Flamingo Beach Larnaca

... br>
In fact, it was so interesting I recrossed the border for another look before heading back to Larnaca. Like I said, Cyprus was a great surprise and I absolutely cracked that nut that was so elusive the other night. I'd rate this as the most fascinating contrast in cultures I have seen to date in all my travels. That this is happening right here in modern Europe in 2009 is just beyond belief and I am glad I see to it in its raw gritty state.

... resort areas where more refined folks part ways with a lot more money than I am willing to.

There are a few sights scattered across the island I'd love to see so I asked around at the rental car counters for a deal. The cheapest I could find was some kind of ultra subcompact Ford for over $100 a day. The guy at Hertz even offered me a Mercedes for $380 a day. As much as I would love to roll up into my cheap $20 a night hotel in a Benz, that is ...

Where Shopping is a Pleasure. Isn't that Publix's slogan? I found a grocery store called Billa where shopping may not be such a pleasure but their checkout stand can put you on a road to some. Now visualize the g rated checkout stand at Publix. All the "racy" tabloids are covered up because God forbid should someone steal a glance at Britney Spears sans panties. Besides, our magazines but a big black rectangle over anything worth looking ...

Happy 6th Birthday to Zak. Caught the shuttle but into town which was a long way from the ship and it was quite hot, so we didn't walk. Had a look at an old Castle but couldn't take photos so decided not to go right inside. Walked up and down and around all the streets. Went down to the waterfront which had a huge park right along it on the other side of the road. No beach; it was all rocks but quite pretty and relaxing. We had lunch in a Greek cafe where the ...

Cyprus was never on our list of places to go or see for that matter, as it is so far off coarse. But Cyprus is now where we find ourselves, as this is were boats from Israel land. After all the horns, hustle and bustle that is the Middle East it is quite refreshing to be back in a European country where we don't get asked constantly to look into someone's shop, hassled all day long and Shona can ...

All packing and cleaning is underway !!! Only 36 or so hours left before we hit the tarmac at Larnaca !! Just need to get the dog wormed and de-flead (not that he has them !), groomed and then buy him a travel box for the flight !

Fingers crossed all our accommodation arrangements have been made for Athens and Samothraki !

Sunday, July 5th, 2009
This began one of the longest driving
days of the entire trip. If you get the chance look at a map of
Cyprus. We left Nicosia and headed to Agia Napa. En route we
stopped at a fishing village and several famous beaches. From there
we headed to Larnaka where following conflicting signs to the
Larnaca, Cyprus lantian1979

... is certainly a great place to vacation in the early fall. Late October and early November was still quite warm to our standards, but the tourist season was over for Eurpeans so it was a good place to vacation as it was moderately priced.

We should be arriving at Larnaca airport around now... From here we'll be taking a rental car, not sure which one yet as I've currently got them into a bit of a bidding war, details to follow when confirmed. We'll be moving immediately after arrival to our first location, just outside of Limassol, up in the hills for a bit of peace and quiet.

... on the road out number locals. Passed through villages with local specialties displayed on trestle tables up to the highest town, Trodos. In winter this town and surrounding area transforms into a ski resort and come 5.00pm I could feel the chilly bite of the mountain breeze. The campsite at 1650m was superb, if not a bit chilly. Carpets were laid out to pitch tens on and the facilities are spotless ...