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We're going on a tour today: "Pearls of Cyprus" is the poetic name in StarTour's brochure.

Cyprus 2002 - part V.

Eric
2005-12-02 17:55:19

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state pays for renovation and maintenance of the old houses, and everything is like in the old days. The brunch at the taverna is bread, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives and more. Unfortunately the coffee is Nescafe. I'm not desperate and prefer to do without.

Klefticoovens behind the taverna in Fikardou Fikardou Fikardou Fikardou Tombstone in Fikardou Tombstone in Fikardou

A house has been turned into a museum. On the first floor was the living- and sitting room, and below were the stable and the room where you worked. The village church is very small but very traditional with beautiful icons. Outside we admire the cemetery. The view is spectacular and the tombstones reveal that most people grow old in Cyprus!

The trip continues to yet another village with the food-like name "Lazanias". The mountains are beautiful at this time of year. Flowers everywhere. In Lazanias a creek runs in a gorge and croaking frogs play a concert. As I stand smoking my pipe, enjoying the concert while the others get into the bus, Marios smiles and tells me not to think so much. Do I look like I'm thinking? It must be the pipe! All week I see no one else smoke a pipe, and a pipe probably looks more intellectual than Marlboro Ultra Light.

It will soon be lunchtime and we drive along gravel roads and hairpin bends. Helle is by the window at the left side and doesn't feel quite comfortable looking into the abyss. There's a short stop at the Machairas monastery. I think archbishop Makarios is buried here - or maybe it is somewhere else, never mind. It looks well preserved.

Over the mountains we get to the restaurant. The menu is the national dish, Meze, which is an abundance of small hot and cold dishes. We are seated on a large covered terrace and the table is laid in advance. The plates are upside down and everyone has a laugh when an elderly Swedish lady serves herself salad before ...