Back on Sunflower

Sunflower still in the same spot where we left her!

It's hard to believe it is over four weeks since we got back to Sunflower! We made it back to Cyprus with all our baggage (including a 42 inch cardboard box containing a new water maker membrane and 17 kilos of hand luggage instead of 8!)and no major dramas. The only mini drama was Alan got a toothache the night before we left, so the first thing we had to do when we got back was arranging a visit to a dentist and hiring a car to get there. Famagusta is our nearest big town and it's an hours drive away, so we needed a car.

Sunflower was in great shape, just as we left her. Even some of my house plants survived! Alan had rigged up this self watering system which worked quite well. They aren't looking too healthy, but I think that’s due to lack of light rather than lack of water, anyway I will manage one small pot plant at least until it grows enough to take some cuttings:)

 

The whole island looks like this.

The trip to the dentist required a root canal, which the female dentist performed on the spot. She looked about 15 and had hair falling over her eyes and jeans that looked like they had been sprayed on, but she seemed to know what she was doing. She put Alan on a course of antibiotics and told us to return in a week. Unfortunately the infection hadn’t cleared up totally, so she packed the tooth with more antibiotics and we had a third appointment for a week later! At least Alan no longer looked like a hamster with his cheeks stuffed full of nuts and he no longer had any pain. On the third visit all was well and she put in a permanent filling. However three lots of car hire weren't in the budget but the total bill for the 3 visits was about $100, a bargain!

Cyprus seems to be a very different country to the one we left at the beginning of December. It was all burnt dry by the summer sun, the only green to be seen were the ancient gnarled olive trees, everything elsewhere was brown, dry and dusty. Now with all the winter rain the countryside has burst into lush greenery. The fields are waist high with all manner of wild flowers and different grasses. There are a hundred different shades of yellow flowers, with white pink and lilac thrown in and then my favourite; the red splash of bright poppies. The trees are in bloom too, with blossoms, drooping yellow mimosa and a spectacular purple bloom I have never seen before. It makes such a difference and it is such a joy to drive around the countryside. Less than 4 weeks ago we were in wintry snow clad Newfoundland, then we moved to England where spring hadn't quite sprung and the fields were all still brown and the trees still bare ,to here where all is a riot of growth.

Apparently they had a bad winter here with lots of storms and rain, but now the weather is really pleasant. The days are generally bright and sunny and about 21 degrees although the evenings are a lot colder around 10 degrees.

We have decided on a big spring clean and are trying to get rid of some 'stuff'. With all the toing and froing to the dentist our plans for a big varnish session was delayed but is now underway.

Since we have been away a new gym has opened at the marina (free to us berth holders) However it is a bit of a scary looking place with mirrored walls and space age machines. There is also a personal trainer available, although whenever I have peeped in he seems to be on his lonesome on his lap top. I had thought I might give it a go, but it all looks a bit intimidating, we'll see...

The torture room

The Mini Market is run by Angel.

 There is also a splendid looking 'pirate ship' playground for kids, although it is still roped off. We have also had an invasion of huge palm trees which have been planted in profusion around the marina and look like they are still settling in. However the best news is that the mini market has finally opened! Hooray! Now we can buy fresh bread, cheese and dairy products, dried and tinned goods as well as limited fresh produce. Fresh fish and meat are also available. We have tried the mince, chicken and steak as well as sea bass which was really excellent. The prices seem on a par with the big supermarkets which is also a pleasant change.

The police station at the north end of Cyprus.

We have had some wonderful travels and experiences over the winter, however it is nice to be 'home', even though she does need a coat or 5 of varnish:)