22nd April 2010

Unbeknown to me, a pre 60th birthday surprise has been planned for me for the day! The first I knew was when Margaretha arrived telling me that we were going out for the day. When I got in her car, fellow schemers, Lena and Ingrid were sitting in there waiting! We drove off with me not having a clue where we were going but they did plenty of wind ups about para gliding (I hate heights) and wind surfing and various other bluffs which panicked me a little. But we arrived at Mavi Kosk, where I wanted to go but Mal and I had never got round to it! It is a beautiful place and very peaceful with terrific views.  It is in military ground, so if anyone is thinking of going, you must take your passport with you. Here is an article about it : LINK

It is a fascinating place to visit. We had a guided tour around the house and then sat in the gardens and had a drink. We also threw coins into the fountain and made a wish….with your right hand over your left shoulder and supposedly if your coin lands face up, your dreams come true!

Just as we came out of the military area, there was a field full of poppies, so Margaretha stopped the car and we both got out to take photos. This caused one of the soldiers to run up the road towards us, waving his rifle, telling us we were  not allowed to take photos as we were still too near the military area!

More teasing during our drive to the next stop, a superb lunch at a restaurant in Lefke. Far too much food but very good fresh fish. Here Margaretha gave me a present, a laminated voucher for a day trip on the boat African Queen but when I turned it over it was for Mal and I and the four grandchildren as well! Wow, we will all love that. Thank you so much.

I think the route we took through the mountains, the lovely countryside and villages, reminded us all why we came here.

More driving took us down to a table in the gardens by the sea, where the girls opened a bottle of champagne.

The perfect end to the perfect day. Thank you so much Margaretha, Lena and Ingrid. Yes …it was a big surprise! Very much appreciated.

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