Tag: sightseeing

My short break in Rhodes vlog

It’s been a crazy busy few weeks as you probably have guessed from my recent updates.

I’m finally catching up with my blog and vlog (and my life in general). So, almost two months later here’s the vlog from the short break I spent at the beautiful island of Rhodes with my sister Stella.

Places mentioned/we’ve been:

  • Nafsika hotel. One of the cheaper options for accommodation, where we stayed. Sparkling clean, central, amazing sea views, pretty decent breakfast. We loved it.
  • The port area

  • Anemos taverna– The cafe/tavern we stopped before heading down to Tsambika beach. Gorgeous views.
  • Tsambika beach- Where the mountain meets the sea. No need to say much. We loved it.
  • Rhodes Old Town (including the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights)
  • Steam Cafe. A cool, indie cafe with healthy options, perfect for a rest stop on our way to Rhodes Acropolis.

  • Pizza Del Vesuvio. The last place we ate before we heading back to Cyprus. We were after a traditional restaurant just opposite this but it was closed. Decent pizza and decent prices though.

Hope you enjoyed this. Next vlog will have an Italian flavour!

Eleni

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Mini break at Protaras

Good morning, I had an idea! The little sister messaged, a week before I was to finish my CELTA course.

Do you want to book a holiday apartment in Protaras for two days for the two of us to go the first week you are back? Sun, sea, swimming, food, relaxation?

YES, of course. I’ve been desperate for a holiday, I hadn’t had one since Christmas, I was overly stressed planning my last teaching session at the time and I was so tired I was still in bed on Sunday noon, this was just what I needed.

There was sun, sea, swimming and all the things she promised plus (unnecessary) drama and laughter. I vlogged the whole thing, perfect opportunity to start filming again. I’m a but rusty and because there was a lot going on in my mind, I spoke SUPER fast at times, but I hope you like it.

All the places we’ve been:

-Mimosa beach. A little bay hidden behind a hotel (where you can get drinks and food). Quiet and serene most of the time, perfect for a relaxing day in the sun and a swim in the clear blue waters and there is a diving instructor nearby if you are into it.

–Light and Blue Marelia apartments. Bright, airy and inspired by Greek island architecture, set on the top of a hill facing Profits Elias church (gorgeous views from their terrace), reasonably priced, we loved these apartments three years ago when we first stayed and they did not disappoint this time either.

-Profitis Elias church. A beautiful little chapel on the top of the hill overseeing Protaras, offering incredible views of the city and the sea. We went at night and the steps were well lit, the ascent only took 5 minutes. It’s definitely worth visiting if you are in the area.

-Pahit Ice. One of the island’s local chains offering scrummy ice cream. I recommend their pistachio ice-cream and their frozen fruit yogurt.

–Konnos Bay beach. A gorgeous bay situated between Ayia Napa and Protaras, one of Ayia Napa’s 14 Blue Flag beaches. Clear, perfect temperature water, waterports facilities and a great cafe overlooking the beach. Just stunning.

–Souvlaki tou Soukri tavern. A quirky Greek tavern in central Paralimni (a 10 minute drive from Protaras) where all food is served on wax paper. Everything we tried was delicious, especially their fried courgette balls and chicken souvlaki. Excellent customer service, generous portions and great prices (we paid 19 euros for three souvlaki skewers, a sausage, a meatball/’soutzouki’, 4 courgette balls, salad, tzatziki, fries and water) though have cash with you as they don’t accept card. Oh there is an ATM and parking space at the central square, a two minute walk from the restaurant.

–Andama tavern. A huge tavern in the middle of Protaras tourist area. One of the few in the centre that offers great, authentic Greek food. We tried their ‘Piatakia'(little plates), their version of tapas (smaller than meze) and everything tasted amazing, especially their Garida saganaki (prawns in tomato and feta sauce) and Politiko Kebab. A bit more expensive than we expected (we paid 40 euros for Politiko Kebab, fried calamari, prawns saganaki, salad, falafel and water) but great service and plenty of food for two, it was worth every penny.

