Cyprus - May 2011 - need photos to record second week

Cyprus ~ May 2011

Sunday:

We flew from Birmingham Airport.  Helen dropped us off with two large cases & two small ones.  The two small ones did NOT fit in the carry-on box – so they had to go in the hold.  Breakfast at Pret a Manager, toastie & juice, porridge.  All went to plan until the captain of the plane announced that there was sensor fault on one of the engines & the plane needed to be looked at by engineers.  We took off for the 4¾ hour flight 1½  hours later than planned.  So much for the wind being in the ‘right’ direction – reducing the flight by 45 minutes!  L

We arrived at Larnaca, 45 mins later than intended! 

George, wheel chair assistant bod, greeted us at the plane.  His cousin was murdered in Kyrenia – WHY would you want to go to the North of the island?

Taxi driver brought us directly to the villa.  Fiona, Nigel & Fiona’s sister, Cherene, greeted us.  They were wondered were we were!  We had a whistle stop tour of the villa & had a chicken curry together, on the patio – thank you Nigel.  Rubbish bins are collected three times a week!

We need to get some DVDs for Fe & replace the drinking water butts, on their behalf  J - Fe left us some TL (Turkish Lira) to do this.  The villa has a mobile ‘pay-as-you go’ available to use & we brought with us a laptop & a dongle to access the internet.

Just before they left – there was a power cut.  It last 1½ hours. Nice to look at the stars & finish off the wine J

Monday:

Jeff bought bread from shop on the corner J   Toast / Nutella for breakfast.  Hire car arrived from a chap called  Ibo.  Pool too cold to be inviting!  Sun bathing in the buff on the ‘private’ patio.

Shopping at the supermarket, we bought cheese, crackers, wine x 4, raki, coco pops, cranberry juice, mango juice, hot chicken, Imperial Leather shower gel, breaded chicken & rice.  Came to 86 TL (approx. £34.40).

Jeff got the dongle topped up & working on the lappie.

60TL (£15) cash

Ate at Tervetulao restaurant on our first night out.  Mezes & I had Aubergine stuffed with lamb mince. Jeff ordered mixed kebabs, not to his liking.  Dessert was fruit & a filo pastry/ nut / honey mix J  Coffee & brandy to finish.  45 TL – paid cash.

Tuesday:

We headed to Kyrenia – to find the harbour!  with no avail.  We did find lots of forbidden roads & army buildings though!  We put 20 TL in petrol – cash.  Jeff got 200TL from the ATM (£80)

We stopped at Maggie’s café bar & had a cuppa tea – with ‘proper’ milk – and a ham n cheese toastie each.  Back home for a swim!  Yes, ME!  Then up to bathe in the buff again.  It is surprising how strong the sun beds are <<< two up J >>>

I had a nap – Jeff had another swim.  NO afternoon nap for Jeff.

We tried Captanio fish restaurant in the evening.  Jeff has the sea bass, I had lamb chops.  Disappointing & chewy.  Lots of flies on the bread.  Jeff’s man hood is no more! Than about 3” long – must be the cold water.  42TL (£16.80)

Wednesday:

Nice start to the day with a quickie!

Jeff popped down to get bread.  Gary cleaned the pool with the vacuum thingy.  Weather forecast said rain and it was cloudy, so we headed to the mountain road, on the new road towards Girne (Kyrenia).  We stopped at a petrol station & put in 95TL (visa). Take a right up past the St Hilarion Kalesi (castle).

Cuppa tea @ the castle & a postcard.  10TL.  Accompanied by a very noisy cat…!

Kept heading to the restaurant.  We took lots of photo along the way.  Sea one side, mountains the other.  We found the aerials that you see from the coast road.  We ‘found’ an army tank, which went off the road in 1974!

Then we found the restaurant, on the top of the mountain  – everything is organic J  We were offered chicken & roast potatoes – which we accepted.  It was lovely & the chap was very proud of his clay oven  J  He lovely assistant spoke awfully posh!  I had a traditional dessert made by his sister, filo, almonds & honey 60TL (£24) cash.

The journey home was quicker!  Only 5km to the coast road.

We popped into the supermarket on the way home.  We picked up chicken pieces, a jar of Tikka Masala sauce, Dove moisturising cream & some UHT milk. Jeff paid on visa card.  34TL (£13.60) visa.

The clouds got thicker & darker - but still no rain.

Planning on stopping in tonight, chicken curry, rice & bread  – so Jeff can drink  J  !!!

