May 16, 2008

And finally an update on Peter. The surgery went well although it took 16 hours instead of the 6 - 8, as they had to work around some major blood vessels. And because of the length of time of the operation, they decided that he had had enough anaesthetics, so they didn't induce the coma. It has meant a longer recuperation, but today they sat him up for a bit, and he has been asking pertinent questions, but is still quite uncomfortable. They finally put him on an air mattress that inflates and deflates as needed when he moves and that is helping. He is not allowed visitors yet as he needs to get more sleep, but the Doctor's are pleased with how things are going. Linda has been a real trooper and is holding up very well so far. Thank you for all your prayers, and of course, more are welcome.

As we were staying close to home for a couple of days, we found and finished the loop on the motorcycle. Actually we extended it to Pachna and Avdimou, and found a little restaurant on the beach called Melanda. The scenery is marvelous, and we are definitely getting to know our way around better. The picture of me on the bike has a great view of all the terraced hills. We don't know when or by whom all the walls were built, but it is typical of the hills around here. Just think of the millions of man-hours to build them all, not to mention the tons of rocks (plenty of those around here).

Thursday we were invited to the RAF base at Akrotiri to watch the Red Arrows. They do their warm weather practises here in Cyprus, same as the Snowbirds do in Comox. They put on a lovely show as do the Snowbirds, and we were very pleased to be there. We even managed to get a couple of good photos (some sky shots too!).

In the evening we took in a local theatre production of 'The Odd Couple' (the female version) in Emba (a village almost attached to Paphos). It was very cute. The play was sold out, so we were very lucky to get tickets as late as we did. One of these days I am hoping to get Dale's schedule early enough to book a few things in advance.

Today, Friday (Happy Birthday Shelley!) Dale had his medical in Lefkosia and we stopped in Lemesos on our way back at a fantastic fish restaurant called 'The Old Harbour - Ladas'. The building was built in 1823 and was used as a Carob warehouse. The present restaurant has been operating there for 50 years. We had pita and dips for a starter, salad, veggies and grouper. All fresh of course. Every morning the local fishermen arrive at the restaurant bringing their catch of fresh fish which are served the same day. What a treat. Tomorrow I will have to get to Curves to work off the great food around here.

Bye for now.
Love,
Laurel