Dogs and passports

The crossing into the north near Ledra Palace

A few weeks ago, we took a walk down in the old town with some visitors.  We had planned to do a favourite walk, which crosses over to the north at the Ledra Palace checkpoint, and then circles back through the Arab quarter (Arabhamet) in the Turkish half of the old town before crossing back to the south at the main checkpoint in the centre of town.  On this walk you traverse several distinct cultures and building styles in the space of just a few km, and get a real sense of the economic disparity that exists between the north and the south.  The sun was shining bright, so we thought we'd take the dog with us.  We didn't get far though, as we were stopped at the first Greek checkpoint and told that there was a new rule stating that animals were not allowed to cross.  We found this somewhat ironic, given the number of cats and other animals that regularly traverse the buffer zone sans passport. Fortunately we have some friends who live close to the checkpoint, so were able to leave Zoe behind and carry on with our walk regardless. 

Looking across towards the Arab quarter in the old town

It's interesting to ponder on some of the other challenges that the ongoing division of the island creates.  For example, sewage and waste.  In the old town itself, which is only approx 4km across, there are two distinct and segregated sewage and water systems; one for the north and one for the south, lest there be any possiblity of sewage flowing from one side to the other.  Currency is another example, where in the space of 100metres, the legal tender changes from Euro to Turkish Lira; or mobile phone networks, where Turkish phones do not work on the Greek side and vice versa, different car insurance policies.........the list goes on.  All this to say that the ongoing division of the island comes at a huge cost, both in economic and social terms.   

39 years and counting this year since the island was divided, with minimal signs of progress or an intent to take steps towards resolution from either the Greek or Turkish sides of the island.

Looking into the buffer zone

Selimiye Mosque in the north, which was once a St Sophia's
cathedral.  Phaneromi Greek Orthodox Church in foreground 

Just in case a person forgets about the island's division! This Turkish
Cypriot flag overlooks Nicosia, and flashes all night every night 

Election time in Cyprus

Current president Demetris Christofias (on left), engaged
in UN sponsored peace talks 

It's election time in Cyprus, and voters will go to the polls to elect a new president on 17th Feb.  Cyprus has a presidential system of Government, with the elected leader sitting for a 5 year term.  The current president, Demetris Christofias (from the communist Progressive Party of Working People) is not seeking re-election. Twelve new candidates are standing for the presidency, representing a full spectrum of political parties and views.  If no candidate wins atleast 50% of the vote on the 17th Feb, a second round will take place the following week between the two top candidates to determine the presidency. 

Nicos Anastasiades: widely tipped to be the next
President of Cyprus

The elections are taking place at a challenging time for the island, with the current economic crisis and a pending European/Russian financial bailout, conditional upon heavy austerity measures across all parts of the public sector.  Think Greece but with a much smaller economy.  Likewise there is minimal progress on talks with Turkey regarding north Cyprus.  So there is no shortage of challenges for the incoming President.  Despite there being 12 formal contenders, the race is basically down to three candidates: Nicos Anastasiades, Giorgos Lillikas and Stavros Malas, with Anastasiades widely tipped to win.  

On another note, we've enjoyed having some visitors from Australia over the past week.  Sarah's cousin Jan, husband Pip and daughter Isabelle have been with us after their trip to Ethiopia and the UK.  It's been a great time of cousins re-connecting after a tumultuous decade of child-rearing. Sharing in a few favourite places around Cyprus is always a great reminder of this interesting island.  The weather has been relatively mild also, but still cold enough to keep some snow on the mountains.  A few pics from the visit are included below:

Time for good-byes; it's been great to enjoy a bit of Turner family

Dancing on the wing.....Is that safe?

