    | Woke up to thunder and absolutely downpours of rain. It doesn't often rain here outside of January and February but when it does....... still the garden really needs some water and it will top the swimming pool up as well. So no complaints. It cleared up by about 1130 and we headed off to Lefkosa (Nicosia) to cross the border into the Republic of Cyprus, the Greek side in other words. It's a really painless process of showing your passport, no stamp required. The only bit of bureaucracy is the necessity to buy an extra insurance for the car. It costs 25euro and lasts for one month. You have to have a letter of permission from the hire car company to show at the border too. Anyway, all went smoothly and we were soon on our way to Episkopi,, near Limassol. I wanted to revisit the ancient ruins at Kourion, a spectacular Greek and Roman city on top of cliffs there. The Romans (of course) were also there from about 50BC and they renamed it Curium. In its time it was a very large settlement and there is really only a fragment on show but rather spectacular. The location itself is amazing with stunning views but also there is a wonderful theatre, some houses with mosaic floors, a Roman agora, streets, a basilica. Lots to see. Some of the mosaics show gladiators which is rather exciting. We had a good couple of hours at Kourion and then drove down onto the beach of the same name directly below the hilltop town. Its a spectacular beach, plenty of sand. Today there was a stiff breeze blowing and there were lots of kite and board surfers out. Perfect weather. There are a couple of really excellent restaurants on the beach and we sat and watched the water and drank some cold wine for a while. Then we drove back along the coast and turned inland to a small mountain village called Asgata. We stopped for dinner at a restaurant there called Chrysolemonia which was just perfect. Really authentic home cooking. Not fine dining in the slightest but wonderful full flavours, generous portions and a very friendly family atmosphere. So pleasant to sit out in the garden and eat their food. Would definitely return again. Left at about 8 and on to Larnaca to pick Mick and Maureen up. Their flight was a little bit early and we got back to the villa at about 1115. Sat on the terrace till after midnight catching up over a beer. Still so warm and great stars on show tonight. |
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