I know from the beginning of time all peoples migrate – short distance or long distance – looking for something other than what they have, hoping for a better existence. To begin with Phoenicians were cut out for migration, being sailors and merchants, this was a given. They’re natural risk takers, sailing sometimes into total unknown. Life taking them up and down like the waves under their boats but as usual they continue through the ups and the downs. I guess this life appealed to them more than just stagnation….
Category: Travel
The aromas of loving a country
The burst of flavor of zaartar(thyme)
and freshly roasted sesame seeds
the tantalizing aroma of a whiff
of freshly ground and brewed coffee
the sound of vendors on the street
the shout of Good morning how are you
the wave hello of friends
no matter where you go
just a few things to miss
just a few things
to remember
and smile
Memories (complete)
Going back to the room I had a sandwich, and juice and watched T.V.
I try to relish every moment of my life as time is precious. So I swam went up to eat and rest and get some T.V. entertainment, then, time for a walk. I can tell you and you may have guessed by now, I love love love Oroklini. Peaceful, calm, picturesque, a variety of homes: old homes that take you back in time, new homes with tiny colorful gardens and little pools to soak in the sun, small apartment buildings and yes villas too. Take your pick, I sure would like to. I feel this kind of place can cleanse your soul the way a desert would. After the walk you somehow feel lighter, stress can be quite heavy.
Well that’s it folks, time to say goodbye until we meet again, Sayonara
Memories (5)
I love visiting places of worship and I was thrilled to find a very old church, St.Lazarus Church. I also got to see the old city market, both a must see. The seaside is something else too, there is a very long road with shops and cafes , then opposite is all sea, the whole length. Well I can tell you I was not far from Heaven!
I went back to the cafe at the bus stop and had a “mixed” sandwich for 1.50 pounds. “Mixed” means ham, cheese, and a lot more, hunger can really make food super delicious. I went home tired, happy and broke. YES! Other than that shoe shop, it is expensive in Cyprus. Money actually flies out of your wallet, not too much self control when you are happy.
Happy to be “home” , a cool shower, a good book, coffee and AC, is a great balm for the hot sticky Mediterranean summer.
Oh, I almost forgot, it began to rain and I went into the pool, very relaxing indeed. The owner was near by and said, ” Well ,it didn’t rain in winter, now it rains!”
To be continued………
Memories(4)
So after realizing I would have to go back to Larnaca the next day, I swam, relaxed, went to the small supermarket, read, watched T.V. and went to sleep.
Saturday morning I got up early, swam for an hour and caught the bus again, off to Larnaca. The brother was there alone, his sister comes later. He changed the shoes and my eyes caught another pair as he ordered coffee for us. This one he said was 10 pounds. I paid, then, Lo and Behold (as we also say in the Caribbean) another pair caught my eye. Enough said!
He seemed amazed at my passion for shoes, so was I actually. His sister walks in and couldn’t believe what had happened with the shoes and apologized. I told her no need to apologize as I got to come to Larnaca again. So I went strolling around the shopping area hoping my eye doesn’t catch anymore shoes.
To be continued…….
Memories (3)
On this trip to Cyprus I was only staying 4 days. The first day I walked around the village it took like 2 hours checking out the scenery and the little grocery shops. There are many English people who live there in one newly built up area, small homes with small pools, really good feeling in the area. Those who did not buy, rented the apartments in the hotel; very good idea with a pool and cafe and near the bus stop>Wonderful buses with proper schedules and only 5 minutes walk away..
Anyway the plan that day was to go to Larnaca. I got on the bus after a few minutes wait, I always go early and wait for busses. On the way I saw a few flamingos in a small lake. Reaching Larnaca, I got off the bus and crossed the road into a shoe shop. I needed to fix my heel and I like browsing. The shop had a sign”Shoes3 Pounds” One Cyprus pound was equal to 2 1/2 U.S dollars. I did not think I could go wrong with that price. I went in and found the owners very friendly. I had coffee with them after choosing 3 pairs of shoes. I discovered they were refugees from Famagusta. When the Turks took over this area they came to Larnaca.
Even though there was a brief war I could just see them packing slowly slowly and simply moving from the north to the south. The Cypriots never seem to be in a hurry and if you are in a hurry they will advise “slowly slowly”.. Now in Lebanon in stark contrast. nothing goes slowly, however it does take longer.. In Lebanon everything gets done tomorrow and most likely after tomorrow, whenever that is.
OK So I reached home and Then I checked again my shoes. It seems I paid to have a little joke, one pair was fine I tried it on. The second pair was magical, I had 2 left shoes and the third pair, well that story is slightly different. One shoe fit and even though they both were size 40 ,the other was too small. Maybe they did pack too much in a hurry after all. Good thing the next day was Saturday!
To be continued…………
Memories (2)
I arrived and was offered a complimentary coffee, the alternative was a brandy sour or something like that. They also brought complimentary popcorn. Then I wobbled down the steps,( the cafeteria was on the roof top)the same way I had wobbled up.
The village Oroklini is seriously cute about half an hour taxi from Larnaca airport.
Mountains on one side, the sea not far and in sight. A church to the left and another a bit further to the right. I got one of the few studios in front of the pool. that’s where I wrote this, on a small “French” balcony. Just the right size to dry my bathing suit on one chair and to sit on the other chair in front of a small table. Perfect, to just look up and see the lovely village view, small pool, a few umbrellas for shade, some plants and trees with a low fence allowing a peep over to the road and village homes, small and I know cosy. One of these homes is a cafe that serves the best Moussaka it’s oh my goodness delicious, steamy hot creamy and cheesy , thanks to their generous serving 2 people can be in Heaven for a while.
Tomorrow a trip to Larnaca
To be continued……..
Memories
Written in 2007 mostly about a Cyprus trip.
Cannot wait to travel,(then as now)
Thing is you see, lately I have been discovering how much of my life I have lived for others.
The first realization was last April when I went to visit my daughter with all “things” on her account. I was feeling light and upon reflecting I realized that for once I would be without responsibility and everything was being paid for me. To tell you the truth this was new to me.
Anyway, as we would say in the Caribbean, to cut a long story short, I was thrilled!
I went back home realizing that it is not such a bad thing to be pampered and began to look forward to a few more episodes, not necessarily from my daughter of course. Coming to think of it, having 6 kids could mean being pampered 6 times, smile.
OK time to get back to my Cyprus trip.
As I got up from my seat to disembark, walking down the aisle a bit, I wondered why one of my legs was shorter than the other. Looking down I realized I had left one of my shoe heels behind. I sighed, got it and put it in my bag. and tip toed all the way to the hotel studio apartment.
To be continued……….
Colours of India
The warm yellow gold glow
The heated reds and crimson
The sweet greens and dry browns
The soft gentle blues
Wash over my tired soul
All the colours
seem to say
Welcome to stay
my far away friend
Possibilities
of
India
Endless
Spring Again
It’s spring again
In case I forget.
The song of birds,
Sweet melodies
Burst upon my soul
The sweet soft cool air
Caresses me
Even the “Acadiny” tree
Heavy with sunshine fruit
Inviting me
Enticing me
To taste just one, maybe two
My soul sings
and breathes in
Joy
I guess it’s Spring
Once more in Lebanon