It's spring, and the marching season is upon us!

The streets are cleared before the marching begins

During the few months leading up to Easter, you don't have to go far in Cyprus before you hear drumming and the practiced footsteps of students marching.  There are a number of 'national' days during this period, and each typically involves marches through cities and towns to commemorate different historic events.  The most recent of these was last Tuesday, where a public holiday marks Greek Independence Day.  Thousands of students marched in Nicosia, along with various military and other Government groups. Some good friends of ours live on a street where the marching is regularly practiced, so they have grown accustomed to wearing ear plugs through the months of March and April!

Angus out the front of the Phaneromi
Church, where the politicians gather
prior to march commencement

The Presidential cars await

And they're off!

Aside from all the marching and public holidays this month, we are all well.  Ross has had a decent break from travelling in March, so it's been good to be able to enjoy various school and social events together as a family.  These have included the International Day at the school, and Ross also managed to sneak in a half marathon in Limmasol a few weeks back (and is slowly recovering the use of his legs again as his middle-age muscles recover)!

Menaka and some of her friends were on
hand to cheer Ross over the line for the
Limmasol Half Marathon

Sam showing some patriotic fervour for International Day

The choir performs at International Day

Anna boldly perseveres with her show at International Day,
despite not being at all in the mood for a performance!

And of course the obligatory Greek dancing, which is a regular feature at school events!