Aahh...Troodos

Just when we thought there was no escaping this hot dusty town of Nicosia....we found Troodos; Cyprus' summer playground for non-beach goers.  It's not that we'd never been to the Troodos Mountains before; it's just that we'd never STAYED there overnight. And thus hadn't really appreciated all that it has to offer....

Only an hour from our door, the drive takes us through many beautiful villages as we climb the northern side of the mountain. One day we will stop and have lunch at one of the Trout farm restaurants that dot the river or take a picnic and spend the day enjoying shady pine forests and running streams. As we ascend higher, the tiny towns lure the tourist with their roasted nuts, embroidered linen and colourful trinkets. Hiking signs and mountain bike trails abound (which sadly we dismiss as almost impossible with a 2yr old). The pine trees get higher and the temperature lowers. We could be in heaven.

Thanks to a tip from a friend, we found a very PLUSH camping site; complete with canvas tents, beds off the floor, hot showers, fully equipped outdoor kitchen AND an old ping-pong table.  Nobody else there, just a friendly couple who were caretakers of the site that week.  What bliss for our family.  Almost a 'Nook-esque' summer mountains holiday.  We had planned to stay just overnight but ended up taking 2 nights...why not?  The weather was perfect in every sense, the views from the ridge spectacular, and just to top it off, there wasn't a mozzy in sight.  We took a short walk and found some hikes to come back to, the kids played by the stream, we lived totally outdoors, played games, took a drive and even splurged on a horse ride.  Can't wait to return.

As much as I love the beach and all...the mountains in summer, away from the heat and the crowds, is pure magic.  Here are a few snaps in case you need convincing.