Watched TV & FaceBook….

Thursday:

Rain clouds quite dense  with the odd outbreak of sun.  Late start to the day, breakfast of toast, Nutella & banana & a cuppa tea  J  Drove to internet café to get the airplane ticket email reprinted. 6TL ( We gave our only copy to the special assistance chappie at BM airport.  He kept it.  <<<Note to self: print off more copies next time we email confirmation of flights, put on in each suitcase!!!>>>

Drove to Girne to find the old harbour, turn left at the water feature island  J  We drove round some pretty narrow streets – so we must have been close to it.

Found some ‘disabled parking’ spaces.  Jeff got out of car to shoot the sea J.  Lorry driver decided to park in the space in front of me!  I loved his technique – mounting the pavement to squash it.  Thumbs up when he did it!  Started spitting with rain.  We both then went to look at the sea – VERY breezy  L  Supermarket on the way home, we picked up steaks & a pepper sauce for dinner.  Fishcakes for a snack & another bottle of raki.  Chocolate bars.  Carrots & peas, apple turnovers, bag of chips for the freezer.  ‘Milk’ which turns out to be liquid pouring yoghurt!  39 TL  (£15.60) visa.

Home to test out the new technique of staying safely put on the sofa.  Impaled on a very nice, if a little slippy, pole!  J

We had fishcakes, carrots & peas.  Went on t’internet, watched TV & the rain storm.  Jeff had a snooze.  Nice rainbow J when we were talking about how much houses are out here!  Maybe a positive sign  J

Sewed a few more stitches on the wizard cross stitch, cut out a piece of cream hardanger  J so the piece of work will fit in the sewing box at home.

Steak for tea with chips, peppers, onions, peas, carrots & pepper sauce.

 

Washing in, TV droning on Nat. Geo channel.  Feeling weary.  Early night methinks.

Friday:

Good night’s sleep, early to rise with coco pops, banana & pro-biotic yoghurt!  Coffee.

We got 30 mins sunshine or so over breakfast.

Jeff started to cleaned filters on the air con units J

Needed rawl plugs & screws – found a local hardware shop – to fit sensors.

VERY overcast – started spitting – I got the washing in.  Started my hardanger embroidery to go in sewing box.  Used wrong thread on the first test run.  Second

attempt looks a lot better.  Caught some sunrays after a cheese on toast lunch.  Watched ‘Mamma Mia’ DVD – THREE times. 

Jeff finished his bits n pieces.   Power cut started at 16:15 L

Went for a drive – storm chasing - towards the West of the Island.   Past the two brothels & the church.  Ended up on the ‘other side’ of the mountains.  Through Kozan village.  Saw some new villas…   http://www.imperialcyprus.com/.  ‘From £39,950!

Went to buy veg; onions, peppers, potatoes & coriander 6TL.  Got home, still no electric.  Cooked lamb chops, potatoes, peppers & onion on the gas hob.  Power came back at 18:15.  Heated the electric oven up & had apple turnovers too, with caramel ice cream  J

Saturday:

We snoozed until 10:30am.  Washed hair – Jeff is making grated potato, onion, bacon & egg thingies  J  yummy yum, can’t wait!

Two NEW contact lenses used today J

& it’s injection day today…..

To be continued …

Cyprus 2012 - Need to take diary from photos

First week on our own.
Sorted out air con.

Second week with Helen & Matthew  :)

Matthew got sun stroke.

Silver Rocks

Blue House - Mafia stayed in the seventies.

Helen didn't like the mountain road!

BBQs and pooltime.

Cyprus 2013 - Rents all alone!

Sunday, one week before:
Sunday before we flew out, Jeff & I popped into Rugby - to TKMaxx, Jeff was in and  out with ALL his holiday clothes... shorts, tee-shirts, long sleeved shirt... in 3/4 hour!  I bought a bright blouse that was hanging up in the toys section.  We bought a noisy toy for Jack, (Jon & Jen) we are popping over to their new house later  :)  Tesco to get a bottle of wine for Jon & Jen.   

We visited Fiona and Nigel.  They had asked for £350 a week for using the villa!  I had collected the cash to let them have it before we went over (£700.) Fiona had flown out to the villa, to sort out the second break-in.  To 're-stock' the villa with knives, saucepans, etc.  She had depleted the Cyprus bank account which pays the direct debits.  Could we please put a cheque into the Cyprus account, instead of giving them the cash?  We were given bank details, I have brought out my cheque book. 

