazing trip through Japan comes to an end, we just want to say how truly special this experience has been. From the beautiful places we visited to the incredible culture we were lucky enough to experience, Japan has completely captured our hearts.

But what made this trip even more memorable was the kindness of the Japanese people. Everywhere we went, locals were so friendly, patient, and willing to help—even when there was a language barrier. 

Whether it was helping us find our way, recommending places to visit, or simply greeting us with a warm smile, their hospitality made us feel so welcome.

Japan is a country full of beauty, respect, and generosity, and we feel incredibly grateful to have experienced it.

                                          Mandy & Rob