Day 6 Omodos
The day began with a chilly wind blowing through the village. overnight there was a disturbing tapping sound as the wind found its way under the eves and rattled the blades of the bathroom fan.
We all grabbed a hot drink and settled in for a call to the birthday boy. That bold, little redhead went all shy on us and buried his face in Ginny's chest. He was awfully proud of his birthday construction set that allowed him to make sand bricks and then crane them into position. I can't wait to get back home so we can play with it.
Johnny then took the drone out to the church car park for a view over the top of the houses. I headed off up the lane that loops around to the official front door and discovered a very steep but quite wide alternative access for the car. There was a great view of the church tower from there.
The plan for the day was to go to Omodos, a very picturesque nearby village, in the wine district. We got there in about a half hour. It was well worth the drive. We walked up the hill from the car park and soon heard the familiar squeals of student groups. When we reached the top, the place was overrun with them. They were having a wonderful time. there were so many things to see but most were absorbed in buying trinkets and getting a drink.
You won't believe it, but of all people, who should we see? Nicoletta! She was there with her students. It was so nice to see her and she helpfully pointed out the many things to see. There were four school groups there and Nicoletta's group was just one of them.
We expected to whip around Omodos in a half hour or so, but ended staying three and a half hours. We started off at the church, then walked through the ground floor of the monastery.
We took a walk through the meandering laneways to see the EOKA hideout where Cyprian freedom fighters had a headquarters in secret room below the building. They wee betrayed to the British troops. Many died there, some executed, others died through torture.
We found an incredible historic wine press that in years past played a part in the region's reputation for very good wines and zivania.
A tour of the laneways led us back to the cafes where we had morning coffee and some really excellent baklava, carrot cake and orange cake, served by a delightful and helpful young woman. Yes we did have three cakes as a result of some miscommunication, but we were grateful as they were brilliant. By now the town was full of tourists that were arriving in waves. The accents we heard told us that there were people from across the globe visiting Omodos. It was so funny to see one red jacketed conference group. About 20 of them took turns to stand in the same picturesque doorway to have the same photo taken.
Britt tried to google how to read coffee cups, but she was not a patch on Mysterious Lily and her insightful fortune telling.
We then returned to the upper levels of the monastery to go through the museum exhibitions. Both the building and its contents were wonderfully preserved and gave a great impression of the history of the people. The streets were in the process of being re-laid with yellow stone and the effect was just magical. I kept thinking that Trimiklini would sparkle if they did that sort of work there.
In the museum there was a particularly poignant display of the EOKA freedom fighters and the circumstances of their deaths at the hands of the British. The clothes worn by them and even some of the tools of their civilian trades were also displayed. These were ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. Some things are worth fighting for and even dying for.
We headed back to the car but not before Britt ducked into a jewellery shop for a bit of souvenir sparkle.
.A short rest...and off again! We were invited to Lefky and Kiri's for dinner.
When we arrived we wondered if their house was part of a larger estate. No, their property overed the whole area. It was a very swish house indeed. The land was bought many years ago by Mr Kanaris senior, and offered to Lefky and Kiri as a wedding present as a plot with the skeleton of a house. Danae made some changes to the plan and Lefky and Kiri completed the building. With their suppliers in China (for the construction business) they were able to source the furniture directly from the manufacturer. The whole place had a showroom shine.
We had lovely time chatting with the girls and getting a tour around as we waited for Kiri to arrive after work. With four levels, we were very pleased to use the lift. The girls have a ritual where they hide and he has to find them. In that huge house, I imagine he has his work cut out.
We had a lovely meal and relaxed conversation. Of course I'd met Kiri before, but I think this was the first time I really had a chance to talk with him. A very nice, interesting guy I thought. how does he fit it all in: he works long hard days at the construction company, but is always available for his relatives, is a devoted husband and dad, AND he us a reservist commando. He and Britt had a long talk about olives, harvesting and oil pressing. Yes, he even has time for that.
Lefky kept apologizing for her cooking, but she had no need as It was all really nice. Kiri took Johnny outside to BBQ some lamb chops to add to the table. The girls were delightful and took a shine to Britt, which was very nice. Britt took a shine to Twinkle the cat, and suffered some slight allergy symptoms on the way home, but as she said, "It was worth it for the cuddle".
The guys were a bit nervous about us finding our way back to Trimiklini so Danae led us back to the freeway. So kind. We arrive home to a quite chilly 7 degrees but the house was soon lovely and warm thanks to the aircon.
Exciting! Gin, Zak, Peg, Chux and Harri have boarded the flight to Portugal and Pez and Michelle have also boarded their flight. Soon we will all be in Lisbon and then Chaos for Easter. Ginny sent some photos of the lightning lighting up the sky spookily during the flight, but they were spared any turbulence.
