
![]() Yesterday was an interesting day in many regards - taking a visit to Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Center to support my dear friend and colleague Nefi Charalambous - Darden in a post international weight lifting contest.
My first surprise was the sheer size and scope of this place - felt like a small city, with a labarynth of corridors, lifts and stairs linking a wide range of areas for different sporting activities - and a most ginormous staduim in the centre, where I gather conterts are held from time to time. WOW - when Cyprus does it, it does it BIG!!!. Anyway - I found myself a friendly passer by who spoke English, and after trailing up and down dark stairwells and passages ( yes- I put infinate trust in this Sweedish Australian from Cyprus!!!) - there was Nefi - in the weightlifting hall. It should be pointed out at this point that Nefi is decidedly ' pint sized' - and as she pointed out, her main competition was young enough to be her daughter, and a professional weight lifter who trains daily.. She is therefore to be much congratulated on her impressive performance - As Dr Nefi - SENCO and Autism Specialist, there is not a great deal of time for training, however - finishing at a 55k lift, she was only 2 k behind the winner - and, I believe the only actual Cypriot in the competition - Nefi - RESPECT !!!
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![]() At last here we have it - Victora's bar ( known as V's) is now open on Friday and Saturday evenings. After many tribulations and set backs Sean and Lee Anne Raw have triumphed in turning this cosy bar into somenthing a little special for Kouklia. Fittings and furnishings provide a comfortable modern eating and drinking environment, which compliments the natural old world Cypriot backdrop. This is not the place for full restaurant / taverna meals, but snacks and lighter warm and cold dishes, - of particular note the Bunny Chow signature dish - supporting a wide range of coffees, wines, beers and spirits. Drinks start from €2 for a 6cl measure, a glass of wine or a 500ml draught beer......to €50 a shot for best whisky, or €350 for Dom Perignon - catering for every taste and pocket. V bar is the ideal spot to relax with a drink or two prior to sampling one of the village tavernas for a full meal, or stopping by afterwards. A great place also to call ' you local' - a meeting chatting mixing place where ladies will feel equally as comfortable as the men. - Lee Anne has very cleverly built in space for sales of locally made pottery and other souvenirs. (There is also an exhibition of my own Cyprus Life paintings, with prints and postcards for sale - quick plug!) The bar is very much still in the development stage, with much more to come - Clearly opening times will increase as the tourist season approaches, and there is talk of live music, breakfast TV sport events, and much more. After a challenging 12 months and much hard work by the proprietors and many friends and supporters here we see a truly stylish addition to Kouklia Village, and one which is already proving to be a popular venue - Best of luck to Lee Anne and Sean and family - bring it on! Note ** The name Victoria's is after the family of the bar Landlords ![]() OOOOH DEAR!! - I really didn't know they came that big here in Cyprus!!! I first heard about the snake when having coffee with my dear friend Anna - whos'e intrepid husband Skippy ( Giorgos Bazillis but known as Skippy due to his time in Australia) encountered the beast lying in the undergrowth whilst gardening outside one of the village schools. Skippy having summoned help from other council workers, kept guard over the snake, trying to dispatch it with rocks whilst waiting for reinforcements to arrive - fortunately the snake was sleepy, so stayed put long enough for the heavy rake to 'make safe'. The story of the snake incident was then relayed among lunchtime diners in the taverna - word spread fast - this was truly a splendid but potentially dangerous specimen and best not left lying about outside the school gates! A true reminder as to why we don't wander about in the grass without boots, and have our garden bushes trimmed to a foot above the ground. However - the snakes have been here for many years, and one this size does indeed command a certain level of respect. - as long as it's not in MY garden. There are 3 poisonous snakes in Cyprus but you only need to be cautious of a blunt-nosed viper. The Blunt-nosed Viper - has distinct markings of large spots on either brown or grey skin depending on age and with a characteristic spade-shaped head. Poisonous and moves more slowly than other snakes. Commonly found near river and stream beds. The Montpellier - also poisonous but moves very quickly so you are unlikely to be bothered unless actively looking for one! Brown in color and can grow to 2 metres in length. Hisses loudly if threatened. The Cat Snake - last of the poisonous Cyprus snakes. A small snake with back fangs so you can only get bitten if you put a finger down a cat snake's throat! Long thin body with either beige or brownish-green color with square-shaped markings in a diamond pattern. |
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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