Cyprus in Winter

Yesterday I took a long walk around the property of the hotel where we are staying in Paphos. Cyprus is an incredibly beautiful place–even though it is the middle of winter. Of course, there are some dead flowers and leaves along the way, but generally I found a lot of color and life. Yes, there…

King James English

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound there of but canst tell whither it cometh or whither it goeth” John 3:8. Here is the NIV translation–it’s a little easier to understand: “The wind blows where it wants to. You hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or…

Ancient Baskets

Years ago, way before refrigeration, baskets like this hung from the ceilings of the homes in Cyprus. Perishable food items were stored there safely away from mice and critters, maybe even snakes. You will find them now as interesting artifacts and decor hanging from the ceilings of many mountain restaurants.

The Light Without… Within…

It is hard to believe this photo is from an island in the Mediterranean Sea! Here we are on the top of the Troodos mountains on the way to a quaint village called Kakopetria. The sunshine reflecting on the snow stung our eyes but was so glorious… I felt like I was in Colorado! When…

A Place by the Fire…

There is just something about a warm fire on a cold evening… Friends in the exchange of  interesting conversation… And good food and drink  That just warms the cockles of the heart… way down to the toes!

Ancient Beads

As I travel internationally, I am always on the lookout for bead stores. And I am especially scouting out antique beads. I buy them and make jewellery. Last spring in a quaint, off-the-road antique store in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I found ancient amber and silver beads and handcrafted Stars of David. In Israel, I found…

Here on the Mountain…

Rain is a precious commodity anywhere but especially in Cyprus. Last week we had a steady stream of sprinkling from heaven that soaked the ground and filled our hearts with joy at the same time. Every time we visit Cyprus we find ourselves joining the locals’ prayers for rain. The land is so dry right now,…

Snow and Sea

One of the things I love most about Cyprus is the variety in terrain. It is easy to drive from mountain peaks to shore line in a short time. Last Saturday, we were on top of the Troodos mountains playing in the snow, and Sunday looking out upon the ancient port city, Paphos. This is…

Men in Kilts

Well, we all have heard of “men in black.” Here we have “men in kilts.” In the community, every birthday is important. To celebrate two of the young women’s birthday, the guys brought out a cake wearing kilts. Did I mention one of them is from Scotland? None of these kilts look truly “tartanish.” 

Meze Last Night

Yesterday was the most beautiful day we have had in the past week here in the mountains of Cyprus. The sun warmed the house, so we didn’t need to turn the heat on all day. I really enjoyed basking in the light and soaking in some vitamin D. I have been sick with an old-fashioned cold for…