I hope you enjoyed my video, I’ll try and make more over the next few months, depending where life takes me. Next one will be of Rhodes, since I’ll be exploring the island for a few days starting tomorrow.

Eleni

The beautiful village of Kalopanayiotis

On a warm, sunny Tuesday afternoon about a month ago, the sisters and I are in the car, singing along to one of our many favourites, on our way to the mountains.

I haven’t been to Kalopanayiotis in years, I could barely remember anything about it and I couldn’t for the life of me recall the ‘Bridge of Love’ my sister kept mentioning.

I looked forward to it since my sister promised to take us. After a short, 40 minute drive from Nicosia, here we are. So beautiful. Even the drive there was gorgeous. The closer we got, the cooler and cleaner the air was. We turned the air-con off, opened the windows and took a deep breath. Ah, pure bliss.

Cyprus

We started off from the top of the village and walked our way down towards the stream and the infamous bridge. We could see a couple posing for their wedding photos. How far off you are my darling, I thought to myself and smiled.

KalopanayiotisKalopanayiotis

I first thought this was the bridge of love, apparently it wasn’t.

On our way to the actual bridge, we passed by St. Ioannis monastery, which was closed for visitors unfortunately at that time of the day. I was gutted. I always wanted to see it in real life, ever since I watched a Cypriot drama TV series about 10 years ago, Μίλα μου (Talk to me). I still remember this scene.

The protagonist Anna, sad and troubled helplessly witnessing her life falling apart, visits a family friend and Abbess, Sister Mariam, at a Cypriot monastery, St Ioannis, situated in the most picturesque location I’ve ever seen. They sit on a bench, next to a stream, you can hear the water in the background. So peaceful.

The monastery

After wandering around, admiring the scenery, we stumbled across a healing spring.

And of course we had lots and lots of laughs. Here’s the little sister welcoming my insta followers at the village.

And here’s the infamous Bridge of Love where we stopped for some snaps (and I made a wish. Not sure if it’s customary, but it felt like a ‘make a wish’ moment).

It was getting dark by the time we reached the bridge, so we started walking back… and upwards.

Kalopanayiotis

When we reached the top of this path, there was the lift option, but none of us wanted to. It looked terrifying.

The lift

Needless to say hunger struck soon enough, and Stella heard about a posh cafe/ restaurant/hotel/spa nearby, last time she was there, Casale Panayiotis. It was the closest to where we were so we thought we’d give it a go. If we feel uncomfortable we walk out.

I’ve written about it at my Cyprus food blog so I will let the pictures do the talking. Only thing I’d say is wow.

On our way back to the car we stopped for a minute to admire the views for one last time.

Kalopanayiotis

This is just a tiny flavour of Cyprus nature, mountains, traditional villages (and you thought Lefkara was nice). There’s more, so much more. I can’t wait to show you around another beautiful place next time.

Eleni

When in Cyprus…

I talk about her all the time. DENISE!

Denise is going to Cyprus on Wednesday. I’m thrilled for her, and a little jealous.

But mostly excited. I always get excited when a friend visits my country for the first time.

She asked me for  recommendations.

Top five things to see/do around Paphos, she said.

I started compiling a list and soon changed from top five to top eight and I stopped there otherwise I’d end up with a 500 page Cyprus travel guide. Oh my I’d love to do that. If anyone fancies to commission me to explore the island and write about it, I can start ASAP. 

[All photos I used are from Instagram and other webpages (except the feature image) and I do not own any of it, thank you to all the incredible photographers].

So, in no particular order…

1.  Petra tou Romiou/ Πέτρα του Ρωμιού (Rock of the Roman) also known as Aphrodite’s Rock. 

According to Greek Mythology, Goddess Aphrodite was born on the Rock, through the spume of the waves (Afro is Greek for foam- αφρός). It’s a gorgeous location, one of the most beautiful in Cyprus, although swimming is not recommended as sea in that region is rough.

