Well…. what a lovely time we’re having! We have just been enjoying the fabulous late October weather – 30c+ – every day and visiting different local beaches: Glapsides, Varosha, Silver… and today the beach at Salamis, right along the front of the amazing archaeological site.

Alongside that we’ve been enjoying our lovely breakfasts at the Regina Veneziana b&b. Beautiful and bountiful every day. And delicious dinners around town.

We’ve enjoyed chatting to fellow guests – including Wilma and John and their friends, who look after Villa Rockheart for us when we are not on the island.

Yesterday was special because we met up with Dave, his lovely and vivacious wife, Babsi, their daughter Sarah and her two lovely children, William and Holly. I have known Dave since we were at junior school in Basingstoke together. A long time ago….. He was frighteningly clever and bright especially at maths. Funnily enough we both ended up having lifetime careers in I.T. Anyway, he and the fam are renting Villa Rockheart this week and they came over to Famagusta for a meet, which took place at the Petek Cake restaurant. Where else!!! A most delicious place that everyone knows. We had a great catchup and hope to repeat it again soonish with other ex Fairfield Junior School pupils… So nice to see them.

As I mentioned today we spent on the beach at Salamis. It was a thrill to be swimming just offshore from the ruins and the largest bath house. Swimming over history for sure. Another idyllic day. We have been to Salamis (ancient Constantia) any number of times. A huge, fabulous site with so much more one day to be excavated. There are so many ancient world sites in Cyprus. Everyone has been here in their time.

Tonight we went back to the Ravelin Gate restaurant for dinner. Very lovely and atmospheric. Ended with 2 rounds of Turkish coffee and brandies. Afterwards we walked down to the old square and had a cup of Mardos ice cream -black loganberries and dark chocolate. YUM. Big moon overhead tonight.

Having such a nice time here.