View from the Troodos Mountains. Christine and the Simpsons took a 7K hike around Mt. Olympus one afternoon. We got a late start because all 5 hikers started down the wrong path and 2 hours later (this included a picnic lunch) we started down the real trail. It was a beautiful hike, scenic views and narrow paths along the rim. This photo shows a lovely almost-Alpine village we passed thru on our way up the mountain and the huge number of evergreens.
Christine placing an 8th glass atop the head of the Cypriot dancer. We had dinner here in May and knew the show, however, this time the glasses all fell and of course, Christine almost died of embarrasment. Four of our group had the delicious suckling pig - pork was on the menu every meal!
Scott on a back street of Limassol. Limassol in the largest port and an ancient city. This building had a placque with 1756 and the doorsteps are so high because the entire street bed had been removed for resurfacing. We wandered these maze-like back streets and viewed old mosques, marketplaces, the fortress (excellent museum) before our lunch with Simpsons and a walk along the corniche. Just outside Limassol is Kolossi Castle where the Crusaders made their quarters, fostering the making of the oldest named wine in the world, "Commandaria." Richard the Lionhearted in a documented visitor and was married here.
Encountered goat herders on one of our drives thru the hills. There were two herders & several dogs to manage this large group which crossed the road right in front of our car - so old world and so interesting to witness.
Scott enjoying a Carlsberg while we waited for our lunch on the last day. The weather had turned from brilliant blue skies and slight breezes to quite cloudy. This did not damper our spirits and we so enjoyed this little inner courtyard at a small hotel's restaurant. The waiter and the chef came out the talk with us and we were asked lots of questions about America.
We decided to try the Last Castle again (it was Christine's favorite meal in May). The castle is at the top of a dirt road up a steep hill. You have to have reservations and we couldn't find the correct number, so we drove up twice - once to book our table and once to enjoy our meal. Well worth the effort - the roast chicken and pork were exceptional. The winds were really gusting hill top and we had to eat with our jackets on, but the wine and foods warmed us. The wind was rustling the autumn fading leaves and swaying the clusters of grapes still clinging to the vines. It was the last day of the season for the restaurant, so the Simpsons had to miss this adventure in driving and dining, but we got them a business card. They can phone for reservations.
Christine, Emily Simpson, Lucy (Emily's school friend), Martin and Paula Simpson at lunch in the courtyard of The Kiniras Hotel-Restaurant. Many of the upstairs room opened on to this lovely space of about 12 tables, lovely potted plants & excellent service and good food.
Martin and Paula Simpson at a little cafe across from the Sea Caves. We had a drink and watched the sun set - lovely, just what you want to do on holiday.
The Sea Caves, Emily and Lucy walked all the way out and around the rim. It was so lovely and we were able to watch their silhouettes as they danced and played into the sun set.
Martin, Lucy, Paula and Emily at our picnic in the Troodos. Due to walking an hour in the wrong direction, we were starved and the troops revolted and refused to do the real trail until fed. Martin acquiesced and we enjoyed a simple picnic of meat, cheese, breads, eggs and wine before we began the 7K hike. Some of the trail was quite narrow (not great for a person with height issues) and rocky but the views were spectacular and worth the false start and chilled temps as we rounded the mountain and did the last 2K without benefits of the sun's warming rays. Scott wasn't feeling well and had taken a med that made him a tad sleepy. He stayed behind to nap, read his book and enjoy his I-pod in peace.
This is the sign that greeted us on way out of the airport - such simple sign, but such lovely places and people we were excited to explore. Our thoughts were to let the adventure begin!
Peyia outside of Paphos on the western side of the island. Peyia is built into the hillside and although this is gentle slope, it gets fairly steep as the roads wind their way up across the hill. Our villa was just up this street. Most of the houses are chalk white with a tile roof, but lots of greenery planted in every nook and cranny of the compact properties. There were fig and pomegrante trees outside out villa and the neighbor brought us grapefruit from her garden.
St. Paul's Pillars in Paphos. This site features a fairly small church (Catholic Church maintains it but it is used for services by all denominations. The entire area is quite large and is still be excavated. It has several buildings build on top of each other included a large mosque and a cathedral. There are pillars, mosaics, arches, tombs all over the site and you cannot walk among the ruins. Very interested as it is the official site of St. Paul's ministry in Cyprus.
Christine at Ayios Georgious (St. Georges). A pristine sunbathing and small marina just down the hill from...
Small Byzantine Catholic Church. We went in to explore and found the church beautifully maintained with lots of icons, flowers and woodwork.