 

2.  Blue Lagoon Akamas/  Γαλάζια Λίμνη, Ακάμας.

One of the few regions in Cyprus I haven’t been but I desperately want to next time I’m there. Mountains with a sea view. Crystal clear water, sandy beach. I won’t say more, just look at this.

 

3. Aphrodite’s Baths/ Λουτρά της Αφροδίτης. 

Situated in Akamas area, a beautiful nature path leads to one of the most gorgeous and one of my favourite spots on the island, where Goddess Aphrodite used to bathe.

 

4. Adonis’ baths/ Λουτρά του Άδωνη

Another idyllic location. Not easy to get to, but absolutely worth it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkTZiCkgscU/

 

5.  Tombs of the kings/ Τάφοι των Βασιλέων

A 2km underground necropolis where important people, aristocrats and politicians in 300AD were buried (no actual kings were ever buried there). One of the most significant and imposing archaeological sites in Cyprus. I haven’t been since I was a child, I can vaguely remember it, I only remember it was a hot day and it was cool and eerie.

 

6. Paphos Harbour/ Λιμανάκι της Πάφου

Near the Tombs of the Kings, you can’t not walk down Paphos Harbour and wander into the Castle, at the edge of it. Restaurants, cafes, picturesque location. What else does one need.

 

7. Kykkos Monastery/ Μοναστήρι του Κύκκου

One of the largest Greek Orthodox Monasteries in Cyprus dedicated to Mother Mary/Panagia located deep in the Troodos mountains. OK, technically is not in Paphos, is about an hour and a half scenic drive through the mountains, but when you get there, you’ll understand. The architecture, the murals, the grand church, the scenery. Breathtaking. I was always fascinated by the half covered face of Mother Mary. According to the legend, whoever sees into her eyes, will be blinded. I was always tempted to unveil it, but I was too scared as a child to even try.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bj6esKLHI73/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BirmC17gfzL/

 

8. Kourion/Κούρειον

Ok this is not in Paphos, it’s a 45 minute drive, but is one of my favourite places. Kourion was one of the greatest ancient cities in Cyprus and the theatre on the top of the hill with the most amazing seaviews is still in impeccable condition.

https://www.instagram.com/p/xaDo40DVdf/

 

The post should have ended here but I can’t not recommend some of the local dishes and delicacies one should taste when in Cyprus. Cyprus cuisine, although similar to Greek, is much more than that. A mixture of Greek, Turkish, Middle East flavours, all within the Mediterranean cooking culture of fresh ingredients. Heaven on earth.

– Meze.

You cannot not try Cypriot meze. Dish after dish, the next more delicious than the last.  Salad, hummus, taramosalata and tzatziki dips, fresh pita or traditional bread, Souvlaki,  sieftalia, grilled halloumi, stuffed vine leaves, keftedes (our version of meatballs), olives, mushrooms, pastitsio, mousakka,  and many more it will take a while to mention. A little bit of everything. A great way to get a taste of the local cuisine. Each restaurant have their own selection and it never disappoints. Avoid the tourist areas, go for a local, traditional taverna, and you won’t regret it. Wear loose clothes, you’ll need it after the 4th or 5th dish.

gastronomy_meze 1

(Source: Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cyprustourismch/9182493269/)

–  Seafood.

Freshly grilled seabream or prawns with a touch of olive oil and oregano dressing or fried calamari and a Greek Salad after a swim is one of my favourite things ever to do when in Cyprus.

(Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/539517230338352710/?lp=true)

– Pastries

Often when I’m home we are on the go as soon as we wake up. And what better breakfast than pastries from a local bakery. There is one in every corner. You can try most of them if you choose the mini versions. Sweet and savoury options available. Feta and spinach, halloumi, olives, apple, cinammon fillings and the list goes on.

https://www.zorbas.com.cy/products/bakery/item/snacks

 

– Koupes 

I actually had one on my last visit because I missed them so much. The Eastern influences brought koupa to Cyprus and my life. Made of bulgar wheat, filled with minced meat, parsley and spices (or mushrooms- veggie option), deep fried and sprinkled with fresh lemon, to die for.

