Mosaic Monday # 62 - sitting on a dock of the bay...................

Kalimera from Cyprus.
We've been thoroughly enjoying ourselves this week at the Athena Royal Beach, an adults only, 4 star hotel in sunny Paphos.

Our days have been filled with good books, good food and plenty of rest and relaxation.
On Saturday morning we caught the local bus down to the harbour, we strolled around looking at all the different boats, visited the Castle which deserves a post of it's own, looked around a pop up art gallery then stopped at a waterfront café to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the world go by.
Paphos was given “enhanced protection” status in November 2010 by UNESCO’s Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
Click here to learn more about it's amazing history.

This year Paphos has something else to be proud of having won the international competition to become the European Capital of Culture for 2017 along with Aarhus in Denmark.
Although we've been to Cyprus several times before this is the first time we have been based in Paphos. On previous visits we toured the island with private guides stopping at museums, archaeological sites, wineries and monasteries.

This vacation has been much more low key but we still have a few days left to see more of the city before we leave, that is if we run out of books.

Normandy Life

An InLinkz Link-up

what's behind the door?

For Mosaic Monday this week 

some more photographs taken on our trip to Cyprus in February.

A collection of doors and shutters that captivated my imagination as we walked through the ancient cobbled streets and alleyways of Omodos, nestled in the beautiful Troodos Mountains.

The colour blue is synonymous with the Greek Isles of course, 

a different shade on every door.

Weather beaten and faded.

Always closed, sometimes padlocked. 

 The gardens behind them overgrown.

Rusting ironwork. 

Handles and hinges hanging off.

Each one beautiful in it's own way.

What stories could they tell?

Joining Judith @ Lavender Cottage

O is for Opportunity

At the start of 2015 I chose “opportunity” as my word for the year.

Opportunity – “a time or set of circumstances that make it possible to do something”.

When a small, unexpected, windfall came our way in January we booked a last minute holiday to Cyprus for some much needed winter sunshine.

Our suite, top floor right hand side

How could we not take the opportunity of seeing such amazing places as Petra tou Romiou, the birthplace of Aphrodite - the Greek Goddess of love, beauty and pleasure?

According to Greek Mythology Aphrodite rose from the sea off the coast of Cyprus, legend has it that the rock in the middle of the three is Aphrodite's Rock.

On a different note ...
Earlier this week a routine check-up with Mr. Daniel, my heart specialist, showed that although my heart is still beating fine, thank you very much, my blood pressure is way higher than is good for me. Dietary changes will need to be made, a more extensive exercise regime begun, tests and monitors were mentioned. 

Hard to see at the time what sort of opportunity this situation presented but after a couple of  nights of tossing and turning I've decided that this is my chance to take charge of my health once and for all, before it’s too late. 

One of the delicious tasting desserts which we enjoyed at the Columbia Beach Resort's Apollo Taverna, could this be the reason my BP is elevated?

I’ll keep you posted on how things go.

Linking to Mrs Matlock's Alphabe-Thursday, where this week we're discussing the letter O.

greco-roman style....................................

Despite stormy weather on our arrival in Cyprus, 

the day of our guided tour of the island dawned bright and clear, perfect sightseeing weather.

Driving east from Paphos to Kourion our first stop 

was the sanctuary and temple of Apollo Hylates. 

Apollo was the Olympian God of the Sun and of Music.

Worship of Apollo also known as the woodland God, Hylates 

began at this site around the 8th century B.C.

It was awe inspiring to wander through the ruins of this sacred place,

 listening to our guides as they recounted it's history 

Weary travelers who sought sanctuary here often made sacrifices or left offerings, 

to the Greek God, Apollo, on the Circular Altar.

As the only visitors that morning we relished the peaceful atmosphere and soaked it up.

Our Greek Cypriot guide Andreas and driver Michael 

shared with us tales of Greek gods, myths and Roman legends

not to mention a delicious lunch of traditional mezes.

Situated high on a cliff overlooking the Eastern Mediterranean 

the archaeological area of Kourion contains excavated ruins

 dating to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods.

The Roman agora and baths were constructed in the 3rd century A.D.

The nymphaeum was a sacred place devoted to nymphs and minor divinities 

- protectors of springs and waters -

Following Roman bathing customs the baths were divided into separate areas.

 the tepidarium (warm room) 

caldarium (hot room)

frigidarium (cold room)

Construction of the greco-roman theatre at Kourion began in the 2nd century B.C.

Extended during the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D, it could accommodate 3,500 spectators

who came to watch gladiators in combat.

The theatre has been fully restored and many concerts are held here throughout the year.

Linking to

Judith @ LavenderCottage for Mosaic Monday

Leaving for Lemesos

In just a few days I'll be heading to the beautiful, eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus.

I've got the Lonely Planet Guide to read on the plane.

The SP has found us a beautiful place to stay.

Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri Bay, Cyprus

Paris and Andreas from Discover Cyprus 

have put together a wonderful private tour for us.

We'll visit small private vineyards.

Immerse ourselves in the history of it's ancient kingdoms.

Marvel at Aphrodite's birthplace and the Temple of Apollo.

Dine on meze and other delicious Cypriot dishes.

Breakfast al fresco in February,

Soak up the sun and relax.

Photographs courtesy of the Columbia Beach Resort, 

Joining Mrs Matlock for Alphabe -Thursday to discuss the letter L.