Monday 22nd of August

It was a relaxing day today starting with breakfast at the hotel. The view was spectacular, overlooking the beach, then after breakfast, time for a swim.

We decided after swimming in the morning to do a half day cruise around Latchi - this took in sites such as the Akamas National Park, the Bath of Aphrodite, Saint George's church, the ancient theatre of Akamantis, the sea caves of Manolis and the Fontana Amoroza - however, the highlight of the trip was a swim in the Blue Lagoon. The water is hard to describe - it is like swimming in a swimming pool, except for the fact that you are in the Mediterranean Sea. The waters are crystal clear, acqua blue, to a depth of several metres and the water is warm - it was very difficult to actually leave the waters.

Following the cruise, we returned back to our hotel for a quick shower and freshen up and now we are off to Andy and Chloe's place for a traditional Greek Cypriate BBQ - which we are both looking forward to.

Andy and Chloe live in a town called Kritou Tera - this was once occupied by the Turks after the war in 1974 but is now being re-possessed by the Greek Cypriates. Basically the town is over 200 years old and people who had been affected by the war and lost property to the Turks during the war, are now eligible to apply for a house in this town. The government control the process and whilst you do not "own" the house, you pay rent to the Government however, you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the property. Anyway, their place was amazing! A small house with plenty of character - it would be hard to describe in words, so you will have to wait and see the pictures....but if you can visualize a 200 year old cottage, with modern facilities - they even had internet access!!!

Andy cooked us a feast - about 8 courses of a traditional Greek Cypriate bbq. The food and company was great - we were very lucky to be enjoying just surrounds. Cyprus just keeps throwing up surprises!!!