Remembering

The sun came out today after a few very soggy, grey days.  It seemed poetically timed in honour of Remembrance Day.  As we stood for two minutes of silence this morning with the uplifting warmth of the sun streaming through the windows, I couldn't help but be filled with overwhelming gratitude for those who have sacrificed their lives in the quest of freedom, both in this land and in nations the world over.  To those who have paid our way, there are not words sufficient enough to say thank you.  There is a special place in heaven for you, and we are forever in your debt.  

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,

Sleep sweet - rise anew!

We caught the torch you threw

And holding high, we keep the Faith

With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led;

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies,

But lends a lustre to the red

Of the flower that blooms above the dead

In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red

We wear in honor of our dead.

Fear not that ye have died for naught;

We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought

In Flanders Fields.

- Moina Michael

Cyprus

For October half term break this year we decided to hit another island country to catch some last rays before we hunker down for winter.  We decided on Cyprus, a country we hadn't been to yet, and a location (more middle east than Europe, although technically European) that was sure to be warm in late October.  It hit all the right marks for sun, interesting things to see, wonderful food and relaxation!   

This trip was for some unknown reason the most relaxed I had felt in as long as I can remember.  So much so in fact that I came home with only 148 photos!  I know that is shocking for someone who would normally come home with 6,000+ photos on a week-long trip, but my urge to photograph left the building for some reason.  I have to say it was fabulous!  There were several days where I didn't even pick up my camera!  And I have no regrets.  The few photos I did take are good enough, and capture very much our experience there.

 Paphos

 Ruins of ancient Paphos

 Our fabulous pool at our fabulous villa. Have to say this was the best villa we have ever rented.  It was just amazing, and surprisingly affordable.  Holiday rentals are really the way to go when traveling with kids.  The infinity pool and our amazing view were easily the highlight of the whole week.

 Village of Peyia

 Old town Paphos

 A day at the beach, Coral Bay

 We spent one day in the capital of Nicosia.  Officially, depending on who you ask, it is a divided city.  And the only divided capital city in the world.  The country of Cyprus is officially, depending on who you ask, a divided country.  Northern Cyprus claims its independence against Southern Cyprus, although it is not recognised by the EU.  But to go into Northern Cyprus requires a passport check.  We crossed into the north on foot in Nicosia.  We were careful not to get a stamp in our passports, as to some, including Southern Cyprus, this will invalidate the passport.  The flavour of each is distinctly different, the south being more Greek and the north being more Turkish, Greek Orthodox and Muslim respectively.  In the north you see the Turkish flag waving all over, and in the south the Greek flag, almost more than the Cyprus flag.

 The ruins of Palepafos with the temple of Aphrodite

 Rock of Aphrodite

 Last day in Larnaca