Jessie's pink ear muffs add to the glamour at Kyrenia harbour

"Dad, I'm done with this castle.  I'm hungry"

Climbing St Hilarion Castle

Some loud family meals,
especially with The Love/Hate game

Jan wanting to take Monica home (no chance)

Looking for Turkey in the distance

Sam turns 6

Well, another year older for Sam.  And what a great age six is for a typical backyard party.  A good thing we moved to a house not long ago...The day was fine and mild, the kids ran outdoors, the noise level was nice and high, Jessie, Angus & Monica helped so it was all pretty relaxed with the children kept busy with game after game after game.

A week of recovering from jet lag had Sam waking up a LOT earlier than necessary; so we took the opportunity for some party planning.  I was so appreciative of being in a small city where people don't over plan and are able to attend a celebration with 3 days notice.  With a few mental notes accumulated from a couple of previous 6yr old parties, this one was easy to put together: good friends, favourite foods, a creative cake and traditional birthday games.  Simple formula, never fails.

choc-dip strawbs a 'must' for Sam once again

I figure that at 6yrs the Birthday boy need 'not' get the final gift in
Pass the Parcel...just growing resilience in the smallest of ways :)

Sam's Treasure Island cake with hidden treasure inside.
Seasons are-a-changin' when Mum gets to decorate the cake!

A summer downunder

A few holiday pics

We returned this week from a month in Australia.  The flight home was largely uneventful, apart from Sam spraining a toe whilst scootering about 15 minutes before we left in the taxi for the airport in Sydney, meaning that Ross had the pleasure(!) of carrying Sam through Sydney and Dubai airports during transit.  Ah the joys of travel with children..... 

It was great to reconnect with family and friends whilst on our holiday, and also to remind ourselves of the community, beach, mountains and all the other things we love about Australia.  For the kids especially the visit was significant, as after almost 2 years they are well settled in Cyprus but often think about friends and life back in Australia.  They had a lovely break but were all glad to arrive back in Cyprus last Monday, and were packed and ready to head off to school the next day.  Mum and Dad were a little jetlagged(!) but followed close behind with a return to work and normal activities this week.  Also a return to winter weather, after some high temperatures in Australia.

Sam in good spirits for long flight back from Sydney!

Time at the nook was a joy on the holiday

A happy reunion for Jessie back in Cyprus

Christmas concerts

Pre-show nerves and mental preparation for the Reindeers.......

Last week saw the normal confluence of Christmas concerts for the kids at school.  Even Anna managed to get in on the action this year, with a powerful and emotive performance(!) as a reindeer in the school concert.  There was much discussion in the Piper house in the lead up to the shows regarding various dancesteps, songlines and who might fluff their lines.  

The primary school did 'Christmas around the world' as the theme for their show.  Angus' class had the Australia slot which was highly appropriate for him.  During this year, Angus has become somewhat adept at a range of accents, particularly a convincing Scottish brogue.  For the Christmas show his school teacher was a little nervous, as during rehearsals Angus was delivering his one and only line for the show 'g'day mate, let's go to the beach and have a barbie', loud and bold in his best Scottish accent.   I think only the  threat of heavy sanctions and a possible detention on Monday prompted Angus to revert to a broad Australian accent when the line was actually delivered on the night.  

Jessie's first violin performance

It was also lovely to see Sam taking confidently to the stage for various Christmas concerts.  There's definitely a budding thespian there.

We head off for Australia on Tuesday night.  Much excitement and anticipation for us all as we look forward to seeing friends and family again.      

The 5th graders sang a Christmas song from Malawi

Sam enjoys some rare moments alone with Zoe
(ie: when Jessie is not there!)

Sometimes Anna gives Zoe a bit too much love

Nicosia marathon

Under bright blue skies this morning, Nicosia held a marathon event.  A smallish field of runners mostly from Cyprus and Greece assembled, and set off at an early hour through the old town from the starting line.  I did the half marathon, and ended up finishing in just under 2 hours.  It was a good run, but I've been hobbling around for most of the day since finishing.  Feels like I'm getting a bit old for this marathon business, but it's always inspirational to see some runners still going strong in their 50's and 60's.  I was reflecting on the last proper race I did in Limmasol last March, and all that has happened at work since then.  It's been a year of significant change for World Vision in the region, and I'm thankful to have made it through the year in good health and not too much stress.   Plenty to reflect on and be thankful for.

