Kato Paphos

So in continuing with doing touristy things we went to a close by city called Paphos. They, like everywhere else here, have a historic, archeological area which is known as the lower area, Kato Paphos. Matt's been such a good sport going to all these places with me, I know he hasn't been too crazy about them but he has been enjoying himself I think.

The city of Paphos is smaller than Limassol and quite touristy. We only got to explore such a small part that we'd like to go back at some point and look around some more. They offer lots of water activities on the harbor, as it gets closer to the end of the day, the prices get lower. One guy offered us a speed boat ride out to an island for 5 Euros-not bad!

Well, KP has all sorts of important history and ties to the island, blah blah blah. Just kidding. It was a fun place to visit and they had a castle-yay! It's fun to be somewhere that has these structures that are part of history and stories, even if they are smaller than what we imagine. This one was right on the coast, it was complete with a moat! I like to imagine what it was like to live in there, even if it was built for defense purposes. It wasn't a very tall castle so the view wasn't as grand as others (at least how I imagine the ones in England, Scotland, Germany, and the like look).

Kato Paphos Castle

Inside the entry way

Matt barely fits through the doorway-he's a big man ;)

On top looking out into the harbor

Right outside the castle on the sea

So close to the castle is the archeological area that is part of UNESCO World Heritage Center (http://whc.unesco.org). Basically this means that they think this site contributes significantly to the world's history and it should be protected and preserved for all to see. There are several sites on the island that are part of this program, KP being the first one we got to visit. There are several monasteries and old churches/basilicas on the list that I would like to visit; they are mainly in the Troodos mountains. I think it could be fun to try and visit these sites throughout Europe during our time here. The list for the US is pretty diverse and one could easily see all those sites which include some national parks, the Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall, and Monticello.
Anyhew, we had fun wandering around and taking pictures. KP has the largest amount of mosaics recovered on the island, which is a huge reason they are part of UNESCO. It just fascinates me how detailed and time consuming each work is and would take to produce-and they were walking on them! Now there are all sorts of platforms built around them so you can see them clearly. But, they are kind of hard to photograph with lighting and shadows. I've been discovering that I love the columns that were built and am liking comparing the differences between different sites!

See, columns

He indulges me, like a good hubby!

Man-strength! Trying to pick up the cap of a column. Can we say hernia?

On of the mosaics that has been restored and well preserved.

Reflection time...

There was a lighthouse on the grounds that obviously has nothing to do with the Roman ruins, but it was pretty.

Sadly, these stairs led to a locked door on the lighthouse where I wanted to climb up to get a better view.

Cacti by the lighthouse-large and wild!

The prettiest little view. I thought it looked very tranquil and inviting.

No place is complete with out an amphitheater!

The sun was starting to give off some good light!

He's king of the ruins! If you look closely, it looks like his foot is crushing the palm trees ;)

On our way home we stopped by Aphrodite's Rock (check back to random facts about Cyprus to see info on it!). We knew the sun was going to be setting as we passed so we figured that is was a good time to stop and take some pics! The coast line is lovely and we did get some good lighting. It was a fun day all in all and hopefully this small number of pics helps to show it!

Man I LOVE him!!

He's going to kill me for putting this up but I think it's a GREAT pic! I just LOVE it!

There's her rock! We didn't go down for fear of becoming oober fertile ;)

This photo would be popular here b/c of the crooked horizon!

Sun going down on another amazing day!

Beware the Humping Zebras! And Other Adventures!

So I realize it's been a little while since I've last update. Sorry. Things have been moving at quite a fast pace around here and it's hard to keep up sometimes. We've been settling into normal life as much as possible without actually having any of our stuff (other than the clothes we brought). It's going well I think...

We had a beach party last weekend with a bunch of the coworkers which was really fun! So fun in fact that I forgot to take pictures. I think I took a couple of Matt and Cecil out on the kayak but that's about it. I need to get better, I know!

We started and basically finished the process of looking for a place to move into next month. We found a cute town house in the neighboring town of Kolossi that we like and it's very reasonably priced and it's furnished and allows Joey and will fit some guests when needed. Now don't you all rush out to buy plane tickets at the same time to come see us; it's only 2 bedrooms so you all need to take turns!

