26.02.26

We drove to our furthest destination… Blue House Museum. A former kitsch home of someone who MAY have been running guns during the fight against the British. It is in a military zone you normally have to show ID.  Told at the well guarded gate, that it is closed for renovation.  Advised not even to pause to re-route as cameras were on us! 

Views over Goleti Reservoir.  Built in 1989 and since expanded.  Decided not to walk around it, as it looked scenically samey.

Sina Monastery ruin gave us a leg stretch as access was along a rough track. Believed to be of French origin, but a ruin already by 1882 when Lord Kitchener surveyed Cyprus.  Thieves have taken anything of worth, but it still reveals what a significant place it must once have been.

Back down on the coast, we had a further walk along the Lapta Coastal Walkway; brain child of the local mayor. 

Next stop was Karmi / Keraman.  Formerly Greek Cypriot. Abandoned in 1974. The local mayor promoted redevelopment to preserve it’s pretty architecture.  So no hot water tanks on roofs etc. Apparently residents are predominantly British and German ex Pats. It was pretty, but twee. I said to J that it is the sort of place where the village elders keep everyone in check. We then saw the Village Committee building!   Good coffee and cake though.

We were too late to go into St Hilarion Castle … by 30 mins. But picked up 2 French students (Erasmus in Istanbul) and dropped them at Bellapais Abbey. They compared the poor quality of teaching with their French Universities.  But with little contact time, they are exploring as much as they can.