We weren’t on a tight timeline, so we left a bit later than
we had planned. It was about 11am when
we left for Paralimni. Paralimni is
towards the east end of the island. Monday was a banking holiday, so Themi and
his family were staying until Monday. I was driving separately because I was
planning to leave on Sunday for Paphos, a city on the opposite end of the
island. Most of the restaurants and bars were closed since it was still off
season, so it looked a little like a ghost town. The town was very clean and
beautiful though. Up and down the streets there were bars everywhere – it was
clear this was a beach town that thrived on tourism. Before going to the
apartment Themi mentioned we’d stop by a drug store to pick up some
incidentals. On the way searching for a drug store I saw an advertisement for
an In & Out restaurant – is there anything they can’t fake on the island?
We give up on the drug store search and head to the apartment.
Smiling and ready to go!
Themi getting in the...driver seat?
Maria double checking the locks
Arriving
The apartment was a nice 2 bed/1 bath unit with a common
sized balcony. Since his family is only there occasionally and they do not rent
it out, they have neither WiFi nor Cable. Not a big deal, folks go on vacation
to get away from those things. It would though keep me from updating the blog
for a few days. Not a problem, I wrote out my posts in Microsoft Word and would
upload them later.
Mikaelis, bringing up some groceries
Unpacking
The Beach
Shortly after arriving we unpacked and head for the beach.
We were to meet a few of Themi’s friends and their families. As we were walking
down the waterfront about 10 people joined us of all ages. I’m reminded once
again that nothing Greeks do is small or low key – I love it. Me, Themi and his
good friend Dimitri chat for a bit. Themi and Dimitri fish together frequently
during on the on-season. Than Themi mentions my travels. Dimitri used to be a
security officer for the Cypriot Foreign Ministry, so he’s been everywhere.
After some time the rest of the group decides to go back to Dimitri’s – Themi,
Dimitri and I head off for a coffee at a coffee shop. I talk to Dimitri about
Egypt – he mentions safety isn’t a big issue but water and cleanliness is.
Never, ever drink water that isn’t bottled and do not open your mouth in the
shower. Also use bottled water when brushing your teeth. I’ve got my UV and
carbon water filters, but I’m thinking to stick to bottled water going forward.
We also talk about Dubai and Abu Dhabi. He’s a big fan of Abu Dhabi. Go to the
Yas Marina Island and Emirates Palace, he suggested. Parts of the Emirates
Palace are entirely made of gold. They have ATM machines that dispense gold.
The place is crazy he says. He also says fuel there is cheaper than a bottle of
water.
Me & Themi
Me & Dimitri
Dinner
Themi’s told me he had wanted to take me to the best meze
restaurant in Cyprus. Unfortunatly it was closed. We would later bump into the
owner of the meze restaurant and Themi’s would give him a hard time about not
being open. Our alternative is a kebob place that’s also a favorite amongst the
group. We join the group – many of whom are eating and drinking and order.
Everyone is happy and having a blast. Themi’s son, Mikaelis, has been my Greek
teacher for the week. He’s an excellent teacher but I’m a poor student. It’s
time I learn some real words I’m told and my vocabulary grows. As I repeat
them, not knowing exactly what I’m saying, the kids start cracking up. The
adults are laughing hysterically. Throughout the night I’ve learned how to say
“cheers” and a word involving the hole of an anus. I lead several toasts with
my new phrase and everyone laughs hysterically.
We eat very late, something not uncommon growing up, and end
up staying at the restaurant until almost midnight. These kids are serious troopers and know how
to have fun.
Nighttime
After getting back to the apartment Themi and I catch up on
family. Looking at the family tree hierarchy, he shares a branch with my
mother. He’s the same age though as my sister though. We have a lengthy
conversation about our family, what we remember about my grandparents, uncles,
aunts, etc. I was to head to Paphos the next day, but we would do some
sightseeing beforehand.
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