Cagliari Day 2

Our second day in Cagliari began with a walk over to the Piazza del Carmine and the streets beyond that were just waking up.

We stopped off for a coffee and pastry at Caffè Central.

We then boarded the  Trenino Cagliaritano, the little red train. The route takes you through the medieval district of Castello, along narrow, cobbled streets.

We then walked up Largo Carlo Felice street with its colourful Jacaranda trees in bloom, we continued up past the remains of the Roman ampithearter and towards the Castillo area.

We then stopped of for a beer and some lunch at the Old Square where we got talking to a interesting American couple that were on a walking holiday in Europe. 

          

In the evening we took a stroll down Via Giuseppe Manno, the main shopping street of Cagliari. We ended up at the iconic Bastione di Saint Remy. The views from here across the city are superb.

 

Our next stop was Grotta Marcello Cagliari, on Piazza Jenne, where we enjoyed Apritivo while we did some people watching. 

Our final stop was at the Shanghai Chinese restaurant for a pretty decent meal.

A flight to Sardina

We returned to Malta international airport for our Flight to the Italian island of Sardinia. Once again Ryanair were our carrier. The flight took an hour and 10 minutes. 

At the airport we walked across to the train station to catch the train to Cagliari, it was just a 10 minute journey into the city centre.  It was then a fifteen minute walk to our accommodation on Via Napoli.

       

We settled into our rented apartment and then took a stroll down to the seafront. 

On of the first things we noticed was the massive cruise ship docked in the port. In fact cruise ships docked daily during our visit.

As we wandered along the harbour in Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital revealed its elegance through sunlit marina views and the striking architecture lining Via Roma. The grand arcades, stately facades, and pastel buildings opposite the marina.

In the evening we strolled down to the Su Cumbidu restaurant where we enjoyed a good meal, a combination of suckling pig and chicken.

On our Travels - First stop Malta

From Pissouri we drove over to the Bonamare beach  bar for a late lunch before heading over to Paphos airport. 

We boarded a Ryanair flight for the 2 hour 40 minute trip to the Isand of Malta. 

We hopped into a "Bolt" cab and made the short drive over to our accommodation at the Talbot and Bons guesthouse. 

Our visit to Malta was a short, overnight stop because we were in transit.

The Talbot & Bons guesthouse is a unique place being converted from a 400 year  farmhouse in Gudja, Malta

Early morning,  Rob went for a stroll around the streets of Il-Gudja area, where he came upon the impressive St. Mary's Parish Church was consecrated on 11th December 1785.

The next stop was Chapel of the Annunciation, which decorated with colourful flags. Rob continued through the quiet street, happily snapping away.

Madeleine Roberts Tribute to Shania Twain

 A group of Pissouri residents jumped on a coach for  a fun-filled trip to Pafos to enjoy an unforgettable evening at Mr Woo's Restaurant, where the talented Madeleine Roberts lit up the stage with her impressive Shania Twain tribute act.

 With dazzling vocals, iconic country-pop hits, and a lively crowd, the night was a perfect blend of great food, toe-tapping music, and community spirit. From "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" to heartfelt ballads, Madeleine's performance had everyone singing along and dancing in their seats — a true celebration of good times and shared memories in sunny Cyprus.

Car boot sale and a Christening

There’s something undeniably charming about a Sunday morning in the village of Pissouri, and this past weekend’s car boot sale was no exception. With the sun climbing gently over the hills and a soft breeze rustling through the olive trees, around 20 cars and vans rolled into the open space just opposite the Midway restraunt, boots brimming with hidden treasures and handmade delights.

The atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful, with locals and visitors mingling, coffee cups in hand, wandering from stall to stall. 

Our little pitch—Mandy’s Dotting Discs—stood out with its splash of colour. We’d set up a neat display of hand-painted mandala designs on old vinyl records, each one unique, each one a little burst of pattern and colour. The vibrant discs caught the morning light beautifully, and we were thrilled to see how many people stopped, admired, and walked away with one (or two) under their arm.

There was a lovely mix of items on sale: second hand books, retro clothing, vintage tools, and a surprising number of quirky lamps. Everyone seemed in good spirits, and the sense of community was strong—people chatting not just to buy, but to connect.

By midday, the sun was high, our stock was lighter, and we’d enjoyed some great conversations with both locals and curious tourists. If every Sunday was like this, we’d never want the weekend to end.

Aphrodite's Christening

This weekend, we had the absolute pleasure of attending a Christening party at Artemis Restaurant, nestled right along the peaceful shores of Pissouri Bay. The occasion was the Christening of a beautiful little girl named Aphrodite, and from the moment we arrived, our Cypriot hosts made us feel like part of the family.

The restaurant was elegantly transformed for the celebration, with tables dressed in soft pink decorations, delicate floral touches, and thoughtful details that gave the space a joyful and personal atmosphere. The backdrop of the glistening sea and gentle breeze only added to the magic of the day.

As guests arrived, there was a warm buzz of conversation and laughter. We were greeted with smiles and kind words, and quickly found ourselves chatting with other guests over a glass of local wine. Then came the buffet—a true feast of traditional Cypriot dishes. From souvla and halloumi, to koupepia, tava, and village salad, every dish was rich with flavour and made with love. 

Children played, the music flowed gently in the background, and the sense of community and celebration was unmistakable. It was a day full of kindness, tradition, and genuine hospitality, and we felt honoured to be part of such a special moment in little Aphrodite’s life.

Easter Sunday in Pissouri and South Wales

 There’s something truly special about Easter in Cyprus, and this year’s celebration in Pissouri Square captured all the charm and tradition we could have hoped for.

The square came alive with the sounds of traditional music—the kind that echoes through stone walls and dances on the breeze. From our sunny spot on the veranda of the local coffee shop, we sipped our drinks and watched the village come together in celebration. The dancing was full of energy and joy, with colourful skirts swirling and proud steps stamping in time with the rhythm. Even the youngest locals joined in, with shy smiles and eager feet.

After soaking up the atmosphere, we strolled through  of the square, stopping to talk to various friends who were enjoying meals at the local restaurants.

 Our walk led us to the Flamingo Bar, where the festivities continued in a more laid-back style.

There, we met up with friends—old faces and new—and shared a couple of drinks under the afternoon sun. The highlight? Without a doubt, Bob’s homemade hot dogs, fresh off the grill, perfectly simple and exactly what the moment called for.

It was an afternoon of good company, great weather, and that easygoing village magic that makes Pissouri feel like home.

Meanwhile in South Wales, Our God children, Cari and Jude enjoyed the fruits of their Easter egg hunt.

The Holy Miss Flaps and Play off Football

 With a buzz of excitement and a minibus full of chatter. The ladies of Pissouri were on a mission: destination Mesogi, and the much-anticipated performance by the legendary comedy duo, The Holy Miss Flaps, at the ever-inviting Mulberry Terrace.

The Holy Miss Flaps burst onto the stage in a flurry of feathers, sass, and absolutely no filter. What followed was an hour and a half of pure, unfiltered hilarity. From outrageous costume changes to musical numbers that would make your nan blush, the duo delivered a performance packed with wit, warmth, and just the right amount of wickedness.

Rob and Pete drove over to the Alphamega stadium in Kolossi to watch local team, Aris Limassol take on league leaders, Pafos F.C. In a close , entertaining game, Pafos ran out 1-0 winners.