F&N also gave use an envelope with £140 English money to pay a chap called Fisko, who was delivering the replacement dining chairs and 3ft metal bed, with mattress.  Fisko would be delivering on Monday, could we be at the villa to give him the cash?  Or give cash to Gary & Chris?

As we left Fiona gave us a black Nokia mobile to bring over.  It has all the contact nos. needed for Cyprus life!  eg Pool man, plumber, neighbours, local restaurants!  that kind of thing...  Fiona also gave us a list of things that had been taken, to leave for Liz, the cleaner.

Monday-Friday:
I finished work on Thursday, met my sister and we went shopping!  We met at the Garden Centre, near Lutterworth.  Left Anne's car there & went to Tesco for breakfast!  Except Tesco in Rugby don't have 'breakfast' - it's a 'Costa'.  I had an almond croissant and a hot water.  Anne had tea & a toasted tea cake.  I gave Anne her her birthday bracelet and trimmed it to fit!... Shambala-style bracelet with clear, rose beads & sage green cord.  She loved it.  I have made myself a matching one, which wasn't glued!  Hence I NEED glue!

Took shirt back to TMaxx, for Jeff & exchanged it for a 'large'  lol.  Anne bought a beach bag, I picked on a small brown wrist bag that we didn't get charged for!

We bought the same Clarks sandals from Brantano. Covered in heel, open toe, denim blue colour. Very comfortable.  I mentioned Police discount to the assistant.  He said head office like to have details from card.  He gave us the 10% discount anyway... which paid for the foot spray  :)  'The spray which lasts all day and prevents rubbing and blisters that you may get with new shoes'!!!  I also brought some childrens sandals - which will be returned!

Toilets were in Wickes!  I bought glue while we were there!  To use to make shambala-style bracelets.

We drove back, topless, to the Garden Centre.  We had afternoon tea & cake  :) Anne bought a frog and a lizard, from the birthday money from Brenda.

We said goodbye at approx. 16:00.  What a lovely day and great retail therapy!

I still had the freezer shopping to do to feed the kids while we are away.  I gathered myself & headed to Ventura Park about 19:00.  River Island have THE gladiator sandals that I saw online - in their sale! - In MY size!  Result!!!!  So I bought a black pair AND a beige pair  :) @£25 each.

Asda - I returned some clothes that I bought last week. Gift card!  Sainsburys - I returned the clothes I bought last week.  Bought freezer food.
Home.... I will pack in the morning.

Saturday:
I packed in the morning & I was ready for noon. Time for a breather, make up and we are OFF!  We left home, thank you Helen for the lift, at 13:00hrs.  Helen took us to BHX in the Focus estate. 

Jeff bought some aftershave 'Euphoria' by Calvin Klein.  I bought a miniature selection from the Lancôme stand.  I also bought a travel pack of skin products and received a free kit of Bifacil cleaner, mascara & eyeliner :)  Happy days!

Finally, we flew from BHX on Saturday, 8th June. 

A new plane flew us to Istanbul, every seat had a touch screen, I watched a film  'Message in a bottle'.  Then listened to 80s tracks.  Food was lovely, we had green beans in olive oil, Chicken fillets, plum cake, crackers & Philadelphia'.  I asked for half orange juice and half water & a beer for Jeff!  I got all three!  lol  Jeff got his own beer!  Landing was good.  Transfer through Istanbul Airport was brisk as usual.  The wheelchair assistance took us straight through to the gate.  We arrived at Istanbul & had a 15 minute delay because of the Ercan plane being late!  No change there! 

Second flight was on a normal 'old' plane.. screens in the main console overhead  :( no choice of what to watch. But it's only a 90 minute flight!  The plane had a problem with a fuel pump!  I do love flying with Jeff.  I'm sure he would have fixed it for Turkish Airlines, given the right tools! 

By the  time the served drinks, then a ham, cheese & GHERKIN roll - it was time to land.  All good  :)  We landed smoothly and took receipt of both suitcases.  Always a nice feeling! 

Just travelling with one hand luggage - even though Turkish Airline allows 8kg per hand luggage AND 23kg in the hold person.  We only booked in 19kg and 22.5kg in the hold & THE hand luggage was 3kg!  Just carried onto the plane a small sewing project & sweeties  :)  and misc. drugs.