View from the Troodos Mountains. Christine and the Simpsons took a 7K hike around Mt. Olympus one afternoon. We got a late start because all 5 hikers started down the wrong path and 2 hours later (this included a picnic lunch) we started down the real trail. It was a beautiful hike, scenic views and narrow paths along the rim. This photo shows a lovely almost-Alpine village we passed thru on our way up the mountain and the huge number of evergreens.
Christine placing an 8th glass atop the head of the Cypriot dancer. We had dinner here in May and knew the show, however, this time the glasses all fell and of course, Christine almost died of embarrasment. Four of our group had the delicious suckling pig - pork was on the menu every meal!
Scott on a back street of Limassol. Limassol in the largest port and an ancient city. This building had a placque with 1756 and the doorsteps are so high because the entire street bed had been removed for resurfacing. We wandered these maze-like back streets and viewed old mosques, marketplaces, the fortress (excellent museum) before our lunch with Simpsons and a walk along the corniche. Just outside Limassol is Kolossi Castle where the Crusaders made their quarters, fostering the making of the oldest named wine in the world, "Commandaria." Richard the Lionhearted in a documented visitor and was married here.
Encountered goat herders on one of our drives thru the hills. There were two herders & several dogs to manage this large group which crossed the road right in front of our car - so old world and so interesting to witness.
Scott enjoying a Carlsberg while we waited for our lunch on the last day. The weather had turned from brilliant blue skies and slight breezes to quite cloudy. This did not damper our spirits and we so enjoyed this little inner courtyard at a small hotel's restaurant. The waiter and the chef came out the talk with us and we were asked lots of questions about America. 
We decided to try the Last Castle again (it was Christine's favorite meal in May). The castle is at the top of a dirt road up a steep hill. You have to have reservations and we couldn't find the correct number, so we drove up twice - once to book our table and once to enjoy our meal. Well worth the effort - the roast chicken and pork were exceptional. The winds were really gusting hill top and we had to eat with our jackets on, but the wine and foods warmed us. The wind was rustling the autumn fading leaves and swaying the clusters of grapes still clinging to the vines. It was the last day of the season for the restaurant, so the Simpsons had to miss this adventure in driving and dining, but we got them a business card. They can phone for reservations.
Christine, Emily Simpson, Lucy (Emily's school friend), Martin and Paula Simpson at lunch in the courtyard of The Kiniras Hotel-Restaurant. Many of the upstairs room opened on to this lovely space of about 12 tables, lovely potted plants & excellent service and good food.
Martin and Paula Simpson at a little cafe across from the Sea Caves. We had a drink and watched the sun set - lovely, just what you want to do on holiday.
The Sea Caves, Emily and Lucy walked all the way out and around the rim. It was so lovely and we were able to watch their silhouettes as they danced and played into the sun set.
Martin, Lucy, Paula and Emily at our picnic in the Troodos. Due to walking an hour in the wrong direction, we were starved and the troops revolted and refused to do the real trail until fed. Martin acquiesced and we enjoyed a simple picnic of meat, cheese, breads, eggs and wine before we began the 7K hike. Some of the trail was quite narrow (not great for a person with height issues) and rocky but the views were spectacular and worth the false start and chilled temps as we rounded the mountain and did the last 2K without benefits of the sun's warming rays. Scott wasn't feeling well and had taken a med that made him a tad sleepy. He stayed behind to nap, read his book and enjoy his I-pod in peace.
This is the sign that greeted us on way out of the airport - such simple sign, but such lovely places and people we were excited to explore. Our thoughts were to let the adventure begin!
Peyia outside of Paphos on the western side of the island. Peyia is built into the hillside and although this is gentle slope, it gets fairly steep as the roads wind their way up across the hill. Our villa was just up this street. Most of the houses are chalk white with a tile roof, but lots of greenery planted in every nook and cranny of the compact properties. There were fig and pomegrante trees outside out villa and the neighbor brought us grapefruit from her garden.
St. Paul's Pillars in Paphos. This site features a fairly small church (Catholic Church maintains it but it is used for services by all denominations. The entire area is quite large and is still be excavated. It has several buildings build on top of each other included a large mosque and a cathedral. There are pillars, mosaics, arches, tombs all over the site and you cannot walk among the ruins. Very interested as it is the official site of St. Paul's ministry in Cyprus.
Christine at Ayios Georgious (St. Georges). A pristine sunbathing and small marina just down the hill from...
Small Byzantine Catholic Church. We went in to explore and found the church beautifully maintained with lots of icons, flowers and woodwork. 
Looks like you had another fabulous holiday! Thanks for sharing. :-)
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