A visit to Cardiff, South Wales 2008

I took the four hour flight from Cyprus to my hometown of Cardiff (UK) for a flying visit, I was suprised to be met at the airport by Pat in a car that had a custom paint job, done especially for this weekends FA Cup final.

I went into the town centre and was amazed at all the building work taking place in my hometown. A huge new shopping centre is being constructed in the heart of the City.

My cousin, Lee, took me down to see the construction site of Cardiff City's new football stadium, which is being built opposite the old Ninian Park ground.

Construction site of New stadium.

Yeroskipou Catacombs

We drove to the village of Yeriskipou which lies on the outskirts of Paphos and visited the local catacombs, the small caves formed into the Cliffside are used as a place of worship and bedecked with religious icons.

We then took the short walk to Severn St.Georges tavern for a superb meze lunch. Our host, George, went into detail on how he uses only fresh, local produce and makes his own organic wine.

Blues show

The Hillview was the venue for a dinner and live blues show performed by Andre and Stammy. The band covered classics from Clapton to Dire straits.

Easter in Cyprus 2008

The village celebrated the Easter holidays with Traditional dancing, games and a firework display in the square.

The annual football tournament was held on the local pitch and this year our local bar, Pissouriana, entered a team. Our brave lads made it through to the quarter final, where they lost 2-0, due in some part to a few controversial refereeing decisions.

Alun's Birthday

We celebrated Alun's birthday with a meal at the local Olympus Palace restaurant. Everybody enjoyed a superb meal and we toasted the birthday boy with glasses of Champagne.

A visit to Asgata

We drove to the small village of Asgata which is a 20 minute drive North West of Limassol. We had been advised to visit Lenia's taverna in the centre of the village.

The taverna is an impressive stone building with a large covered terrace with attractive plants.

On a hot day we enjoyed a meze and the owner was quick to point out that she had prepared and cooked everything herself. The quality of the food was superb and excellent value for money.

Lisa hits Oz...again

Lisa continues her Trek around the Far East, after stops in Thailand and Singapore she has arrived in Australia, she has spent some time on the West coast and now is enjoying the sunshine of Brisbane.

Bluebird Heaven in the F.A Cup semi final

Well done to our old side Cardiff City on reaching the F.A Cup final for the first time in 81 years.

The Bluebirds beat Barnsley 1-0 in a nail bitting encouter in London, Good Luck for the FA cup final in May when they take on Portsmouth.

Mandy's visit to Birmingham

Mandy made a flying visit to her home City of Birmingham, it was a chance to meet up with her Mother, Brothers and various cousins and catch up on all the latest family News.

Grand Slam Wales

I have to mention the Welsh rugby side winning the Gland Slam, a thrilling end to the Six nations season ended with Wales beating France by 29 points to 12 in a thrilling encounter at the Millenium Stadium.

Wild scenes of celebration greeted the final whistle and reports from Cardiff tell of partying well into the small hours.

Green Monday 2008

Theo and his family invited us down to their farm to celebrate Green day, the day Cypriots begin Lent and abstain from eating meat for up to 40 days. We enjoyed a superb lunch of various beans, salad, squid and octopus.

We even got some traditional Cypriot dancing fro Theo and his brother.

Limassol Carnival

We drove into the port of Limassol to watch the annual street carnival.

Over 70 floats and hundreds of participants in various costumes marched the length of one of the City's main roads and provided an amusing and highly colourful afternoon for the huge crowds that gathered to watch the parade.

Cyclepath Cyclists return Home

And so they're back..after a gruelling 7 days of cycling around the island the brave cyclepaths returned with smiling red faces and sore bums.

The lads said that they found crossing the mountain range difficult but were glad to be home safe and sound with mission accomplished.

A full report on the ride can be found at                  http://pissouricyclepaths.googlepages.com/thecycle

Triple Crown Joy

Just a quick mention for all the guys back home in Wales, Great to see the Welsh Rugby team win the Triple crown on Irish Soil.

In a scappy game, the Welsh were the better side and should have sealed victory long before the final whistle.

Next stop is the Millenium stadium and a chance to win the Grand Slam against France.

Well done Bluebirds

Congratulations also to Cardiff City who progressed to the semi finals of F.A cup for the first time in 80 years after a 2-0 win at Middlesbourgh.

Pissouri Cycle paths set off

On a warm, sunny morning, five local guys, plus support vehicle and Police escort set of from Pissouri village to cycle around the Island in aid of The friend’s Hospice Charity of Paphos.

An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the village charity shop to cheer on Simmo, Andy, Steve, Jason and Adam as they embarked on their trek around Cyprus, closely followed by Richard in the support vehicle. The local television company was also on hand to record the event and interview some of the locals.

Cape Aspro

As a contrast to the snows of the Troodos we took a stroll over to Cape Aspro which is situated South of Pissouri and offer some beautiful cliff-top walks.

The views from the high cliffs down to the clear blue sea and isolated shingle bays are just stunning.

At this time of year the early Spring flowers are starting to bloom and the well worn trails make for an easy walk.

A trip to the Troodos Mountains

We wrapped up in our warm clothing and took a drive into the Troodos mountains to take in the Winter scenery.

The whole area was covered in a blanket of snow, the roads were clear for the drive and the snow covered scenes made the trip worthwhile.

Pissouri Pines.

We walked over to an area West of Pissouri know locally as "The Pines". This unspoilt area is the perfect for its hiking trails, its mountain and sea views.

The area is dotted with small goat farms and goats freely wander the area is search of grazing.

Wales stun England in Rugby

All the usual suspects gathered down at the Pissouriana for the first round of games in this years six nations. Wales game back to from a 19-6 deficit to win 26-19.

A good deal of good natured banter between the respective fans went on throughout the games, but the Welsh earned the bragging rights for this year and at the final whistle they celebrated by breaking into song.

Snow arrives in Pissouri

A cold snap has arrived in Cyprus and earlier this week and we had a light snow shower. All roads leading up to Troodos from Limassol were reported as closed. Here in Pissouri we get a wonderful view of the snow covered Troodos.