We were greeted at the airport by Ibo, but taxied 'home' by a fellow taxi driver  :)  We travelled with a Sharon and Martin, on their way home from a two week house swap in Manchester.  They have lived here for 5+ years.  First time they had both been back home to the UK.  We were brought upto date with various new eateries and the old chap from Tervetulao passing away unexpectedly last September!  New restaurant called 'The Cabin'.

Got into villa feeling weary.... no hot water!

I tried to clean sink!  Washing up bowl has rusted the stainless steel sink!  HOW?  ???
Wet dishcloth left on stainless steel wire dish-drainer, more rust!
Andy the pool cleaner (co-ordinator) had seen water running from roof & turned the water off.  Fiona knew about it and asked us to look up Abas's contact no. on the 'phone we were given to bring  out with us.  Fiona had not contacted Abas, so no hot water!

Bed - tired & happy!

Sunday:
I got an electric shock of the kitchen tap AND then the toaster.  Jeff didn't! ((I had barefeet, Jeff was wearing rubber sandals.) He got his shock having a cold shower AND getting covered in brown water :(  Started sneezing and didn't stop until Wednesday!!!!!!!
Abas the plumber was called.  He came over <on a Sunday> and shut out water pump and emersion down, AND STARTED TO DRAIN THE OPEN TOP HOT WATER TANK!  Promising to return the next day with a new 'boyler' and fix it.  We only have cold water.
Jeff fixed the shallow pool light, the pool is slimy & was about 6" under the level needed to overflow into the balance tank.  Needs cleaning too!  :(
We slept in afternoon, unpacked.  Ibo dropped off Jeep - blue this year!  no radio!!  We walked over the road to the 'Best Shop', picked up tissues for my sneezes, tubes of jam (it's the future), coco pops n stuff! Jeff walked to Starlings to get meat for BBQ - came back with salad, beetroot, red cabbage and potato salad.   Cold shower - nice and refreshing and NOT cold!  lol  Not cold for me anyway!

Jeff shaved and went to use his new aftershave, 'Euphoria' by Calvin Klein!  It is EAU DE TOILETTE.  Numpty has bought perfume, as well as it being from the Feminine range.  I like it and he likes it on me!  lol.  Win, win situation - for ME  :)  Jeff not having a good day - what with the electric shock AND not aftershave!  :(

Monday:
Boiler arrived but no Abas!!!  He turned up at noon, with his mate.  Jeff, Abas & mate went up on roof.  Abas went inside hot water tank and cleaned it out.  Electrics were set up wrong on the tank, hence the electric shocks! Abas nearly fell off the roof, wearing flip-flops on a roof!  AND HE is the professional!  :(  Bill for 770TL.  Approx. £270.00.  We paid out of the cash we had brought over.

Nice hot shower at 4pm.  :)  Heavenly  :) 

Pool guy, Andy came & said visitors were not expected this week - he would send a cleaner around TOMORROW!  Monday was the day the replacement dining chairs and bed were due to arrive.  We popped to Lemar to get wireless chip & 10gb worth of internet,  then onto Starlings to do a 'proper' shop.   Range of aftershave was limited.... but the sample squirt Jeff gave himself on his arm lingered way into the evening!  lol   We missed the furniture, he will deliver tomorrow.
We went to Silver Rocks, same friendly staff as previous years, same choice on the menu!  Prices felt the same too!

Tuesday:
Pool was cleaned by two Turkish guys!  Then.... Sex in the pool! Wow!  now there's something never done before!  Very nice it is too  :)  Jeff's underwater camera worked.  Bikini didn't look to bad even though I say so myself!
Jeff went to bank, to change cash for Abas, 770TL, approx. £260.00.
Kip on bed & then lelo & I became better acquainted  :)  Jeff got me again  :)  BBQ on night time, beef steaks and chicken wings from butchers next door to the 'Glamour Fairy'.

Wednesday:
'Early' start & drive to Famagusta.  One n half hours there, hour getting lost & exploring the 'Control Road'. I didn't realise the Green Line affected Famagusta so much.  One side of the dirt track, houses, civilisation, allotments growing vegetables. The other side was continuous rows of deserted army buildings & shot-at houses.  Total dereliction :(   Arid overgrown soil!  We had lunch at the Emu Beach Bar, next to the Lion Gardens.  I had a tuna salad, iced peach tea.  Jeff had a cheese and salad. & an efes beer.  20TL, no charge for pool side entrance!  which was 5TL each  :)  Beach is free!
Jeff has got drivers arm, lol.  We travelled 215km there n back.  I have passengrer arm AND left knee!
Home for pm - just time to dip in pool & more sexual encounters - this time WITH the underwater camera/video! :)