The day before the beach party Matt and I decided to hit the beach ourselves! It was actually my first trip to the beach since getting here so it was fun to be just the 2 of us. Sadly, the woman, the very old woman, next to us at this particular beach decided to be topless the entire time so we got to see some very old and saggy lady bits. I know I was staring into my very distant future but I don't need to see that now! We were also told to be careful in the water at this beach because apparently cruise ships and boats flush their waste in the water not too far from this spot so every now and then you'll see some floating poo. Beware the floating poo!!! Thankfully we were diligent and did NOT see any floaters, which made the trip that much more enjoyable. These are the only pics I took on that outing-if you look VERY carefully you can see all the kite-surfers. There were TONS out that day because it was pretty windy. We parked by them and watched for a little while-Matt is considering taking lessons next summer. I think he should do it-it looks pretty fun!

The coastline

See all the kite-surfers?

Hanging out in the sand!

So as many of you know Europeans have different signs and sayings than we do. I was walking to the library from the gym on the base the other day and laughed at the wordage on this sign. I won't post a picture of what comes to mind because, lets face it, we don't need one and it would be slightly dirty!

You know you think it's funny....

I'm sure you all can see where I'm going with this ;)


In other extremely happy news, we are going to ENGLAND right before Christmas to visit with a very good friend of mine and her goofy British husband! I'm trying to book tickets soon so it'll be super duper official!! Of course I will be constantly talking about and updating where we're going and what we'll be doing once we get it sorted out. I just wish I didn't have to wait 2 months until it happens....

Kristi and me dancing at her wedding! Isn't she beautiful!

The Knitting Nana

So we were in the store yesterday, called Carefour, which is kind of like a super Walmart but more a grocery than Wally world is. We went to a different store called Orphanides the other day which was a lot crazier and more overwhelming. So we go to Carefour and we in the cereal aisle, which it really delighted us how many cereal options here are AND how many are American but with a funny twist when I saw this on the box. It made me laugh out loud. Who wouldn't want to be this cute knitting nana?? I may age myself 50 years to get the job!! We didn't get the cereal; I think it was for some kind of fiberous kind. And I had to be sly to take the picture but it was totally worth it. There were some other goodies in there I wanted to take pics of but Matt restrained me, too bad for you! Enjoy!!

Kourion

So I'm having some issues uploading pics onto the blog here, so this isn't as many pics as I would like but it'll do ;)
Kourion is about 5 minutes from where we're staying now (Erimi) and it is the site of some ancient ruins. It was established in the 12th century BC by Mycenaean Greeks, was taken over by he Ptolemies and the Romans. I was destroyed in the 4th century BC by 2 pretty awful earthquakes. However, what has been left is a beautiful site with some amazing ruins. There are some pretty well intact mosaic floors, Corinthian columns, and just spectacular views! There is also a theater (built in the 2nd century BC) that is beautiful and still used today for plays and concerts! The theater overlooks the sea so it boasts one of the best views I've seen yet. We had a fun time wandering around there the other afternoon and watched some para-gliders jump off the side of the hill and just cruise around for a little while. It was a good lazy Sunday kind of thing to do.

La mere! Sea coasts are beautiful!


Para-gliders by the sea


Columns-one in the background is perfectly intact!


The theater! It has such a lovely view!


View from the stage! Stage fright anyone?


In the "House of Eustolios" an early Christian home

Cyprus!!

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?

Another Important Thing....

So as if it is impossible to remember, today is Sept. 11. 9 years ago something tragic happened to our country. It's been kind of a crazy ride between that day, when Matt and I were juniors in high school, just about to start dating to what we are now. And even more has changed in our country. History has been made over and over again, in various ways. We now have a very different president than the one who was in charge when the planes crashed. It's no secret that we are not fans of the current guy in charge but all I really have to say is that I truly hope he understands and remembers all those who died in the way that they deserve. I know he called for tolerance but I hope he truly means for all people, not just toward Muslims. So far it doesn't seem that his administration has been all that tolerant of the Christians in our country and he's been way to tolerant of people who shouldn't even be here. This is not a rant about what I disagree with-that can happen another time. This is about remembering those who were lost, and those we will still lose. We're not out of Iraq yet and in reality it may be a while until everyone is out of the Middle East for good. I know that reality hits a little too close to home as we prepare to get closer to that region and with the job that Matt has. Lets not only remember our soliders, but all those who go in pursuit of what is right. The contractors and missionaries and teachers and all who wish to make the world better and safer for those yet to come into the world.

