
![]() Oh my Lord - quite a visitor to our poolside this week - fact is, we live in an area called snake valley, so should not be surprised at slithery visitors, and indeed some are very welcome, as they are non poisonous and deal with any rat colonies which may wish to live alongside us. - However, - that said - when I found the larger part of this skin hanging down into a poolside nook, I was concerned!
Many thanks to my Cypriot friends who came forward with advice and help = is it a blunt nosed viper, in which case - BIG problem - or isn't it ? - Well needless to say I wasn't taking chances, especially when we have four little dogs, so with the assistance of dear friend Giorgos Michaelis ( George Michael as we fondly know him) to translate, We secured the services of Banicos, the snake man, who keeps a snake FARM ! in the village of Koukia. After examination by the expert, the conclusion was that this was a coin snake, and therefore harmless, and one which in fact we should cherish, as they help to keep the nasty bggrs away. It all did lead discussioto methods of keeping our property snake free, and Banicos can secure nets to the outside walls to stop them getting in - how clever! - strikes me, money well spent, as a bite from a venomous snake could kill one our dogs - our at the least require veterinary attention. - I have learned some useful facts regarding snake bites and dogs - if the bite is on the neck it's likely that you only have half an hour for anti venom - on the leg, you have four hours. Having checked out snake bite kits, the jury appears to be out re effectiveness - basically, its a suction thing which draws the venom, and some more useful than others - great tip though - the stuff of films re sucking venom out, is a myth, and not to be advised ! - Anyway, a new learning curve and aspect to life in Kouklia.
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arrrrhhhh - Just a quick note about one of the VERY few downsides to life in Cyprus - insect bites - and I'm one of those sweet blooded unfortunates who attracts them !!!! - so now here we are end May and they're biting again - forget sleep - middle of the night and can't find the repellent and what's more - I have sustained the WORST type of bite -yes indeed, the dreaded ' bottom of the foot' insect bite nightmare!!!!!!!! - what do you do?????? To scratch adds to the itch factor - to leave results in prolonged burning sort of itching.
It's not mosquitos, if it were that simple I have one of those very romantic net arrangements which hangs from a hook above the bed - No no no, it's the sneaky little noseeums. - as small as a pinhead but with a bite to rock your system - and you don't even Now Ive been advised by a local farmer to rub Zuvaneer of whisky all over my body - MMMMMMM - KINKY CONVERSATION????- local medicine>???? - seems like an awful waste unless it can be injested through the pores !!!! - Anyway Iv'e purchased ELEPHANT SPRAY today - don't ask!!!!!!!!apparently it will repel all potential biters - including elephants????? - I think I'll spray, and then sleep lightly in case I get trodden on in the night!!! ![]() I just HAD to add one of the latest pictures of the Blah Blah Courtyard. - taken by Derek Harris, a seasoned professional photographer and artist who, since we chatted in the Paphos Hobby Centre, over the purchases of canvas and paints, has become a very dear friend of ours. The picture has captures the wonderful natural sunlight, filtered by Andros's bamboo roof. - Quite an amazing venue to pitch up to for work, as I do each day. Last week there was great activity to open the shop / boutique situated in the far corner. - and very nice it is too. - all locally produced souvenirs, pottery and jewellery - slowly slowly the courtyard is coming to life !¬ On sunday was a festival, spearheaded by our South African friends, and Andros, focussed around music and art. We enjoyed a drumming group in the square, with participation from local children, market stalls, and good food. Thanks to all the fellow Cyprus artists who dropped by to say hello, - I will soon be in touch. It was great to see all the taverna's busy and the square full of visitors, and I understand there are plans for regular market type events - drag tourists kicking and screaming from their all inclusive domains to see and enjoy the spirit of proper Cyprus ! Suddenly, last Tuesday, I felt ' summer' - the temperature seemed to intensify overnight, Any left over duvet bedding abandoned to store until November / December, and down now to one thin layer of clothing. - makes choosing easy!
In Kouklia, people are ' coming out' - more activity around the tavernas and the square, and an air of anticipation heralding the forthcoming tourist season. Noticeable is the change in painting technique - acrylic paint is now drying very quickly, so bring on the gel reducer and more water sprays. Noticeable also was the effect of life here on me, this week forgetting which day of the week it was, and walking my dogs whilst I should have been giving tuition. Thankfully in true Kouklia style, Andros drove down to my house to find me, and all was forgiven. - Perhaps I have been imbibing a little of Blah Blah Dementra |
AuthorI am passionate about Cyprus, and the village of Kouklia in particular. I'm lucky enough to live and work in the area Archives
December 2015
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