Saturday, May 11th
Today we are visiting the island of Cyprus, just south of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea.
Cyprus is the largest of the Mediterranean islands and has a population of over 1.2 million people. For the last 40 years it has been divided as shown on map above into Turkish and Greek areas when Turkey invaded the island in 1974. They finally settled after international pressure led to a cease fire. Today the Turks and Greek get along fairly well and are allowed to cross each other's borders. The Greek Orthodox religion is practiced by 80% of the people here. Every year 1 million tourists come here, mostly Russians in the summer and Europeans in the winter. They have 340 days of sun here each year. Cyprus is in big financial trouble like other countries in Europe. They use the euro here. Nicosia is its capital. Our guide said the cost of living here is pretty expensive. Cypress trees line a lot of the streets her but we did see some palm trees which they bought from Egypt. The wine made here is peculiar to Cyprus and tastes kind of like a port wine. We enjoyed our tour, and especially, our shopping in the old part of Limassol. This is a place we could come back to, unlike India. The people are fun loving and very nice.
When I opened our balcony curtain this morning at 6:15, I was starring at this incredible rainbow. I looked around but did not see and rain nearby. It was so close it seemed I could touch it. What a way to start the day! The colors of the rainbow were even more brilliant than shown in the photos.
Tour buses lined up and waiting as we docked.
Our tour departed ship at 8:50. Our bus was only about half full and it was very nice.
We just toured the south part of the island but it was covered with all kinds of fruit orchards: orange, grapes, kiwi, avocado, pomegranate, carob (chocolate substitute), plus others.
Oranges hanging on the trees
One of several churches we passed
Palms brought here from Egypt.
Our first stop was at the Kourion archaeological site. History here dates back to the 14th century BC. The city-kingdom probably encompassed the area from the ocean in the valley and on the mountain.
This amphitheater was built towards end of the 2nd century BC. Many earthquakes have destroyed most of the area but some USA archaeologists excavated and recreated this theater in 1937. Most of it is still missing. It use to hold 3000 people and the stage blocked the great view of the ocean.
Our guide was not as cute at this group's. We had a guy.
This is a carob tree.
This is the carob's seed pods can be crushed and used as a substitute for cocoa. Not as good as cocoa but healthier.
Rain shower in the distance. We have not seen rain for weeks.
Ruins of the House of Eustolius is covered to protect the ruins.
Shot of the old walk way.
The initial phase of the house was built during the Roman period and was remodeled in the 3rd and 4th century AD. It was a huge house with many rooms as its owner was very wealthy. The house was destroyed around end of 7th century AD.
Some of the mosiac floors preserved here now.
Probably a water holding well inside the house as you can see canal leaving to it.
This castle was built in mid 1450's AD.
Back wall of castle
On first floor and room when you enter.
Roof of the castle.
Big, nice park in downtown Limassol.
Driving along shore. Nice beach but sand was more volcanic and grey.
Greek Orthodox church
Handicrafts being made and sold.
Men were playing a game on the street.
Anna was from Romania. I bought a t-shirt. Then on way out I found some local wine (to give to head sommelier on the ship) so returned and bought that. Then on way out 3rd time Rebecca saw a small bottle to put olive oil in back in my kitchen so returned and bought that. I told Anna to put some blinders on me so I could get our of her shop. She was really nice.
Passing church on way to the castle.
Coat of Arms of the castle
Small draw bridge is entrance of castle
room next to one above and probably dining room.
Views from roof today
Bev & Rich who we had dinner with the evening before.
Vineyards
Cafes
Off the bus again and walking streets of old part of Limassol
Most of these were storage rooms as the old port was nearby. Now they are being made into shops.
Streets were very clean and our walk was really nice. At end of walk we were given over an hour to shop and explore the place on our own.
As I walked by this couple's jewelry show a necklace in the window caught my eye. This man makes all the jewelry in his shop and it is very unique. Again they were very nice and made me a good price on the necklace so I bought it. Help!! I think I am mentally ill buying Rebecca all this jewelry, twice in one week!
This brings me for my thought of the week: "A woman once said a man is like a deck of cards as you need,
A heart to love him
A diamond to marry him
A club to beat him and
A spade to bury him."
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