Southern Cyprus: Stunning stones

Today we stayed close to home in the region of Pissouri Bay. We took a stroll around Pissouri Village about 10 minutes from my apartment.  As we climbed the hill to the village we were treated with stunning views of the bay.  Unfortunately I was so stunned I couldn't quite get a picture as beautiful as what my eyes saw.

Later in the afternoon we went to another stony beach near Episkopi.

Stunning.  

Stones.  

Everywhere.  

 

I mentioned to my friend how this is probably the most stones I have ever seen on a beach in my long life.  As I pondered these stones I thought about their diversity, strength and unassuming beauty.  How does a stone begin? How long did it take to get to something so small I could perch it on my knee? Does it start from a large cliff and end in sand or is it's formation much more complex?  I deeply enjoy vacation and the chance to ponder and appreciate simple yet complex creation

Southern Cyprus: Celebrating beauty

Paramali beach

Our journey continues to Southern Cyprus.  On Monday we drove down from Nicosia to Pissouri Bay. I am staying in Pissouri Bay. From Pissouri Bay area we've gone to Paramali, Paphos and Limassol all places of distinct beauty.  I am staying in Pissouri Bay. Here are photos to feast your eyes on:

Paramali: Stunning stony beach

Paphos Castle

Paphos Castle interior: Stepping into the Light

Paphos Marina

Paphos boardwalk

Limassol: Marina

Paphos: Ruins of multiple churches with one remaining

Paphos: Yes, the juice was delish

Pissouri Bay: 5 minutes from my apt.

Northern Cyprus: Antiquities and Modernities

It's been 4 months since my last post.  I am now on vacation.  After weeks of saying and thinking "I want to get back to blogging," I am inspired.   I hope it is worth the wait, informative and at the very least, pretty.

My trip to Cyprus was inspired by the desire to go somewhere else but close.  Getting a tourist visa to Benin was too complex.  I had an open invitation to Cyprus from a dear sister.  So Cyprus it was.  The reaction I got from folks as I mentioned Cyprus was the same: "Wow!  Cyprus?" 

"Yes, have you been there?" I'd reply.  Unfailingly they'd say "No, but I've heard about it."

Does it live up to the reputation it has in people's minds?  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Below are pictures from the beginning of our journey to Famagusta and Salamis, both with antiquities dating back to 11th century BC:

On the wall surrounding the City of Famagusta. Church in background.

Abundant pomegranates at a fresh juice stand.  The juice: divine.

Beauty in brokenness.

Turkish delights.

Salamis Ruins: Columns surrounding the Gymnasium 

Salamis: One of several statues around the Pool

Salamis: Statue overlooking the Theatre