 

– Lahmajoun

Another eastern influence, lahmajoun is made of a thin, round dough topped with minced meat, vegetables, herbs and spices. Sprinkle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and you got yourself a scrummy snack.

 

– Spoon sweets.

Sweet preserves made of fruit or walnuts (my favourite!) and sugar. Perfect with a cup of Greek coffee or frappe.

 

I can go on for ever, one post can’t cover all the scrumptious food you can find on this little island but I have to mention tahinopita, since I’ve dreamt about it a couple of days ago. Yes, I actually dreamed of a Cypriot pastry. The most pleasant dream I had in a while.

A sweet tahini and cinnamon filled piece of heaven.

This is just a tiny sample of my home country’s beauty and local cuisine. There’s so much more, I feel I cheated on the rest of the cities (like Larnaka and the old Nicosia town) historic sites, traditional villages (e.g. one of my all time favourite Lefkara), gorgeous locations, beach sides and delectable dishes and delicacies.

Whatever you decide to do when you are there, one thing’s for sure. You’ll love it!

OK, now is time to have a cry and sell my kidney so I can book a flight home ASAP.

Namaste

Eleni

Falling in love with London again- Dinosaurs, the Moon and park walks

Sunday, 20th of May

We got up early(-ish) and bright today to make most of our day.

After the biggest breakfast we had so far, to keep our feet moving the whole day, we headed out in the glorious Sunday sunshine.

A Greek family is sitting next to us at breakfast. We are not sure if they realised we can understand every word they say. The grandpa, who was visiting London for a couple of days is shouting at the daughter and grand-daughters. He is bored. He wants to get out. He wants to get that piece of beef he liked (I think he meant Beef Wellington) to take with him back to Greece. Who on earth wants to get food from here to take back to one of the countries with the best food in the world? 

We have a giggle when they leave.

On our way to the tube station we see him walking around outside the hotel until the rest of the family is ready to go.

Breakfast

First stop: The National History Museum.  God I love this building. Beautiful, striking, it takes your breath away before you even walk in. And then you walk in and you are in owe! Dinosaurs, rare animals, rare rocks, enormous whales in the most gorgeous surroundings one can imagine. I could stand there for hours just to admire the architecture but hours of wandering has taken it’s toll, so it’s time for a little break.

The nearest place we could have a rest was Kensington gardens, so after a quick detour to get salted caramel ice cream (salted caramel is undeniably one of the best flavours humans ever invented) we sat on the grass, in the sunshine and demolished our ice cream in minutes!

I couldn’t stop watching a group of seniors, all dressed up (I imagine they were probably heading in the Royal Albert Hall to enjoy some classical music) having an ice cream whilst chit chatting. What would I be doing in my 70s? I hope I’m as happy as this bunch.

Kensington gardens

After our short break we headed to the Science Museum. Which is amazing and fascinating. But by that time we were exhausted so we had a quick look and headed to Harrods instead to imagine for a little how it feels to be rich, what wonderfully bizarre things one can get and pretend to afford we can buy a £4,000 TV and a £1000 Rollex.

I loved the planet, satellite and other extra-terrestial object display at the Science museum. And I managed to take a gorgeous snap of the moon.

The Moon

My advice: Do not visit both museums in the same day if you want to see all the exhibits or you have other plans. Each takes 2-3 hours to see. At least.

After hours of wandering  we grabbed some snacks from Harrods (one of the few things we could afford) and headed to Hyde park to lie in the sunshine.

