After a wonderful two weeks with Mum, culminating in a birthday celebration the night before her departure, we faced the choice of exploring Nicosia, Cyprus’s capital, or heading north to the remote Karpaz Peninsula to visit the Karpaz National Park and its famed “Donkey Sanctuary.” Having visited many cities on our travels, but not manyContinue reading “A monastery, donkeys and a beautiful beach”
Author Archives: Stefan Lomas
Famagusta and Bella Pais
The three of us set off toward Famagusta—known as Gazimagusa to the Turks—with the aim of visiting the part of the city that was abandoned 50 years ago and only recently reopened to the public. In 1974, after a failed Greek coup, the Turkish army invaded Cyprus under the pretext of restoring order, advancing fromContinue reading “Famagusta and Bella Pais”
A birthday celebration and a castle
Rachel’s sister, Ruth, and her partner, Terry, were staying in Kyrenia for a few days to celebrate her birthday. We had arranged to meet them for lunch and spend the day together. The three of us got into the car and set off northwest. The roads in this part of Cyprus aren’t too complicated—relatively straight,Continue reading “A birthday celebration and a castle”
Iskele, Northern Cyprus
After piling the cases into the back of Gerry’s car, who again was incredibly generous with his friendship and time, the three of us left the house around 7 AM, heading to the airport for our flight to Larnaca (about 5 hours from the UK). The weather in the UK had turned noticeably cooler, withContinue reading “Iskele, Northern Cyprus”
Essex and Suffolk
We left early Friday afternoon and headed southeast towards Braintree, but arranged a rendezvous with Christien in Saffron Walden along the way. He and some friends had Airbnb’d a barn for the weekend, and since we’re headed off next week, a late lunch and good catch-up were definitely in order. It was my first timeContinue reading “Essex and Suffolk”
A week in Cobham, with a trip to the theatre
With Mum back in fighting shape, the three of us headed down to Cobham to look after Rhubarb for the week, which is always a huge pleasure. We arrived late Sunday afternoon, and after giving Rhubarb a good cuddle—unfortunately, he’s lost most of his sight and hearing, but his nose is still good and he’sContinue reading “A week in Cobham, with a trip to the theatre”
A summer get together in Yorkshire.
We typically meet as a family somewhere in the middle of the country, but with Seb and Ally recently completing their house build and all of the Watsons also in town, Little Fenton in North Yorkshire was the perfect rendezvous. Rachel had spent most of the week at Christien’s in Wokingham, while Mum and IContinue reading “A summer get together in Yorkshire.”
Mooching around and an eventful journey back to the UK
Things have gotten pretty busy, well, it’s August after all. But since our day starts early and the crowds arrive late morning, we usually manage to avoid the rush. Evenings, however, are bustling. We decided to take a walk out to the Monastery, which some locals claim has both a mystical aura and great energy.Continue reading “Mooching around and an eventful journey back to the UK”
Herceg Novi
It was time for us to move on, and it ended up being a nervy last-minute decision. We had initially planned on taking a cabin up in the mountains, but the internet wasn’t strong enough. With just under a week left before we needed to check out of the apartment and no suitable options foundContinue reading “Herceg Novi”
A cable car to Lovćen and entertaining our special guest
Christien had decided that he was missing both of us, so he jumped on a plane and arrived at the apartment late Monday morning. Even though we talk to the boys regularly, it was nice to spend some in-person time together. Since he had an early start, we spent the first day chilling by theContinue reading “A cable car to Lovćen and entertaining our special guest”
Dream Chasers 