Night time meal was at 'Makbus' the new restaurant around the corner, go left by Bus Stop.  We had mezes starters, humus, tomato-ey dip, pickled veg :( I had Lamp Casseroll, Jeff had Chickin Shish.  All with rice & homemade chips.  Brandy Sour & EFES beer, complimentary coffee & brandy  :)  55TL (£19.65).
Back to villa to start writing this blog.  Most of today's pool shoots CANNOT go on fb!  even for a bar of chocolate, dear Alan!
Photos to be uploaded here on our return home  :)
I cannot believe it's Wednesday today, we both thought it was Tuesday!  lol

Thursday:
Where will the wind blow us today?......
Fisko called, to deliver the replacement dining chairs & bed.  They said they would be here at noon, they arrived at 2pm!  We went in pool THREE days running  :) More shenanigans with underwater video  :) 
We got changed for going 'out-out' in record time.  Decided to head towards Lapta, can we find Charcos again?  Or will we find the new 'Cabin' first?
Jeff found Charcos first attempt AND they had a table for two  :)  Lovely meal Jeff had Sea Bass, I had chicken on the bone!  Starters was a selection of salad, humus, bread with cloves.  There was a ginger cat on the street, which disappeared when Jeff's fish arrived!
Main course was accompanied by homemade chips, big bowl of salad.  Cat quickly re-appeared, directly behind Jeff!  He could 'feel' its hungry stare lol  Charcos owner came & shooed it away  :)  Dessert was sponge based with syrup-type sauce making it really yummy - but not too sweet  :)  Complimentary coffee & brandy...  total cost £20 (gbp) included an EFES beer & a brandy sour.  Bargain as ever - AND super quality.

Friday:
We had a leisurely start with watermelon for brekkie.  Drove east past the church & two brothels! to the other end of the Green Line.  Got delayed behind two combine harvesters, had an emergency stop in an Orange Grove.  Eventually after 90 minutes, we arrived at the line.   The Greek beach in the distance looked lovely  lol - but we couldn't proceed any further than the control point.  We headed back homeward - stopping at the 'first' beach bar.  We had lunch, I ordered a mixture of three starters, Jeff ordered grilled prawn salad.   Two 7up's & we got bread & strawberries thrown in.  Came to 27TL, so good really :)  We sat at the end of a seating area which was over water.  Lots of fish appeared when we threw some bread into the sea.  :)  Back to villa via Starlings to get BBQ stuff  :)  Lamb kebabs, potato salad & chicken salad.  I picked up a hair to help my fringe go blonder!  BUT I didn't realise I had to mix the tube of cream AND the extra bottle that the cashier-lady gave Jeff & smiled.  I thought the little bottle was conditioner! I put cream on my fringe, ran a bath, shaved my legs.... rinsed cream off.  Opened 'conditioner' - which was peroxide.  Then I used 'Google Translate' to work out the instructions!  Lessons learnt today  :)  Took a while to find this blog.  Updated it & did some bead braiding with hemp cord.  :)

Saturday:
Nice relaxed start to a potentially HOT day, brekkie by the pool, bacon, potato, onion & eggs.... I updated the blog, while Jeff went outside - it's to hot out there at noon.  I went out at 12:30.  Baked nicely on both sides, then pool beckoned.  Jeff positioned the swing bench so I could lie naked & not upset the neighbours!....  Nice BJ against the wall.  Swallows early this year  :)  Jeff's Pineapple diet has paid off!  :)  Hoping to go out this afternoon.  Jeff's having a nap  :)  I may go & attempt to colour my fringe :)  Need plastic container!  Done  :)  I used the silicon pastry brush and plastic lid to mix the two parts into a foam I combed it through fringe and sides of head.  I'm quite pleased with the natural effect.  I left it on hair for 20 minutes.  I think next time I want blonder - I'll leave it for the full 40 minutes... this one is almost a strawberry blonde.

We got changed & drove down to 'The Cabin'.  Had an iced tea, took photos of the Hibiscus 'hedge'. My hair was everywhere in the wind!  Booked a table for 7pm.  Drove home, got changed, went back out.  I put my hair up securely and stuck it down with spray!  Expecting the worst when it came to eat :)

We were seated next to a young Russian couple. The Meal was lovely so were the surroundings!  Very friendly cat.  Mezes were 'reasonable'.  NOT over the top!  Toasted slices of white and brown bread, with spiced butter, olives and humus.  Main course - Jeff had steak in pepper sauce.  I had Fettuccini Chicken.  Pasta strips in a white wine sauce with chicken.  Followed by, coffee.  Female - 'concierge' - showing customers to the tables.  Lots of table moving going on.... Live Saxonphonist... Little glowing lights on each table.  If you turned them over they changed colour - or went into random. 