On our way there we passed by a fancy restaurant, one of those you only see in the movies, with white table cloths, superbly groomed waiters and equally posh customers. I wonder if I’d ever afford to go there. Do I want to though?Mmm maybe once. Dress up and have a ridiculously expensive meal in Kensington. Why not.

Here we are at Hyde Park, lying on the grass, sunbathing, talking about our lives, thinking of what to do next, dreaming of holidays and fun days, with beautiful views all around us.

After a couple of hours we head back to Shepherd’s Bush for some Italian, a glass of Red and a well-deserved sleep after a gorgeous, fun-filled day.

 

Tomorrow is my birthday. I’ll be 32… And just before I fall asleep, I’m desperately trying to make up my mind how I feel about it…

 

Some of Cyprus beauty

I’m back, back at my second home. For now. No idea what is going to happen after Brexit, I’ve heard so much my head hurts.

But anyway, a week back home definitely helped to clear my mind and decide what I want to do next. I’m still not feeling my best but I’m feeling better.

Thank you for all the lovely messages you sent me after my last post. I didn’t post to seek attention or make anyone feel sorry for me, I’d hate that.

At the end of the day living here on my own, away from my support network is my choice and I accept the consequences but pretending to be OK, happy and cheery all the time when I’m not, makes me feel much worse so I feel much better now that everything is out in the open.

I didn’t get to do a lot of sightseeing this time as I spent most of my time with my family and best friends (for more of my snaps of Cyprus check my insta https://www.instagram.com/eleni_zenonos or one of the many accounts I follow to remind me how beautiful my homecountry is https://www.instagram.com/heartcyprus

but here are some of the highlights:

-Laiki Geitonia- Old Nicosia- A traditional neighbourhood in the heart of Nicosia surrounded by traditional buildings, cafes, taverns and several souvenir stores.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTge-eAAwn/

If you happen to  visit, make sure you walk down Ledras street for some nice food and go up the tallest building in Nicosia, on the Observatory where you get panoramic views of the city, including the occupied part (you can actually cross to the other side and see the other (occupied) half of the city and the rest of the island). Here’s a snap I took of the other half when I visited a while ago:

 

-Agios Iraklidios monastery in Politiko village. An old monastery (the church was originally built in 400AD, but the monastery was fully renovated in 1773) close to Nicosia. My mum’s favourite monastery, set in a peaceful, serene field with trees and flowers grown by the nuns there, who also make their infamous almond sweets. If you ever visit, you should definitely try them! And make sure you ask to visit the saint’s underground grave. It might feel a bit eerie if you are claustrophobic but how often do you get to walk around in a thousands years old underground cave?

If you go in the church to light a candle, turn to your right and go into the original part of the church. There is not much natural light but there are two small windows that let the sunshine in, it’s magical. I can’t describe the feeling but there is something special when you visit an old building that have been there for centuries, nurtured and loved by the nuns who are always smiling at you. You can see in their eyes how they’ve reached the higher levels of humility that fill their heart with peace and serenity.

In whatever mood you are, a visit will sooth your soul, regardless of any religion/non-religion views.

(Photos are not allowed inside the monastery, but if you want to see how it looks inside too, check Google images)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSLP5uBAROk/

-Panagia (Holly Mary) Chrisospilliotissa. A church/cave probably around since the 12th/13th century (there is not much information about it), built WITHIN a grand, imposing rock and covered in mural paintings inside.  Every time I visit I wonder how on earth they managed to build it!

If you enjoy a bit of history and architecture I definitely recommend it. There are no words to describe it really so here’s a snap:

-Finikoudes- Larnaca. A road full of palm trees, with a variety of restaurants to choose from on one side and Finikoudes beach and the beautiful, recently renovated marina on the other (there are many many more nice beaches and sightseeing in Larnaca).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSOyPllgtqv/

There’s much much more to this little but beautiful island which I can’t possibly fit in a post but these are the highlights from my most recent visit. More next time I visit, which will be summer!

Hope you enjoyed this 🙂

Love you all x

Eleni