Sunshine and Brandy Sours...

Two picture perfect days to round off Mick and Maureen's stay.  Temperatures set firm at 30C, cloudless blue sky very light breeze.  Yesterday we spent mostly around the pool relaxing and then in the evening we went up to Bellapais as the sun set and enjoyed the traditional Brandy Sours they serve up there and claim to have invented.  Final dinner at Efendi which lived up to all expectations with wonderful food and atmosphere.  I had the lamb shank again and it was superb.

Today we had a leisurely omelette breakfast and then packed the car for the drive to Larnaca.  They are very sorry to go and I know wish they could have stayed longer.  The only remedy is to return again...........    The journey south was very smooth, minimal border formalities and we arrived at the airport in good time.  It took about 75 minutes at an unhurried pace. 

After we waved them goodbye we headed back up into Larnaca and had a look around.  Had hoped to pick up some Filfar, the delicious orange liquer available down there but couldn't find any.  We came across a LIDL though and went in for an explore.  Obviously, being in the euro zone it was nowhere near as cheap as the north, but we couldn't resist a few things unavailable around Kyrenia: a large tub of taramasalata, some other salads, large packs of salami and ham (small packs in northern supermarkets), a massive tub of feta cheese.  Wended our way home and got back about 2.

Such a lovelly afternoon, I kept turning my washing around but just lazed around reading and enjoying the lovely weather.  Tonight I decided to have a stab at making Brandy Sours.  WOWEEE!!!  They were so good!  I print my recipe below.  The name does not do the drink justice.  They are not actually very sour at all.  Belly pork for dinner, cooked in the oven and then a catch up on English TV played on the large screen via our IPAD.  We have satellite services but as it is a Smart TV we can also download nearly anything or stream it via a computer and HDML cable.  Not SKY though.  :(

The Brandy Sour
2 measures Cypriot brandy
1 measure sour lemon squash
a few drops of Angostura Bitters
Soda water or Lemonade

Method:
add ice cubes to glass
add a few drops of bitters
generous measure of brandy
lemon squash
top up with soda water or lemonade for a sweeter drink
stir
Drink and Enjoy!