Kouklia is gearing up now for the tourist season. The weather is 'hotting up'  and so is the action!
The taverna's are beginning to buzz with people of so many nationalities, Russian, German, Czechoslovakian, South African, and Brits - most of whom pass by my studio window whilst I paint, and many of whom pass the time of day, or wander in for a peek at the pictures, and take in the wonderful aroma, since I picked up the oils again, of linseed oil, turps and oil. mmmmmm

Only problem with working in the Kouklia studio is the Cypriot lifestyle for the semi retired ex pat.  In my book anything after 12.00 mid day means it's rose wine time - and I don't take too much distracting! Hence a half day's work last week produced 3 vine leaves on my mural - That's all!  Interrupted by a very nice Blah Blah lunch with a dear friend who happened by, and two glasses of rose wine, after which I didn't trust my eye, hand and brush co ordination - but that's ok, it's Cyprus - ciga ciga - slowly slowly - get it or loose it! Three vine leaves will do for one day - it will still be there tomorrow!

I have to mention the wine which is my special favourite - it's called something beginning with a D, and which has an e, a t, and an i, and looks alarmingly like Dimentia  - ah well - fair play - this woman of a ' certain age' says ' bring it on' - tastes good - would be helpful if  could remember what it's actually called ...........????

So - back to village activity. it's so random here - which is part of it's delight - I followed up rumours of an ' event', to discover that at end of May there is to be a huge 6 day classical music concert on the Aphrodite Temple museum, and an event with drums, stalls and music on May 20th. That will do for the moment, as Kouklia tavernas prepare for boarders. All very exciting and a joy to be part of. 

Oh and just as an aside, Giorgos the farmer informed me this week - ' that's it for rain now until October / November'.
Paradise Village in Paradise Island - HOW LUCKY ARE WE TO BE HERE.

Easter was last weekend - April 15th - and an amazing experience in Kouklia. The Old Chap and I tried to see Easter a few years ago, and knowing it (The Orthodox Calender) was a week after UK Easter, booked our flights in good time - only to find that every 4 - 5 years, Easter coincides - and this was the year - so we missed it, and I have had to wait until this year to actually be in Kouklia.
Easter started the week before, with the church open every night for people to attend and vigil in the lead up to the big weekend. On Good Friday night, the icon of Jesus was processed around the village - a great turnout of villagers, and an impressive procession.
Saturday brought an amazing air of anticipation, and by 8.00pm, the village square was filling with men in their dark suits and women gradually filing into the church. Being a ' wet behind the ears' Christian Orthodox Person,  I attended with my dear friend Anna - who guides me through the ritual and custom  of services - by 11.15pm the church was packed - with many families, the sound of fire crackers outside, and everybody holding an unlit candle. 

I have now become accustomed to the gender segregation in church - Men to the front, women to the back, and mixed in the isle between. Clearly it's been this way for a very very long time, so who am I to question?  It's just 'different' to my previous experiences.
At 12.00 midnight, the priest passed behind a screen, and shortly after the church was plunged into total darkness, with only the sound of  the firecrackers outside.  (Power cut, though I,  OK, just go with the flow and copy everybody else) - And so we stood, until lo and behold, the priest emerged from behind the screen holding three lit candles, from which slowly slowly the entire congregation lit their own - sort of  ' cascade style' - such a moving sight ! The cross and communion vestments were then taken out of the church, and we all processed behind, - struggling to keep our candles alight - meeting at the front entrance for more from the Priest. Suddenly the skies lit up with a superb firework display - Never before have I seen such a depiction of the resurrection -  and I have to say I was most impressed - a neck tingling moment!. I have also to admit to forgetting to kiss the icons on entering the church, hopefully as it was such an important event, the good lord will look upon me sideways and make allowances for this novice.
Sunday brought a sort of Cypriot equivalent of the village fete - again in the square. Although the smart programme indicated the start to be 6.00pm, in true Cyprus style it kicked off  at more like 7.30, with sack races, egg and spoon races, Stone throwing, and traditional music and dancing.
On Easter Monday , more festivity - a stage was erected in the square - (Kouklia's answer to Wembly stadium?) and the bands played the night away - again much dancing, singing and feasting to be had.
So - my first experience - would I recommend the Cypriot village Easter? - Most certainly yes !

This is a new blog from Angela, and my wonderful life in Kouklia, Cyprus.
I have been lucky enough to have been associated with Kouklia for 8 years, and my husband Harry ( H) and I share our lovely home with our four dogs. ( Yes Four!) We wake each morning to a view of the sea, and for the most part, clear blue skies. Sunrises and Sunsets are spectacular, and being in the countryside, we are surrounded with an amazing range bird and wildlife, flora and forna.