Driving....

So as most of you know, I HATE road trips! Especially when I have to drive for long periods of time. If I can sleep, I'm generally a happy camper. This was not the case yesterday.....

We began our exodus out of the country yesterday by packing up the truck and car, hitching up the trailer and getting the horse on, and hitting the road. We were cruising out of Cali when we hit the first bout of traffic stopped for construction. This did not last long thankfully but it did happened about 1.5 hrs into the drive. Not a good sign. Some would say that you should turn back and try again later. Oh no, not us Moritzs! We forge ahead! So we get rolling again and hit some more construction traffic; this one is worse than the last. People flying down the road then BAM! stopping for the LOOONNG line of cars and trucks that must funnel into a small little space. Once we get through that we hit through Reno no problemo. We then stop for some food because at this point we have been driving for like 3.5 hrs and only getting about 1/16th of the way-again, not a good sign.

We switch cars cause it's getting windy and I'm already starting to get sleepy. Rusty and Joey are total champs and are handling each thing as it comes no problemo! However, we don't even get 100 miles from when we switched and POW! the trailer has a blow out. Thankfully Matt was driving the truck so he calmly moves to the side of the road, asses what has happened, then manfully pulls out the jack and changes the tire on the side of i-80 with cars and trucks FLYING by us. Rusty is a statue inside the trailer at this point, knowing it is of vital importance that he doesn't become his normal neurotic self and start weaving while the trailer is on a jack.

After my manly man finishes changing the tire (I did help in case you were wondering-I can be handy too!) we drive approximately 3 miles to the nearest town, called Lovelock, and proceed to find a tire place to get a new tire for a spare. We finally find a place at about 4:45, 15 minutes shy of them closing. They hop to it, getting us a new tire and even changing one out for us in no time. And the best part is they didn't charge us a small fortune for this! WHOO HOO! Matt said it was cheaper than us replacing some other tires at home-thank you middle of no where Nevadans for being honest and good to us stranded souls!

So we hit the road again-taking only about an hour to get through the tire ordeal. The longest part of it all was trying to find the tire place! For such a small little town it was hard to find! Anyhow, we cruise a long with little problems, just having to slow every now and then for some construction. We finally hit Elko, which is about 4 hrs from my parents place. At this point we've been driving almost 12 hrs, having left Cali at 11 am. I think we're at the 10/11 hr mark at this point. We stop for some food and to let the boys rest (and Joey run around) some then hit the road. The end is in sight. Or so we think...

We pass a sign that says "Accident 12 miles ahead, expect delays." They were not kidding. We hit the delay. We turn the cars off. We see people getting out and walking around. We know this can't be good. I say a little prayer for whoever is part of the accident (which has become my custom passing accidents now-it's always so scary to see what happens) and we wait. About an hour later we're fire up the engines and creep by a car that has flipped over (several times by the look of it) and has caught on fire. I am thankful we stopped when we did because it looked like a relatively fresh accident which means it probably happened right around when we stopped for about 45 mins which means had we forged head, we could've witnessed it or been part of it. Jesus looks out for us a lot I think.

We finally get through the accident scene and we cruise on. We stop to potty and fill up one last time at the Nevada/Utah border of Weandover. On the road again....

We get to my parents house around 2:45/3 AM!! We're both past delirious at this point. The entire trip we talk to each other on walkie talkies (Matt was Ghost Rider [so I could say "That's a negatory Ghost Rider] and I was Batman, no surprises there, but we never even really used out call signs, oh well!) and as it got later and we drove on, the conversation started to get really silly, mainly from my end. Matt started to relegate his answers to one word or short phrases, which is not uncommon for him, as you well know; Matt is a man of few few words-and then there's me who uses more words in 1 day than he does in 1 week.

All in all it didn't feel like it lasted 15.5 hrs. I think it's because I had my wonderful hubby there every step of the way, leading me to safety! He's a calm and smart cookie that one. I am so terribly blessed to have him as my hubs!

So we have only a few short days until Matt flies across the pond (he leaves the 15th at 4 pm) then I will follow the next week. I still need to get my ticket. I'm sure that if this drive is any indication of what is to come in Cyprus, it is going to be a nonstop adventure with many surprises along the way! But I am so glad that I have Matt to tackle it with me, cause I probably would kill myself if it was just me ;)