The wind had dropped to the occasional breeze.
Roger was there with his wife!   All very pleasant and refreshingly 'different'. Most money spent on a meal... so far.  Party of three couples sat next to us - playing musical chairs so the caps sat at one end!

Dancing around in my Ann Summers dress :) to 80s tunes on VHF on the telly.  Sorted on the Labradorite chips, complete with tassel!, into a necklace.  I tried to make matching earrings but failed!  lol  Nevermind.  I'll have lots of stash when I get home AND a Labradorite earrings coming over from Texas, via eBay. 

Sunday:
Up & showered, coco pops & peach juice for brekkie!  Went to Sunday market at Bamboo Beach (formerly Mosquito beach).  I picked up some bracelets and some kids bracelets to use the beads & a glass coaster with a crocheted 'cover' - for Andrea.  Back home for a hot snack, bought from Starlings the day we went to the Green River Bay.  Very nice, meat & herbs in a suet-type pastry.  Sex on sofa not the best!  lol.  Sun, swim, sun & swim & sun.  Chinese takeaway for dinner.  Picked up a pineapple from local green grocer.   All finished for 19:30.  Jeff now passed out, pain in shoulder.  Very sunny today, same forecast well Into next week.  Telly lets us watch VHF music channel & National Geographic/Discovery channel!  Last night they restored a Ford Zodiac.

Monday:
Another lovely day!  Fiona sent a message... would we wait in for the Estate Agents, do not know which day or time.  We said 'No', we have already stayed in for their deliveries, do estate agents really need to see the Villa 'lived in'?  We would not be able to answer any questions they ask?  not value to the estate agents coming in while there are visitors here!
Bellapais later, too warm atm to move around much.  I had nutella on toast, Jeff had boiled eggs with soldiers.  Cloudless sky is very blue.  Relaxing morning - I sorted out the 'Cyprus Biscornu' project :)  Jeff sunned & swam.  We drove to Bellapais about 2:30.  Under the 'Tree of Idleness' by 3:20 (photo).  We ordered mezes.... 14 cold starters and 4 hot ones :)  Followed by Kleftico, rice, salad and potatoes. Followed by dessert (blancmange, honey & nuts) and fresh fruit.  Finished eating two hours later!  Far too much food!  Still feeling too full at bedtime.  The abbey was setting up for a musical concert, so they closed the doors at 17:40.  Nice man in car park charged us 3TL to leave!  Very warm evening too, Sat in our birthday suits on the patio.  Pool lights attracted too many moths!  They do not swim so good!

Tuesday:
And another lovely day!  I got up 'early' to catch some morning sun :)  Coco pops & orange juice :)  Whilst I swam in pool.... the pool cleaners arrived, I had to shout Jeff to get a towel.  Pool was cleaned & now need to leave it two hours for the chemicals to settle - he mentioned chlorine.  We cut up the pineapple - very nice it is too!  Just as I was sat still naked on the patio... next door's pool cleaning crew arrived!  I asked Jeff for a towel, again.  :)  We moved indoors after they went.  I started to update this blog, Jeff popped to his bathroom (makes 5x TODAY).  So here I am, still naked...  When the gardener walks past my on the patio!  I shouted to Jeff that we had visitors!  lol...... Who?  I don't know.... as I grab another towel!  The strange walked back across the patio, gardening shears in hand!  Aaaahhh!  I recognise him now!  Whoever thought Tuesday's could be so entertaining! Two chaps...  watered & weeded. Bush at front was chopped back last week! Gardeners have now left the premises!
Who will be next?   Anyone else want a glimpse of me?

We had a much quieter afternoon!  We had a close encounter by the pool & continued on our balcony!  .....   dot dot dot!  We went shopping & picked up frozen cod in batter, chips & petit pois! fresh green beans, tomato sauce.  Toilet rolls & fruit juice.  Sat near the BBQ for our evening meal.  Jeff got connected with Matthew through Skype & the wireless connection, he STILL needs a haircut!  AND the cereal has run out!  FB was uneventful. 

