November 1, 2007

It is definitely time to catch you all up on what’s been happening. Dale may have posted something since he has internet access, but that story is coming. I believe the last bit was about our forays in and around the area; trying to find interesting places for our guests to visit. There is obviously no shortage if you like history and archaeology, but if that’s not your thing, it’s just the average run of the mill lovely vacation spot with pebbly beaches, sun and (presently) 25C. Apparently there are some sandy beaches (notably in the Turkish occupied zone) which we will research when it gets warmer again. Did I really say that? I guess with it being November already, beaches don’t seem to be a priority. One really adapts quickly to one’s environment. At least I know the pool is too cold to go in.
We have progressed considerably in our quest for internet. We now have a land line for the phone, which has only taken 2.5 months. A lovely older gentleman came out to hook-up the phone and when I pressed him about the broadband connection, he said “maybe tomorrow”. I got so excited I called Cytaphone only to be told that we were on yet another waiting list. “Maybe tomorrow” is the Cypriot term for “Insha’Allah” – “God willing” but it really means “good luck”.
I started my Mosaics course last Wednesday. I must have been concerned about being bored or something, and now I am overcommitted as usual. My Monday Greek lessons are requiring more and more studying, and Sharon, my Mosaics instructor has three projects for us to complete in six weeks. That means starting it in class and doing the rest for homework. Then we are ready for the next step, which we again take home and finish. It is a bit of a marathon, but at least when I am done the course I can work at my own speed (which will be considerably slower).
Then of course I have to be sociable. I play Bridge on Tuesday evenings, go to Curves three times a week, go to Church on Sunday (still attending different services), and try to fit in a coffee or two with friends. That means that the laundry, dishes and cleaning are very low on the priority list. At least my washing machine and I are getting along better these days. It is a combination washer/dryer, which I have decided is not the way to go. Most of you will probably know that I am not fond of ironing (understatement of the year), and this machine tries very hard to set the wrinkles so that I have no choice but to iron them out. With much experimenting, I have finally found a program that isn’t as bad, and a gentler spin cycle (from 1200 to 600 rpm). I didn’t realize that laundry would be the biggest culture shock!
Everything else is coming along nicely. There is minimal work left to be done on the house. I am finding my way around town quite easily now, and can usually even figure out when I get directions from someone. That is because directions are usually given by landmarks, not by street names - they are unpronounceable.
Hope all is well in your world. Keep in touch – we will get internet eventually.
Love,
Laurel