Stormy Weather

Some heavy electrical Storms passed over Cyprus this week causing flooding in parts of the country.

Dodging the rains, we took a walk on the outskirts of the village where we saw some superb views of the passing cloud formations over the Troodos mountains. 

The Final Christmas market

Despite winds that rattled the palm trees and rain that threatened to dampen spirits, the Christmas Market at the Pissouriana Hotel in Pissouri, Cyprus turned out to be a heart-warming success. Visitors arrived bundled in coats and scarves, determined not to miss a festive afternoon — and their enthusiasm quickly transformed the gloomy weather into a backdrop for something truly special.

Inside, stalls glowed with twinkling lights and seasonal décor, filling the air with the scent of holiday treats and fresh coffee.

Mandy’s stall enjoyed a particularly positive buzz throughout the afternoon. Customers lingered to browse the sales range, ask questions, and pick out special items, creating a steady flow of conversations and purchases.

Pissouri Residents Christmas Dinner at Hillview

 The Pissouri residents gathered together this week for their annual Christmas Dinner, hosted in the beautifully decorated surroundings of the Hillview Restaurant. With sparkling lights, elegant festive touches and cosy views across the village, the atmosphere set the perfect scene for a special evening.

Guests enjoyed a delicious seasonal menu, beautifully presented and full of flavour. The food was accompanied by fine wine and plenty of good company, with laughter and conversation flowing around every table. It truly felt like Christmas had arrived in Pissouri.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by the very talented singer Graham Dooley, whose smooth vocals and wide repertoire kept everyone smiling. From classic favourites to festive numbers, Graham helped create a relaxed and happy mood throughout the night.

It was a wonderful evening of friendship, celebration and community spirit – the very best way to begin the festive season here in Pissouri.

Christmas Markets

Mandy, Tania and Lisa enjoyed a festive afternoon at the small Christmas market held outside Mr Woo’s restaurant in Paphos. Although the turnout wasn’t great, the cosy atmosphere and cheerful decorations made it a charming little event. Father Christmas himself wandered between the stalls, keeping the ladies entertained with his jokes, smiles and festive spirit, ensuring their visit was filled with Christmas cheer despite the quiet crowd.

The following day we took the short drive over to the Elea Golf club.

                                                     

Mandy had a wonderful day showcasing her handmade crafts at the vibrant craft market held at the beautiful ELEA Golf Club in Cyprus. With numerous stalls offering a wide variety of unique creations, the market buzzed with a warm, friendly atmosphere that drew in plenty of visitors throughout the day. 

The entertainment included a fashion show, kids dancing and live singing from local singer Kayla Santosh.

Business was brisk, with many customers stopping to browse, chat, and support local makers. Surrounded by sunshine, creativity, and smiling faces, Mandy thoroughly enjoyed meeting fellow crafters and customers alike, making it a truly rewarding and uplifting day at the market.

A Tale of Two birthdays

 

Rob’s cousin, Lee, celebrated his birthday back home in South Wales in the best way possible — by spending the day with his two children, Jude and Cari. Instead of a quiet celebration, Lee chose fun and laughter, taking the kids to a lively amusement park filled with colourful rides, treats, and plenty of excitement.

 From the moment they arrived, Jude and Cari were buzzing with energy, darting from ride to ride while Lee enjoyed watching their faces light up. It was a perfect birthday outing — simple, joyful, and full of family moments to treasure.

Mandy’s hairdresser — and dear friend — Sarah celebrated her 60th birthday in wonderful style with a lively party at the SBA base in Episkopi. Friends, family, and well-wishers gathered to mark this special milestone, filling the evening with laughter, music, and warm conversation. It was a joyful celebration for a much-loved lady, and Mandy was delighted to share in Sarah’s unforgettable birthday festivities.

Earthquakes and Gala ball

This week brought an unexpected jolt to life in Pissouri as a 5.0-magnitude earthquake rippled through the village. For a few surreal seconds the whole house shook around us — cupboards rattling, floor trembling, and that strange mix of adrenaline and disbelief settling in. 

It was over quickly, but the feeling lingered: a reminder of nature’s power and how small moments can shake more than just the walls. As we stood there afterwards, taking it all in, we couldn’t help but reflect on how swiftly an ordinary day can turn extraordinary.

Mandy enjoyed a glamorous evening at a charity gala ball held at the elegant Columbia Hotel in Pissouri Bay. Joined by several friends, she spent the night surrounded by good company, great music, and a warm community spirit. One of the highlights of the event was a lively performance by Stavros Flatley, whose energetic act brought laughter and a fantastic buzz to the room. It was a memorable night in a beautiful setting, all in support of a wonderful cause in Pissouri bay.

Christmas market, Village Art and Visitors from Wales

The festive season is truly upon us, and this weekend we found ourselves surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of Christmas at the Kvides Christmas Market here in Cyprus. The event was held inside the village’s huge church hall, which was beautifully decorated and buzzing with festive cheer from the moment the doors opened.

Mandy had her own stall selling handmade beaded jewellery, each piece carefully crafted and shimmering under the twinkling Christmas lights. From delicate beaded Angel's and crosses to tree decorations and earrings. Her creations caught the eye of many visitors browsing through the hall. It was lovely to see people stopping to chat, admiring her work, and picking out gifts for family and friends.

And of course, Santa himself made an appearance, delighting the children with gifts and plenty of laughter. Though, by the end of the long and busy day, we couldn’t help but notice that Santa had nodded off in his chair—clearly even Father Christmas needs a little rest after so much excitement!

A new "Art" design has been erected at the entrance of the village it depicts the association between Haloumi cheese and the village.

Mandy's cousin, Chris, and his wife, Jane, made a brief visit to Pissouri. We met them down at the Captain's Bay restaurant for a lunch overlooking the Mediterranean  sea and a catch up on family News.