Wednesday:
And another lovely day!  Up 'early' in the sun for 10:30, after coco pops with MILK today!  Swim, sun, swim,, quick hand job, pool again.  Now indoors trying to plan our afternoon.  More juice & a biscuit! 
We went out in 4x4 & headed mountain-wards.  Straight through Lapta & took the road to the left saying 'Kozan'.  Seemed to get to Kozan restaurant very quickly  :)  Took left turning to see the tank.  Lots of cars parked there so we took the off-road road to the right to see 'our' spot  :)  Took photos :)  Went down to tank, everyone had gone!  Carried on down the road to the masts.  Got up high - passed the 'No Entry' sign!  Tried to work out the view below us  :) 
Drove back towards the tank.  Took a road off to the left, ended up going through a huge herd of goats.  So a goat herder too  :) Carried on and ended up hitting the main road just past the two bars on the beach.  Road is opposite a Polis Station.  Maybe try going that way up next time!  It's not a well travelled road, no tarmac 'tongue' has been rolled out, but some of it is really wide.  Maybe locals use it if the 'main' road  is blocked?
Jeff pulled the jeep over the see the sea :)  He took the jeep down as far as he could.  So close, but still so far!  lol  Just a short hop & a skip across large stones, then onto wet sand, which sank surprising far.  However, flat rocks were just under the sea surf.  Stood on flat rocks while the big waves came & soaked us, both.  Jeff then stripped off to shorts & tried some under he wave shots!  Big one knocked him off his rock!  We both laughed!   Nice videos.  Lovely to be stood in the sea!  :)
'Chicken Run' for a takeaway :)  Finally a 'cheap' meal.  6 pieces of chicken, 3 fries, baked beans, coleslaw, 1ltr bottle of pop.  39TL  Jeff had hot wings too. Very tasty - but my tummy went into spasm... I only ate ONE piece.  Better out than in!  Was it the luke warm beans? 
BBQ tomorrow & out-out on Friday night  :)  That's the plan atm!  Need to pack on Friday to be ready for an early start on Saturday am.

Thursday:
And another lovely day! so... Jeff was up at 7am, It was HOT then!  :)   Dot, dot, dot....! I've got up, showered and shaved.  Both had Nutella on toast AND coffee... First hot drink of the holiday!  It's now too hot for me! It's only just 10:30am! 
All my acrylic nails that Hayley did are now off, except half big right toe AND left thumb nail which has the extension under it to reinforce the nail damage :)  My natural nails are looking good  :)  I am pleased I bought the glitter nail polish from Boots. My toe nails are still on holiday-fied.

Still updating this blog - it is now 12:30.  Jeff has sun-oiled up & is baring all in the midday sun  :)  NO white bits allowed.
BBQ tonight  :)  Hopefully lamb on skewers  - BUT we have lambed out still with the Kleftico we had in Bellapais AND the last lot of lamb skewers - some were chewy!
I wobbled in front of the mirror at top of stairs... Terry Wogan style!  ie, naked.  Terry's theory - if it wobbles & it shouldn't... exercise it!  My left thigh is in need of excerise!!! Another 6 months in the pool each day - SHOULD sort it out.  I'm enjoying twisting in the pool! AND the flotation 'poles'.

Went in pool - Jeff had his 'Mankini 2013 photo shoot :)  Jon Ashby was the first to be upset.  Hiliarious.  Helen didn't get see any of the shots until Dave Finedon copied her in!  Now she is traumatised! 

Jeff shot me & played with the exposure and depth of field.  Pool to wash off the sun tun oil - interesting oil slick formed on the surface :), then a very close encounter with some floating sperm!  No cameras were involved!  lol

Went up on balcony and got my back and front slightly toasted!  Too warm at 17:30!  Got in bedroom about 18:15, chilled until 19:00.  Got YouTube to play music through the net pad.



Friday:
And another lovely day!  Last day.  Pay Ibo - confirm morning's taxi to Ercan.  Bank to pay cheque into Fiona and Nigel's account at the Turk Banck.  Eat dinner...  out-out! The Cabin?  

