The Island where Food was Invented

Tetter-totter frıends at the harbor
see all photos »

Welcome to the Occupied Territory--from the viewpoint of the south.  When we drove across the border Chloe was sleeping in the car, so the border patrol didn't even make me get out of the car.

Kyrenia is a coastal town with a Ottoman harbor and giant castle.  Belapais is in the hills immediately overlooking the city and sea.  And Mustafa's house has a bird's a view of everything which we can enjoy from the immense balcony that is about the size of my livingroom.  Mustafa was pointing out attractions in the hillside.  From left to right:  St. Hilarion Castle, there is the presidential palace in front of the castle; down by the port there are the walls of the other castle; oh, and there's the Abbey.  And when the weather is clear, we can see the 40 miles across the water to the coast of Turkey.  Just your standard view, really.

we collected plums, cherries, almonds, a pomagranat, lemon, fig, and juniper berry--that counts as food because it makes gin

Abbey vıew from balcony as I dıd 3 loads of laundry.
see all photos »

There is still a blast furnace heat wave going on.  Too hot to eat, sleep, or move.  Perfect for sitting on the balcony with fresh fruit and staring at the sights.  The baby is refusing diaper, clothes, shoes.  Who can blame her?  Her diet is mostly fruit, milk, and pretzels.

In the evening we took a stroll down by the harbor to catch the sea breeze.  There were two playgrounds to chose from.  When Chloe wanted to teeter-totter, two girls jumped at the chance to help her.  Then we went for perfectly grilled seftalia kebab and the 3 young people at the next table lured her over for kisses by offering her car keys and their cells phones.  We are definitely in the north now.

Lookıng down on Kyrenıa harbor and castle.
see all photos »

On a morning stroller down the hill (don't ask about the grueling climb back up) Chloe brought along a little basket.  In it we collected plums, cherries, almonds, a pomagranat, lemon, fig, and juniper berry--that counts as food because it makes gin.  That's just what's available for grazing along side the road.

The other night Mustafa prepared us the best meal I've had in Cyprus, and that's really saying something. It was a fish with tomatoes, onion and garlic and roasted potatoes.  All very fresh!  And the potatoes are amazing because the soil is so good.  Even Chloe is coming round again to yogurt, pasta, and bread, although she is very happy with all of the fruit.  On another stroller yesterday I was just about to point out a lemon tree to her and she beat me to the punch.  She pointed to it and looked up and me and said "lemon tree!"