Today was a quiet day. A bit of rain, no Superbowl, a trip to the supermarket, reading, for me, painting.
Yesterday, we did some more exploring. Starting with a boat trip out to a 1953 wreck that was sunk in 1974 because of the conflict in Cyprus. It was a trip that is no doubt more enjoyable in summer when you can snorkel and swim and see sea turtles. But we went out to the small island where the ship sank. The Mediterranean was pretty smooth so no throwing up. Successful trip!
After a lunch that also provided dinner we did a little walking, yes, I admit I was whining but what we found was enough to stop a whiner from continual moaning. We went to the catacombs. Agai Solomoni is a chapel that is part of an underground complex of tombs from the Hellenistic period (325-50 BC). In Medieval times it was a popular pilgrimage. Agai Solomoni was one of the first to reject idolatry and accept Christianity. She took refuge in the cave to escape the Romans. They walled up the entrance, condemning her to a slow and cruel death. According to the story, the cave was opened 200 years later and the saint walked out alive.
The walk we choose was an elevated path over the street and part of the city. Finding our way back to the street was an adventure in itself. We had some help from a very nice young woman from Russia. The main section of the chapel and shrine was closed but now that we know where it is, we can return.
 |
| The Cathedral on our walk over the street |
The history here can be quite confusing because it is so long and at times complicated going back and forth between actual history of the island, archeological findings, church history, and myth. Even though this is an island we still have more to discover.
Today ended with a meal based on the shopping trip Dennis and Jerry made to the store. So a quiet relaxing day ending with quite a wonderful meal. Dennis topped it off with the unofficial drink of Cyprus, a Cyprus Brandy Sour. Another story--it was made for the Aga Khan who wanted an alcoholic drink that didn't look like alcohol, so it could be lemonade or with 4 drops of bitters, iced tea!
Yesterday (Sunday) was a day of rest, other than Jerry and I going "Hunter/Gathering at the supermarket. All of us spent time reading, napping, and checking iPhones to so what new catastrophe has befallen the USA. When people ask where we're from and reply the USA, most of them laugh and shake their heads. Enough said?
The boat ride from Paphos Harbour was fun but I really enjoyed our walk to the Archaeological park and the catacombs after. We didn't have much time as it was late in the afternoon but we plan to return. There is an elevated walkway that extends over the park so we thought "Let's take it and walk back toward the center of town." Well, after walking about 1/2 miles, it ended! Do we have to walk back the same way we came? After talking with a fellow trekker, we were told that with a bit of a climb through boulders, crevices, and loose gravel, we wouldn't have to retrace our steps. So down we went. With a bit of caution and care, we made it safely down. After looking around we found we were about 100 yards from where we started, at the entrance to the walkway. When we return on another day we'll add a few more pics of the walkway and catacombs. Standing on the street, a cab honked. We got in and in 10 minutes we were back home for drinks and dinner. A well spent day! BTW, the Super Bowl was on TV here at 1:00 AM. Nobody stayed up to watch the rout...😒
The last word from Cindy: when we get home, ask Dennis about the laundry. 😃
No comments:
Post a Comment