Lots to do today - started my falling backwards of the front step.  Smacked left hand of floor & grazed left elbow  :)  Hey-ho.  BUT I didn't let go off the 'important' purse with all the cash & passports in!  lol

Ibo's bungalow:
We went to see Ibo first, he and his wife had just returned home from shopping.  I gave her the Olive Oil hair treatment, she would like another jar one next year  :)  Ibo would like one too!!!   I also gave her my Lacura night cream which was unused.  I dropped the jar the first night - cracked the outer rim :(  Clean is still fine.  I don't think it would travel well!  She was delighted.  She offered to pay me for next year's jar!  lol.  We paid Ibo £230 GBP.  £15 per day (x12) and £50 taxis transfers.  Homemade lemonade beautifully hits the spot!  They have a family get together on Sunday, the twins -granddaughters - will be 4 years old!  She showed us the clothes and bracelets she has bought for them.  We  heard a turkey gobbling!  They ALSO have rabbits and chickens!
Jamii came round.  We briefly saw Jamii at the Sunday market - he has distribution warehouses in Hemel, UK.  Designer stuff.  Wife called Alison.  Not happy about Fatima's comments!  He came to apologise to Ibo for Fatima's attitude and pay for a car he had hired, while his 8 year old was being repaired.  Ibo has just retired.  He is 60 now - so he doesn't need to brush up with army annually.  Last night he was awarded a plaque and a certificate at a ceremony in Kyrenia  :)

Turk Banc:
Open 14:00hrs to 15:15!  Take a ticket and take a seat.  There was much tapping of keys on the bank's computer to put a cheque into Fe's account.  We were given an A4 sheet to sign.  We got to keep it as a receipt.  :)  We paid £700 - £270 we gave to Abas for the new hot water 'boyler'.   So we paid in a cheque for £430.00.   We still have £100 gbp cash left  :)

Quick whizz round to pack up... pool, 'Cyprus Omelette'. 

I quickly put 9/0 dye on hair - it maybe a ginger one.!  Left it on for 30minutes. Washed hair - ready to go out for 18:50hrs!  :)

Cabin:
We popped to Cabin to book a table while we waited for the bank to open.  Table booked for 7pm.  Food was lovely  :)  I had 'vegetable gratin' as a starter, then spag bol (too much)!  Jeff had scampi and then peppered steak.  Free coffee, free brandy.  Fiendly cat :)  You know you have a good tan - when the locals ask you where you live!  lol  Jeff made a power cut....  We could only see one twinkly bright star....  He said 'If these lights weren't here...  it would be beautiful!  And then wham.... no power.  He was right  :)  Beautiful sunset followed by a beautiful starlite night. Perfect! Used Jeff's torch on his mobile to get to WC AND then paid on MY visa card!  First time out this year.... 97TL.

Home - Jeff took photos inside the villa to record the state we left it in!  Me standing on front step  :)  Almost packed - just updating this and finishing off my bottle of Cyprus brandy!

Jeff is on his 'last' EFES beer!  Almost bedtime!  Then up at 6am!

Be nice to win the lottery!  Spend longer....  But would it be boring???

Saturday:
And another lovely day!  Alas, time to return home!  Boiled eggs planned for breakfast.  There are three left  :)  Not a lot else.  Fruit juice given to Gary & Chris, they also get the extra internet. 

Ibo coming about 7am  :)  Flight is 0961, Ercan to Istanbul.  www.ibotaxi.com.

Next week is forecast to be HOTTER!  :)  40 degrees plus.

Miss this place  :(  But maybe one day we will return? 


Notes for future holidays....:
Carry LESS clothes - there is a washing machine here! 

Take out just the essentials, although toothpaste is STILL very expensive!  As Cyprus has to import it. 

Choice in aftershave... Old Spice or Brut! (in Starlings)

Shadow from house hits pool about 1pm and covers it by 16:30...  then it balcony time.  Water temperature drops in the 'deep' end.  Note to self.  IF I ever get to plan my on swimming pool - I'll make it 5ft max - so I can still twist my torso! And a shallower shallow end to sit in  :)   lol

Do not purchase a bottle of tomato ketchup!  Go to Chicken Run...  They gave us lots of sachets!  Ketchup and mayo sachets!  BUT Pick up a gravy sachet from supermarket!  Chicken Run does NOT do gravy!  lol

Get up early to catch the morning sun.... or get on balcony to catch the afternoon rays :)
Order a grocery order from Starling 'online'  lol.  Can we access their web address in the UK?  www.starling-emarket.com. ???

Internet while we were here.... cost 60TL for 4Gb or 70TL for 10Gb...  We used it everyday for two weeks, we used 3.9Gb. We were on fb, uploading photos and videos doing this blog!

Just two bikini bottoms required & one bikini top for beach days out!

Tone tummy for next year, do NOT eat anything for two months before!  Just drink water!