Cyprus August 2022

Coming in to land over the Larnaca coastline I see the crystal shimmer of the salt lake. No flamingoes this time. My feelings conflicted. I have lived away longer from my homeland then I have lived there. On the plane I chat to a young Indian from Pune who is heading to Limassol for a job he says will be life changing. I wish him all the very best. At the car hire, a warm Cypriot greeting, a familiar face and all systems go. My details are in the computer and the computer says Yes. We are off towards Limassol. 

A changing landscape, a Gold Coast in the Med awash with Russian money. Reviled by Cypriots like me who are in favour of reunification, rather than the status quo which serves Russian interests in the Med. Enough of politics. Something much more Cypriot to cool us - it is 33 C - so we have our first Cafe Frappe. Cold Coffee.

The ground yellow with wheat stubble - it has been a hot summer but along the way bursts of bougainvillea exuberance in white, orange and hot pink. 

We stop off at a couple of Beaches, Governor's Beach a reminder of its colonial past, (the Governor had a holiday home here) and Pissouri, where we first contemplated a future together under a flowering wattle tree. 

My sister's beach house a haven of green on the northern coastline. We eat olive bread and koubes like we haven't seen food in days and swim in the beautiful sea. An azure kingfisher streaks overhead and out of nowhere a pair of Eleonora's falcons cry out to one another. 

Tomorrow my family will be back together again for the first time since Jan of 2020 and I cant wait. 

Springing into EKKA time.

Well its happening - all of a sudden it is 26C and winter seems to have scurried off. I am looking forward to EKKA coming back bigger and better after two years of cancelled events. Queenslands biggest Agricultural show held at the RNA show-grounds. They are still looking for volunteers so if you can spare some time go to https://www.ekka.com.au/about-us/volunteering/

Meanwhile the scent of jonquils fills my bedroom and I can put away my frog hot water bottle at last. The flower beds are bursting with colour, the produce plenty from the garden, and the evening light is once more filling those moments in the day where we look for it. 

Happy Weekend everyone. 

Reconciliation Week in Australia

This is the work of the kindergarten children in my neighbourhood. Their thoughts and feelings expressed by these hearts which they have done for reconciliation week just gone -  A more accurate teaching of history with clear and resonant messages for young lives growing up in Australia. 

From the NRW website I quote "National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The sentiments expressed are important as a way of reading and teaching history and for raising the young Australians to have a clearer and more accurate view of what happened and why." 

I look at Cyprus and how we have faced history and the teaching of it. I appreciate that in years past histories were skewed - but 60 or more years since gaining independence from Britain, it seems we have introduced little to reconcile histories or be more accurate of the responsibilities of governments and people and the true facts. Time is running out for Cyprus but reconciliation is where work needs to be done. 

"Giving respect is a prerequisite to advancement" says Anthony Albanese on Insiders.

My personal thanks to Renee Mitchell from Goodstart Learning Centre who was kind enough to allow me to photograph these beautiful hearts. 

Caloundra- Sunshine Coast

Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast was the first coastal town we visited when we first arrived in Australia nearly ten years ago now. It's an hour and half away from Brisbane on the appropriately named Bruce Highway. We went back this weekend to explore it with Nick and enjoy the sea and sunshine. Perhaps it was known for being a bit of a place to retire to but retirees these day are all the rage - especially when it all takes place on Dicky Beach. I would be the first to sign up!

The sea had a swell and produced dancing foam that amused the young and old - here it is in full swing. 

The sun was out and the world was our oyster. Plenty in the restaurants dotted around the sea front. Some keen fishermen, some extraordinary eclectic birds for Nick to talk to that appeared to get rides from Uber Dogs and some beautiful rock pools full of treasures from the deep. 

There are so many beaches to choose from some good surfing beaches, some swimming beaches and other calm and protected coves near Pumicestone Passage perfect for young families. Stretches of endless sand and rock pools which are just perfect for bits of exploration and long walks. 

It energised us, gave us our daily dose of Vit D and set us up for the new week. 

Hot v Cold

Temperatures have hit record levels in London, Spain, France and parts of Greece, with runways melting, train services being suspended and forest fires igniting. Surely there are no climate sceptics left out there are there? If there are, perhaps a lengthy stay in some hot areas on the globe might help them along. For all your others here is a place for you to rest your weary self. Aren't these watermelon seats in Roma St Parklands just the best ? And I am sure they were a fraction of the price that the Municipality of Nicosia paid for their most uninspiring ovals plunked down in the New Eleftheria Square. A project way over budget and simply not for hot climes. Here is the right connection to the culture of the land. Cooling melons.

The ovals of Eleftheria Square. 

Walking back from the city today there is evidence of warmth and colour creeping back into our Aussie life which has been unusually cold and wet - now I wonder what caused that - no prizes for the right answer. 

Keep cool my British Family and Friends, plant trees my Cypriot family and Friends that the Municipality seem to be intent on chopping down, and wrap up warm my Aussie Family and Friends, La Nina is still with us. 

48th anniversary of the invasion of the island in 1974 - firearms, bombs, incendiary devices, unwanted heat and unwanted warfare. Loss of precious life. 

Lucky Last

I headed out early today and was rewarded with this stunning sight. The dew drops still clinging onto the petals of the red Poinsettia, Brisbane's floral emblem.

It's a special day for lots of reasons. It's Graham, our painter's last day. You can contact him on 0402 833 495. Yes, it might not yet look like the finished product but there are a few hours still left in the day. He has worked hard, shared stories and cups of tea and now we are looking forward to getting the house back in order. Our contractor Richard Fielding of https://fieldinghomes.com.au/about-us has been nothing short of wonderful. On time, tradies lined up and reasonable in his pricing. It's been a pleasure doing business with him. 

Today is also the last game of State of Origin - Game 3 - one game each so far, so tonight is the deciding contest between NSW and QLD. Let's hope it is a lucky 13 for all these reasons. 

What you looking at ?

"Yea I am bushed, cant even get any peace and quiet in amongst the Roses here in New Farm Park. Curious people keep coming to look at the roses and then SURPRISE they see us - well I am totally fed up now so am having a sit down. Hard isnt it being on your feet all day and mine are extra long and support me well - but boy do I get tired. No wonder I am in such a foul mood."

"Yea and I know we have a terrible reputation as the narkiest birds around but you would be too if you kept getting interrupted by people staring at you. And I have young ones to think about too. My speckled eggs aren't half bad looking though if I may say so myself." Bush Stone Curlews in the Park today.