An 18th Wedding Anniversary

In keeping with our annual tradition of taking a bit of time out together on our wedding anniversary, Sarah asked our landlords if we could visit their village and stay overnight. The village is called Kormakides and it's a 45min drive to the north west of Nicosia. Although it is located in the north of Cyprus, there are still a number of Greek Cypriots living there or visiting regularly.  Mostly, it is a Maronite community, with a large church in the centre of the village.  The language spoken in the village is actually Aramaic, and the architecture of the houses is quite distinctive from other parts of Cyprus.  Our landlord, George, is an active member of the community as well as a descendant of one of the Maronite bishops from last century.  His house actually belonged to the bishop many years ago and there are some beautiful old photographs displayed on his walls, including one of George and the pope!  The house itself, over 100 years old, has been kept in good condition and still retains that beautiful old feel.

The village of Komakides, with Maronite church centre left

Despite Sarah not feeling in the best of health; it was good for us both to get away.  We enjoyed a walk in the fields...

A sunset....

Some slow cooked meat over dinner...along with the anniversary conversations as well as the tiresome Sydney real estate talk! (fortunately the latter finished only a week later)

In the morning, Ross went for a run to view the ocean, and I stayed back to watch the morning birds.  Inspired by Sam's recent attempts at poetry and the lovely vista; I put pen to paper myself.  I quite enjoy writing the odd poem and this was no exception.

After breakfast, George showed me his orchard and all that he was growing.  He picked fresh figs and pomegranates off the tree and gave them to me.  I don't ever want to forget the sweet lush taste of that late summer fig!

As you can see, we relaxed in the house in the morning...

 Ross on the lounge reading the Sydney Morning Herald!

...and then headed for a lie in the sun and a swim.

It was great to mark the occasion and a good restful tonic for both of us.  Who knows how we'll celebrate next year?

The Old Dart

Last week for the kid's mid-term break, we undertook a long overdue family trip to London.  The week was a good balance of exploring the city with the kids and also catching up with some old and dear friends.  It was fun to play tourist for a while and all be together in all types of weather!  We took in a range of London sights and experiences during the week, with regular rides on the tube and the big red double decker bus being a positive feature.  We stayed in an apartment near Russell Square tube station so everything was in easy reach.

Killing time in transit - Athens airport enroute to London

We emerge off the tube; map in hand.  Where to find our apartment?

A "hot chocolate" birthday for Sarah!

The pictures tell it all:

- Fantastic views from the London Eye, in a rare moment of sunshine!

- A visit to Arsenal football stadium with Angus.  He got to 'touch' his favourite player Jack Wilshere's playing shirt in the Arsenal changing room, and has vowed to never wash his left hand again!

- A visit to Howarths of London; apparently the shop for all things 'oboe'.

A new oboe in hand! We're all done for the next 10 birthdays :)

- Visits to various London sites including a spot of Christmas ice skating outside the Natural History museum in Kensington.

Anyone for some M&M's?

Kensington Palace

For any Harry Potter fans out there!
Platform 9&3/4 at Kings Cross Station

- A number of visits to Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus with the early Christmas decorations and lights already appearing.

Remembrance Day festivities

Sam and Anna having a dance at Covent Garden!

- A chance to watch the West End show "Matilda", based on Roald Dahl's book.  To quote Sam and Jessie: "that was the best thing of my whole life!"  Angus loved it too, despite this deceptive photograph.

- And of course a chance to catch up with a number of old and dear friends.

Fiona Prior and Sarah

The Prior and Piper clans combine for an evening!

We had a great week all up and were really thankful we could do it so spontaneously. The visit reminded us of what it would be like to live in a colder climate, and the hassle of keeping the kids warm They just wouldn't believe us when we told them it was cold (6 degrees) outside.  We often take the mild climate in Cyprus for granted, but we certainly appreciated getting off the plane in Cyprus to a pleasant 22 degrees.  Only now, in mid-November, are we starting to get a touch of winter.

Zoe's Birthday Party

You know when a pet truly becomes part of the family when you give it a DOG PARTY.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated Zoe being with us for exactly one year.  We think she's around 2yrs of age but we've decided to make her birthday date the day she moved in with us.

As we all know, kids need things to do over the long summer holidays.  Way back in July, Jessie had the idea to plan a party for Zoe and invite all our 'dog friends'.  Here is the planning sheet diligently prepared by Jessie, with all details including invitees, dog games, food, gifts and prizes:

So with great anticipation the day arrived.  Guests turned up with dogs in tow (some enthusiastic, and others not so convinced about the concept!).  Overall a great afternoon was had by all, apart from the numerous cats who inhabit the Ukrainian embassy next door. The cats decided that discretion was the better part of valour and adopted a low profile for the afternoon. Festivities concluded with a 'dog cake' that Jessie had baked for the actual dogs themselves (based on a recipe from the internet)!

The scoreboard

Pep-talk before the competition begins!

.........some singing and a birthday cake

And finally time for some sleep!

Happy birthday Zoe!