Eastern Journey

Back in April last year I thought about the prospect of another harsh winter on the windswept coast, and decided to formulate a plan to cope with it. I spent a few days mulling over my options, and abandoned all pretense that it would be bearable when Beth suggested escaping for sunnier climes. Thinking of the warmest places in Europe and with a mind to the entertainment of two biblical studies researchers, we settled on Cyprus, which Beth (for unknown reasons) conflated with Sicily for a few weeks... So by the first of May we had a flight to Pafos booked and had selected the most insane-looking hotel I could find. Thus, we found ourselves at last hurtling towards Edinburgh Airport on a dreich January morning.

Just made luggage weight limit – 19.6 Kg! I was remembered by the mobility assistants though disconcerted by PA announcement describing me as a “Major Romeo” (Beth’s suggestion “Mobility Requirement”)

Got fasttracked through security again and taken up to aircraft in lift. Snow forecast. It was very windy and they took their time letting us on board, so we sat there swaying gently in the breeze and hoping the lift was solid. On board we found a free row and the flight was fairly painless, with our four hours taking us over Germany, via Prague, Sofia and Izmir to Pafos at sunset.

After a quick trip through the tiny airport we found the bus for the car hire place. An equally rapid stop there had us on the road and speeding towards our hotel (by way of a diversion that was to become very familiar over our fortnight on the island). We found the hotel without a problem, despite my repeated attempts to indicate with my wipers; the Nissan Tiida had the controls on the opposite side to my car. I almost mastered the foot brake.

The hotel was a beautiful monstrosity – we agreed that when we stop finding the décor entertaining it will be a very bad sign. Roman title, Greek frescoes, Egyptian papyri, Swiss chalet doors – and walls all frescoes, mirrors or furry leopard print. Coooooool.

We decided to eat at the buffet in the restaurant before unloading the car. After unpacking we watched some of our DVDs… Start as you mean to go on, I suppose. Let the relaxation commence!