Cyprus: July 6-13

We spent a wonderful sunny week in Cyprus with friends from Melbourne: Austin, Jenn and Tim. It was one of the highlights of our trip, it was great to spend time relaxing and playing with close friends in such an idyllic setting.

Austin`s grandparents`house was across the road from the blue Mediterranean Sea.


In addition, there was a pool out the back which we spent a lot of time in or sitting around. Marco Polo was also a big hit.

We stopped at this winery where this 11 year old kid proceeded to give us a detailed explanation of each wine and grape variety. He easily persuaded us to buy a bottle.

We did a few hikes, even spotting the endangered Moufflon, a sort of wild sheep/deer creature. This is a photo from Akamas Peninsula in the North-West. Cyprus is an incredibly dry place, there was a white chalky dust coating the vegetation and later, us.

We visited Greek and Roman ruins (this photo is the Kourion) and were also awed by beautifully frescoed churches and monasteries in the hills.

On our last day we tried to drive up along the Northern coast into Turkish Cyprus but were turned back at the border shortly after this photo was taken. Tensions still persist between Greek and Turkish sides of the island.

A final dip in the Mediterranean at Aphrodite`s Birthplace before flying back to Hamburg and on to Switzerland.

Thanks to Austin, for inviting us to stay and thanks to Jenn, Tim and Austin for all the good laughs and conversation.