On The Island

Another hot, drippy day, I shouldn’t complain but it really doesn’t make you feel like doing anything! I kept giving Rosie ice cubes as she was struggling with the heat and usually lies by the bed which has a slight breeze coming through the shutters. She always knows the coolest place. We had a power cut in the afternoon and we were getting slightly concerned about shutting the house up in the evening with no air con for Rosie but it came back on before we left.

We went to The Roof to have a drink and food and to meet Lyn and Stuart as we haven’t seen them for ages. A really nice evening, even better when we moved tables away from the speaker so we could hear each other talk!

We also watched the sunset.

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I took Rosie out to the mountains before it became too hot and then Mal and I went to Lemar to do a big shop. He has become rather partial to the Efes in the brown can which are a lot cheaper in Lemar, so we loaded up with plenty of them. Figs are in season now and so we bought quite a lot of them. We have also had a few from our own trees. They also had levrek on offer, 9tl a kilo but discovered when Mal cooked them for dinner that they are not gutted but they were delicious.  Milk is also cheaper in Lemar and I even received my 5 kurus change!  Things are improving.

This is not a time of year to be doing much at all so made the most of the pool in between playing cards. I did start a bit of weeding but after 20 minutes I was dripping.

Potter wasps are buzzing in and out of the house again, trying to make their clay pots in any nook and cranny they can find. The favourite place at the moment seems to be in the vents of the log burner.

In the evening we watched the Man U v Newcastle game. Man U won 3-0 but we missed the Fletcher goal as we were watching the firework display from the Merit!

I couldn’t wake up in the morning! Mal took Rosie out and then got us breakfast. I was so tired.

Half way through the day I remembered that I had left my passport out somewhere but couldn’t remember where! I had been so tired the previous night when I was unpacking. I finally found it (after a lot of panic) on top of the washing machine (don’t ask!)

A swim next and then a nice long glass of Pimms. It seems so quiet now the boys have gone and we are not thinking what we are going to do next so that they didn’t get bored.  At least we know that for the whole 4 weeks they never became bored but it does take it out of you!

Up at 4.30am!!  We were all lined up at the door at 5.00am, it is no mean feat getting 7 kids and 3 adults along with all the luggage ready. We were off for the wet drive to Stansted. As I mentioned previously, it should have been Heathrow. I arrived early and just left saying a quick ‘bye’. I hate airport goodbyes and so they left. Tears in my eyes, I discovered that the check in desk was open three and 3/4 hours before take off. I even got a leg room seat. A wander around duty free, Mal’s whiskey and more Pimms and the wait for my delayed plane (Atlasjet). We left an hour late but at least I had a nice couple sitting next to me, so the journey went quickly. The plane from Stansted to Antalya was half empty…and this is August!

I had left the car in the car park at Ercan and went to pay the money, usual scam, my ticket didn’t go thorugh the machine, he just said ‘Erm, 50 lira’. I gave him the money and asked for my ticket back and he said ‘no ticket’. So, I presumed the exit barrier was open. I drove up there and the barrier was down. So, I pressed the buzzer, another guy arrived and asked for my ticket. I explained what had happened and he raised the barrier. This is the third time this has happened to me at Ercan car park, so where is all the money going if it is not going through the machines??!! Welcome to TRNC rip off again!!

I arrived home about 11.30pm, absolutlely exhausted. It was a busy week to say the least. I really don’t know how Lou and Rhys keep the business going the way they do and still have time for the kids. Incidently, Rhys worked through Friday night!

It was good to see Mal and as usual Rosie went mad. I was so tired but did start my unpacking especially of perishables. A nice cold glass of wine and then bed.

My last day in Cardiff and then early in the morning, we have the long drive back to Stansted, thanks to CTA. I should have been flying from Heathrow.

It was a hectic day with Lou and Rhys trying to get orders done and delivered, as they were going to Lou’s dads for the weekend. Even Tariq was helping with the work!

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No rain today, I did hear from Mal and it is hot and humid in Cyprus. Lou and I went to Tesco with the 7 children and she started the mammoth task of school uniform!

In the evening Tariq was playing football for Canton Rangers. I was so cold, I had to put my hood up because of the wind. Canton Rangers lost 4-1 but Tariq was man of the match.

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A day at home with all the children.

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