Larnaca

Larnaca remains the only place of note on Cyprus that we'd not been to, so that was our destination today.

Naturally we didn't go straight there. First call was the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque outside of Larnaca (right by  the airport as it happens), one of Islam's most important holy places. When we've been here before it's been closed - today it was open so we got to have a look inside at last, seeing amongst other things the tomb of Muhammed's Aunty.

Next up Kiti with its lovely church and then Perovolia with its equally lovely one, dedicated to Saint Irene. This one was quite a large affair with a whole cloister of associated ecclesiastical buildings surrounding it. Perovolia itself was quite a nice and relaxed little resort town with a quaint centre (centred on the church just mentioned) and a plethora of eating and drinking places.

On then to Larnaca and the famous Mackenzy Beach. The beach was nice, fine, clean black sand backed by palm trees and fancy cafes and restaurants. It was lunch time but none of the restaurants suited our needs (too expensive, too fishy) so we moved on to Larnaca proper.

I parked in the first available parking area (after one close shave with an unfinished multi-storey) and got the shock of our lives on rounding the corner coming out of the car park. We were right by St Lazarus' Cathedral, an absolutely outstanding sight and surrounded by a host of tempting cafes. We settled on Blu Bar which had an offer of "free orange juice with cheese pie or spinach pie". One of each for us then, and a portion of chips to help it along. Very nice, best spinach pie ever, in fact.

That done we photographed the church (it was closed) surrounding streets, mosques, fort, seafront, you name it, it was all very photogenic. We walked the length of the promenade ("The Nice of the Eastern Med") finishing at the marina. The prom is lovely, beach to one side, eatery after eatery on the other and the odd kiosk and beach bar scattered along it for good measure. It was really lovely. The Rough Guide disparages the beach, but there's nothing wrong with it (at the end of the day it's Blue Flag and Blue Flag pays no attention to the colour of the sand).

We stopped off for almost an hour at Fini's beach bar, really enjoying the Brazilian vibe music, the cocktails and the fact it was 6 feet from the sea. Perfection.

On our way back to the car we looked inside the church which was now open. Rough Guide describes it as "drab", we describe it as "magnificent", ornate iconography everywhere and in particular on an alter screen that must have two dozen or more panels.

Home once more we dined at Georges, having the same meal as last time (the only veggie option) and a bottle of ouzo. Being by now regular customers, we also got a free glass of Zivanhia. Ouzo AND Zivanhia... think I'm in for a rough night.

No sight of Ginger tonight so Fluffy got most of the food, though a new, as yet unnamed and very timid cat also showed up and got a few biscuits.

Sent from my iPod.