We have been in Cyprus since the start of November, and while we achieved a lot in terms of boat jobs (see the previous blog Winter Work), we also found time to enjoy the area and some local events.
The first weekend we were in Cyprus the Oceanman competition paid the marina a visit. Despite its name, Oceanman is a mixed gender open water swimming competition of 5 km and 10 km, starting and finishing in the marina. It was a strange event to watch as all you see is a group of multicoloured floats moving past on the way out, and then the majority of the race happens out of sight. The most impressive entrants were the two swimmers each pulling a dinghy loaded with a person, all the way around the same route. This was a supreme effort. Although everyone who completed the route was clearly super fit, these two swimmers stood out for their grit and levels of endurance.
Early on in November we took the boat out on a day trip to Cape Greco. This headland forms the south east corner of Cyprus and is part of a National park area. The area is very pretty, with lovely walks to the lighthouse on the point and good cycle paths to explore. We opted for a last swim before winter and a relaxing lunch at anchor.
We cycled the short distance into Ayia Napa to see what it had to offer. The answer at this time of year was "not much". The tourist town was closing down for the season and looked really run down. We have not been back into Ayia Napa since.
Ayia Napa marina itself is first class, with excellent pontoons, clean water (with lots of fish and a local seal), good Wi-Fi, and attentive staff. It is quiet in winter, but the restaurants were full at the weekend with visitors from land, and a few boats go for day trips at the weekend.
We took a trip to Larnaca, the nearest city about an hours drive west of Ayia Napa, for the opening of a new sail loft for Sailsworx, the company that is doing all our canvas work. The event started with a blessing from a priest and then a speech from the Deputy Mayor of Larnaca. There were displays set out, with drinks and nibbles. People were friendly and we chatted a while before leaving. Sailsworx has been excellent, responding promptly, completing work on time, offering great value for money and excellent customer service.
We enjoyed the good weather throughout November and completed a few walks from the marina in Ayia Napa, one to the next small harbour to the west, and another to some ancient tombs dating from 300 BC to 300 AD to the east.
We enjoyed a trip back to the UK over Christmas. We were only for a short time and so really appreciate it when our schedules allow us to meet friends and family. We did not take anywhere near enough photos, having taken none of virtually every event we attended. The only ones we have are of our drunken shenanigans on New Year's Eve.
When we returned to Cyprus in January, we moved the boat from Ayia Napa to Larnaca. The marina in Larnaca is right in the centre of the city, with access to all the amenities. We we're squeezed in a bit more and thankful for the space we had to do our boat jobs in Ayia Napa.
We have explored the old city, been to a full size shopping mall, found a Rock bar, been out for Sunday lunch, and made use of the access to supermarkets and B&Q style shops.
&
It is now the start of February and we are about to move back to the Greek islands. Cyprus has served us well for the three months we have been here, but it really feels like it's time to get moving again. We are both keen to be off, although we can't quite decide where in the Greek islands to go, so we will just have to see where our fancy takes us.
Comments
Post a Comment