Sam Bieber arrives in Cyprus

After many weeks of high 30's or 40+ degrees, strange things are starting to happen to the kids as the long summer holiday rolls on.   Sam has taken a somewhat disturbing liking to Justin Bieber,  Jessie goes on day after day about getting her ears pierced (a birthday promise), Angus continues with his fascination of all things sporting (including regular games of basketball or soccer inside the house!), and Anna has become a seasoned sibling pincher and able to give as good as she gets.  Actually the kids are doing well through the summer, and seem to be settling in to a decent groove to get through the long hot days.  Swims are frequent, and the occasional daytime siesta & kid flick also helps.  As for mum (and dad), the heat has slowed us down such that we actually feel more relaxed than we have in a long time.  No gardens to tend and a lighter activity schedule all round has been quite a liberating experience.  We're looking forward to a beach holiday near Paphos in the second half of August.  


It's amazing how this place empties out in August.  Virtually everything stops for the month - sporting clubs, church, many shops and cultural events are all put on hold as the bulk of the population take their summer break and escape the heat to the coast.  The rolling power cuts at the moment are an added incentive for things to slow down.

Charlotte and the kids in the old town

We've really enjoyed having a few visitors recently, including Charlotte who was our old babysitter from Sydney, and also some good friends from Belgium, Gene and Boris and kids.  We're continuing to explore different parts of the island, and it's been good to do a few trips up to the mountains recently.  This weekend we're going to camp in the mountains, which will be a nice change from the heat of Nicosia.  


Hope all is well for you in your respective parts of the world.  If it's cold where you are, we'll try to send some Mediterranean heat your way!  Both of us are headed downstairs for an evening dip in the pool.  30 degrees and high humidity at 10pm makes for an uncomfortable night.  Adio.

Piper kids + Pierre from Belgium

The Abby at Bellapais

Sam struts his stuff