My Best Friends Wedding...

...Although it was nothing like the film, It was amazing!

I met Domi at work and we instantly clicked. She is one of the kindest, most generous and genuine people I have ever met. She has been nothing but amazing since I met her nearly two years ago. She is one of those selfless people that exude so much warmth and support that you just fall in love with her. Which I guess is what happened to Andreas, her now husband, when he first met her. 

They have a simply beautiful love story which culminated in a wonderful wedding on 25th October 2012. The thunder and lightening didnt stop the traditional Greek Orthodox Ceremony and the rain clouds dissappeared in time for the outside cocktail by the pool surround with lanterns and little candles.

While Domi isnt Cypriot, they opted for a somewhat traditional Cypriot wedding with a few Polish touches thrown in for good measure. Im sure you are all intrigued as to the goings on at a Cypriot wedding, but its a bit of an ordeal to describe. Lets just say they do things big; big church wedding, big cocktail reception with a 1000+ guests being the norm and a big dinner/party for around 300 "close" friends/family etc. And in Cyprus guests bring money not gifts to help the new couple on their new journey. While in theory this is a nice idea as it helps with the ending up with three toasters situation, weddings in Cyprus seem more about money making sometimes, than about love. Needless to say, if the day comes that me and Harry tie the knot, we will be doing it "our" way (which if I have anything to do with it, will be as far away from the Cypriot way as possible) although YaYa might not be happy with that. 

 

 

So to give you a taster of a Cypriot wedding, I have the trailer for Domi and Andreas wedding. Its just a couple of minutes and it is well worth watching - the company that did the video are the best in Cyprus - I think the quality speaks for itself. You can find the video here. Enjoy. 

Cyprus Independence Day

The 1st of October is Cyprus Independence day; the day that Cyprus gained independence from the British. And this day is marked with a big military parade, which just so happens to pass our new apartment. Think noisy tanks, men with guns and military marching. As a British person living in Cyprus, it may have been wise to keep a low profile today.....

 

We started watching the procession on the TV, but after a quick phone call to Harry's dad and the realisation that all roads around us had been cordoned off by police, it become apparent this parade was going to pass right by us. So we thought it would be rude not to head out and take it in the real way - not through the TV set. 

 

The one thing I learnt today; tanks are loud! The pavement wad vibrating and my ears were ringing. Harry was like a kid in a candy shop - so excited to be right next to a real life tank and all the trucks with rockets and missiles etc which they parade round the streets. I on the other hand was a bit more dubious being in such close proximity to explosives given last years antics with the explosives in super hot temperatures. Nevertheless, I will admit it was pretty cool.  I stood in awe at the huge machines pounding down the road. And even Millie was happy about the outing.

A random Monday morning , but it beats being in the office.

Latchi 2012

We have spent, what could only be described as, the most relaxing and wonderful time in Latchi. We spent 4 days at a luxury hilltop villa, overlooking the bay/harbour and with a great view of the sunrise over the mountains and 2 days in Nicosia doing some more cultural things. 

With my friend Sarah (a university girlfriend) and her boyfriend Andy over from England, we did what can only be described as a whistle stop tour of Cyprus, encompassing nearly every city and many many sights on offer into a super short space of time. 

Latchi is possibly my favourite place on the island, the views are amazing, the town is slow and quiet which makes you feel totally relaxed and there is barely any of the tacky holiday sights like the old queen vic pub and pie and chips that I despise! 

We spent most of the time at the villa, relaxing in our own private pool and took several trips down to the beach where Harry tried to play fisherman with his fishing pots and snorkelling gear, but unfortunately no fish wanted to be his friends this time.  We explored the Akamas Forest a little (not a lot due to a minor injury Sarah incurred the night before) and ate a lot of fresh fish. Harry even braved his first solo Cypriot bbq and produced some amazing souvlaki (pork kebab). 

We even had time to spend a day at the beach in Ayia Napa, go up to the mountains for some nature and have lunch with YaYa. 

I'll let the photographs do the rest of the talking.