So we have made it safe and sound!! Whoo hoo!! And true to our adventurous natures, we have started exploring already. We know that we need to pace ourselves so that is what we are trying to do. But it's HARD! There are so many great and wonderful things to see and do here! I guess I should fill everyone in on the disaster it took me to get here.
I had no problems from SLC to Chicago. That flight was easy and somewhat quick. However, Chicago is where the problems started to arise. First, I got lost in the airport. I had only been through that place like 1 other time and did not have to change terminals-this was my downfall. I had no idea that I needed to change terminals and how to even do that-and the untied lady I asked was kinda rude about it too. Anyhew, I finally found my terminal and gate and sat down to have a sandwich. We boarded the plane no problems and were set to take off. At this point I took a melatonin and was settling in for 6 hrs of uninterrupted sleep. Was I that lucky? Oh no. I awoke an hour later to us parked back at the gate to refuel. Why were you refueling you might ask? Well apparently we taxied WAY to long and the pilot was worried about how much fuel that took up and so we went back. We also happened to lose our spot in the take off line. Great. AND there was some crappy weather. So we had to wait. At least the flight attendants were awesome and gave out drinks and let us do whatever we wanted basically. I was half asleep. I chatted with the people behind me who were from a suburb of Chicago and were on their way to Paris. I therefore told her all about it and how amazing it is and where to go. Then, about 3 hrs after our original take off time, we take off. Since 1 meltonin wasn't working, I took another. That helped! I slept soundly for about 5.5 hrs, which is much more than some other people. I slept off and on during our stay in Chicago too so I figure I got about 7 hrs of sleep total. Not bad huh?
Well, since we were sooo late leaving, I (and about 120 other passengers) missed my connection to Cyprus. Oh happy day. The people at British Airways had already booked me onto Cyprus airways but sadly that flight didn't leave until about 3 and I was there at 1030 am. So I wondered around a little bit. And went potty. And got a DELICIOUS panini that had brie cheese and bacon and ham and tomato on tastey bread. HEAVEN! And I waited around for a while. I also got sleeeeepppy. I snoozed for about 30 mins-I was trying to not sleep too much so I would sleep like a baby when I got to Cyprus. So I got on the plane, took a 2 hr nap, then was awake for 3 and then got off the plane.
I got a stamp in my new passport but it's pretty boring so I was disappointed. I went to get my bags and got 1 just fine. Then I waited, and waited, and waited. Bag #2 was a no show. Great. I go to the desk and talk to the lady there and find out that they left it in Chicago. Now I'm no expert but how does 1 bag make it and 1 not? Needless to say i was due to arrive the next day, which it didn't. That's ok, nothing detrimental was in it so I survived.
I finally met Matt and we drove the hour back to Limassol from Larnaca. It was dark so I didn't see anything but lights. But the next day was a whole other story....
Matt as to get up at 4 am to get to work by 5 am-lucky guy right? So while I slept away he went to work. But happily he got to come back early to get me so we could go to base and get my id tags and such so I can get on base. It was a busy day! We drove around a little too which was nice and I got to see a little of the area. However, we ended up falling asleep at 5 pm and didn't wake up until about 4 am the next morning. Good for Matt, bad for me. I had trouble getting back to sleep but I eventually did and woke in time for bfast with Matty. The hotel had a great buffet! So friday we checked out of the hotel and got situated in our new home with Matt's coworker George. Matt works days, George works nights, it's a good set up. And temporary for both. George is living in this other guy named Serg's house since he's on deployment. So basically we're all crashing at Serg's without him being here.
So some fun Cyprus facts that I have learned since arriving. 1. Everything is in Greek. I know. I know. I was slightly prepared. But it's a little overwhelming to not be able to read some things. The bakery we like to go to only has signs in Greek but the ladies will describe what is in things for us.
2. Helumi. Helumi is goat cheese that can be grilled. It is TASTEY!!! It's kinda squeeky when you eat it so they call it "squeeky cheese." I love it! Matt no so much.
3.Food here in general is pretty tastey. Except the British stuff-it tastes British. Which there are a lot of pubs and such.
So the pics below are of a castle that is in the neighboring town called Kolossi. We live in Erimi right now. They are both about 10 mins from Akrotiri, the RAF base. Kolossi castle is the best preserved castle on the island. It's not huge like the British or German ones, but it's quaint and has a pretty nice view. We goofed around a bit and played with our new camera lenses. Mom and dad graciously gave me a wide angle lense for a bday/Christmas present. And it is already getting plenty of use! I'm going to try and keep this updated as quickly as we take the pictures and go on our adventures, but no promises ;)
Kolossi town and the Troodos Mountains behind
Isn't he handsome?
I like the lighting on this one.
Wide angle in the castle-how cool??
There it is! Cute huh?
