Skiing in Cyprus

We did it - we finally went skiing on Mount Olympus! Whatever you do, don't confuse the Greek one with the Cypriot one!

Mount Olympus, at 1,952 metres (6,404 ft), is the highest point of the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. A British long range radar currently operates at Mount Olympus' peak. The Mount Olympus Ski resort, Sun Valley and North Face, has three T bars, one chairlift, and seven runs.

So as you see, we were on the smaller of the two. But what a glorious day. It was definitely a spring-skiing day and we were soon divesting ourselves of our usual gear. There aren't many out there who have ever seen Laurel skiing without her toque and goggles!

We started out on the t-bar at the rental shack, but after a couple of runs decided that we were ready for the big hill. We may not have skied in the last four years, but we were bound and determined to master Mount Olympus. A slight peculiarity here - we had to get in the car and drive over to the North Face. However, we were rewarded for our efforts by the 700 feet of vertical, a chair lift and great views. It was lovely.

http://www.skicyprus.com/webcam/

http://www.skicyprus.com/troodos/trailmap/

Kouris River Walk, Souni

Just a few pictures from our walk on Saturday.

Green Monday - Xapotami

Yesterday was Green Monday - this is quite a National Holiday here. All the shops are closed and people gather in their villages to picnic and dance. Everyone brings food (no meat), but there is also a 'buffet' of fresh raw veggies, bread, olives, halva and anything and everything you want to drink.

The Residents Committee from Secret Valley also made pancakes (more like crepes) with lemon and sugar or applesauce and cinnamon. Oh yes, and I almost forgot my favourite from the buffet, a local sweet similar to donut holes, piping hot and drenched in honey.

The school kids danced their Traditional dances then dragged as many as they could to join in. Thankfully, no pictures of me when I was dancing!

It was raining when we first got there, but as you can see in the pictures, the sun came out as usual and it was a lovely day.

This last photo is the 'Muktar' or Mayor of Kouklia.