Letters from Cyprus: 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!