As part of the race program today they held a 1km sprint race for kids, and both Jessie and Angus participated.  They loved the atmosphere and to be a part of the race, and both put in a good showing. Jessie's only disappointment was that she did not bring Zoe after seeing a number of other runners with dogs in tow.  Perhaps next year! 

A trip to the funfair last night was on Sam's 'things to do
when Mum's in London' bucket list

Winter comes

Angus channelling his inner karate kid

Winter has arrived in Cyprus these last few weeks, well a relatively mild version of European winter anyway.  We've enjoyed lighting the fire on several nights, and with more rain and the first signs of snow on the Troodos Mountains, everyone has been reaching for winter coats, gloves and hats.  Everyone except for Anna that is, who still would be quite happy to go to preschool in t-shirt and sandals if she was not forced to wear something warmer.  As our fourth child, Anna continues to both amuse and perplex.  Last week Sarah bought her a copy of the Mr Men book 'Little Miss Stubborn', which she has taken an immediate liking to.  Clearly some deep themes about surviving as a 4th child there....... may be a subject for the psychologist's couch in future years (with me as the patient of course!).

Speaking of psychology, Sarah is away again in London this weekend for the second part of the professional development course she is attending.  I think she is enjoying the opportunity to engage a different part of her brain, and also just some headspace away from the kids.  So with Sarah away, it's back to basics, with DVD's and pizza as the standard fare, a nice fire burning tonight and a measure of good Armenian cognac to finish the week.

A recent hike where we were joined by a few hundred goats

On Sunday we are running in a few events linked with the Nicosia Marathon.  I'm running the half marathon, and Jessie and Angus are involved in a 1km race as part of a school team.  The fact that the race is going ahead at all is positive for Nicosia, as last year's race was cancelled and the general economic situation in Cyprus has been very tough this year (think Greece, but with a much smaller economy).  Many shops are closing, along with public sector cuts and a bailout package that requires further austerity measures across the government sector.   It seems that people are pulling back to basic necessities.  A good friend of ours who is a mechanic said that business is very tough.  People have basically stopped servicing their cars, and choose to wait until cars actually break down before they will spend money on a mechanic.  The same applies across most service industries.  On a somewhat lighter note there was even talk in the press recently of Cyprus pulling out of the 2013 Eurovision song contest due to financial reasons.  Thankfully good sense(!) has prevailed and the country will be fielding an entry in Malmo next year.

Angus in his Arsenal kit

We are looking forward to a visit back to Australia in a few weeks time.  It feels like the last few years have passed quickly.  The kids have settled very well into life in Cyprus , but are all looking forward to reconnecting with a glimpse of 'home' and a summer Christmas.  Other events for us in the last few weeks:

- We enjoyed having a housewarming with around 100 people at our place.  At some points it was a bit like a scene out of Oliver Twist, with children in every room of the house crawling out from under beds and in cupboards etc.  Overall a fun night though, and it was nice to welcome people to our new place

- The kids are enjoying preparing for the end of year school concerts.  Sam is particularly excited for his contribution as part of the 'Kitty Katz Dance School' (complete with white dancing shoes.....seriously stylish)

- Angus is loving his football.  He currently goes to Arsenal football school a few nights each week, and also plays in a comp on Saturday mornings. I'm convinced this is linked somehow to his reluctance to get a haircut, as he may be aspiring to get a hairnet or hairband like some of the European top players. 

Here's a few other pics of life over the last month or so........

High stakes skipping in the front yard

Some Russian friends, Andrei, Katiya and Artur

Sarah at a recent murder mystery night.  Quite a fetching
outfit don't you think??

Zoe gets a long overdue wash a few weeks back

Some houswarming guests from Ross' work