Lunch with the Old gang

On a bright and breezy day, we headed over to Mandria to catch up with our old neighbours, Sheena and Bryan, who were back in Cyprus for a short visit. Joining us were former residents and dear friends, Jane and Arthur, making the reunion even more special.

We met at the wonderful Klimataria Restaurant in Mandria, where the afternoon quickly turned into a celebration of friendship — filled with lively conversation, treasured memories, plenty of laughter, delicious food, and flowing wine.

It was one of those perfect afternoons that reminds you how special good friends truly are. Here’s to the next gathering and many more happy memories together!

Summer Finally Arrives in Cyprus and Lania Lanes

 After what felt like an endless winter, summer has finally arrived in Cyprus. The grey skies, chilly winds, and weeks of unpredictable weather have finally given way to something we’ve all been waiting for — brilliant blue skies and warm Mediterranean sunshine.

The light in Cyprus always seems different once summer begins. The sea becomes brighter, the villages quieter and slower in the heat of the afternoon, and sunsets stretch later into the evening. It’s the time of year when life naturally moves outdoors again.

After such a long winter, seeing clear blue skies at last feels less like a change in weather and more like a return to ourselves.

This weekend, Mandy joined a group of friends for a memorable visit to the annual Lanes & Courtyards of Lania festival, held in the picturesque village of Lania. Nestled among the hills of the Limassol District, the charming village came alive with music, creativity, and community spirit.

Organised by the Women of Lania group since 2006, once again welcomed visitors of all ages with a packed programme of free activities, performances, demonstrations, and workshops. As Mandy and her friends wandered through the narrow stone lanes, every corner revealed something unique — from local artisan markets and live performances to interactive talks and creative workshops.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the opportunity to explore Lania’s famous open courtyards. Traditionally private spaces were transformed into vibrant cultural hubs filled with art, handmade crafts, flowers, music, and the warm hospitality that the village is known for. Visitors also enjoyed guided walks through the village and had the rare chance to step inside local artists’ studios, discovering the inspiration behind their work.

Saturday’s programme was especially lively, with open courtyards inviting guests to pause, relax, and immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of village life. The combination of traditional Cypriot charm and creative expression made the event feel both intimate and festive.

For Mandy and her friends, the day was more than just a visit to a festival — it was a chance to slow down, connect with local culture, and experience the artistic heart of Lania. Surrounded by beautiful stone houses, colourful displays, and friendly faces, they left with wonderful memories and a renewed appreciation for Cyprus’ rich cultural heritage.

The Lanes & Courtyards of Lania festival continues to be one of the island’s most treasured cultural events, celebrating art, community, and the timeless beauty of village life.

Elia Golf course May Market and downpours

 We set off for Paphos full of anticipation, heading to Elia Golf Course for their lively May Festival, where Mandy was showcasing her handmade beaded creations. The drive itself felt like a scene from a movie—dark clouds gathering overhead as if warning us of what was to come. Sure enough, not long after we arrived, the skies opened completely. What followed was a relentless four-hour downpour.

But even with the weather working against us, Mandy’s stall still drew interest. Her unique beaded pieces caught the eyes of those who braved the rain, and by the end of the day, she had not only made sales—but turned a profit. A small but meaningful victory in challenging conditions.

And then, almost as if on cue, the moment we packed up the car, the rain stopped. The clouds parted, and the sun finally made its appearance—just a little too late, but perfectly timed to leave us with a smile.

A soggy day, yes—but also a memorable one, full of resilience, small wins, and a reminder that sometimes things work out just enough.

And talking of the weather, Cyprus weather is becoming more erratic, we are well into May and we are still having cold winds and heavy downpours and even hail.

Charity Fashion show in Peyia

 Mandy, along with a couple of friends drove over to the village of Peyia for a charity fashion show held at  Peggy's Garden Cafe.

The show unfolded with a quiet confidence. Models moved gracefully through the space, not on a towering runway, but among us—blurring the line between observer and participant. The collection leaned into flowing silhouettes that seemed to echo the natural surroundings: light fabrics that shifted effortlessly with every step.

Between looks,the lady's  sipped drinks, laughed, and soaked in the atmosphere. There’s something special about experiencing fashion in a setting like this—away from the noise and intensity often associated with it. Here, it felt human. Personal. Almost reflective.

Orange dust cloud and a Promotion

 A severe Saharan dust cloud, referred to as an "extreme" event, swept over Cyprus in  April 2026, blanketing the island in a thick, orange-hued haze. Conditions were particularly severe in Nicosia, where concentrations reached 667 micrograms per cubic meter of air, while the normal limit does not exceed 50 μg/m³ – more than 13 times higher.

Good to see our Old football team get some sucsess. Cardiff City sealed a dramatic promotion to the Championship with a thrilling 3–1 victory away at Reading. The decisive moment, however, came miles away — where Exeter’s goalkeeper produced a stunning equaliser deep into the 10th minute of added time, a goal that ultimately made Cardiff’s promotion possible.

It was a afternoon of tension, late drama, and unforgettable moments — the kind that defines football at its very best. Cardiff did their part in style, but fate was sealed in the most unexpected way, as a goalkeeper became the unlikely hero.

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.