A Grand Old Night Out in Pissouri...

Having cocked up yesterday on the bank appointment we did what we were supposed to do today and got down to Polis by 8.30am to deal with some financial bits and pieces.  It was quite a laugh in the bank as Neophitos the young guy teller pulled up outside to offload bags and bags of loose change - no Securicor in this neck of the woods no Siree!!!  That was loose change and a bottle of Jack Daniels for some reason - an eclectic mix!  Whilst we were waiting for a transaction to be confirmed with the main Paphos branch we chatted to the woman assistant manager giving me the opportunity to try out some of my Greek.  Within a very sort period of time we learnt that her husband was a pharmacist and ran the chemists on the corner and that they had two children, one of whom was at university in Brighton and the other was currently doing his Cypriot national service but wanted to study to be a doctor.  During the course of the conversation we were paid about the biggest compliment that anyone could have paid us  because when we explained that my parents had been living in Cyprus for over 20 years and that we had been visiting regularly over that time, had bought our house and had been living here for over a year the assistant manager declared that we were practically Cypriot!

We rushed back to the village so that we could pay some money into the Co-Op bank and were invited in for coffee with Alkisti.  Unfortunately we couldn't stay for more than a very quick coffee as John wanted to help Sean finish the fence he is building and I wanted to nip down to Jeanette's for craft for an hour or so before Mum and Dad came up to house/cat sit and we went off to Pissouri.

I was conscious that I owed Jeanette some money for the mosaic I started last week so didn't want to leave it another week before paying her and I wanted to grout the coasters and get them finished.  I made a valiant attempt but had to leave them in Jeanette's capable hands to finish off and I never got a chance to even look at my cuboid snail as I had to shoot back to Droushia but not before we organised to have a craft trip to Limassol on Tuesday.

When I got home Mum and Dad were already there so after a quick spot of lunch and a briefing on their duties for the night we set off for Pissouri and Wendy and Bill's house.  W&B have the most stunning view from their balconies and when we arrived it was absolutely scorchio.  Bill suggested that we might like to take a trip down to Malanda - a bay that we haven't been to for years and one of our favourites.

We spent a very pleasant afternoon sitting in the taverna that overlooks the bay watching the world go by and laughing at the young waiters having a noisy but good natured game of Tavli (backgammon) - as I took their photograph the proprietor asked if he could have a copy so that the next time they ask for a pay rise he could remind them that they spend plenty of time loafing!!  We returned from the beach and headed for the pool for a cool down before getting changed.

So here we are,  ready for our big night out having a quick drink on the balcony before walking into the village.  Bill said Wendy and I didn't scrub up too badly for a couple of old 'uns!! It was a really, really beautiful evening but everso slightly on the warm side!!  We set off down to the Square and the delights of the regular Wednesday Cyprus Night.

The Square was buzzing, three of the tavernas club together to provide the food for the night - it comes by way of a buffet and then there are traditional dancers and entertainment including the man that balances nine glasses, two terracotta wine jugs, a tray of glasses, carafe and, just for good measure, another glass on top of that and then dances around without dropping them!!!  We had a right old laugh - it was a fun evening and we were made very welcome by Charis the proprietor of O Vrakas (I think) who is a friend of Wendy and Bill's.  As a result it turned into a boozy late night - although I did wimp out at one point and had a cup of tea!!  Like four teenagers after a night on the lash we staggered home up the hill - probably talking far too loudly for the late hour and continued on into the wee small hours on that balcony with the stunning view.  The stars look equally stunning when viewed from Pissouri as they did when viewed from our roof terrace!!

Another lovely day and based on our experience if you have never sampled a Wednesday Night Cypriot bash in Pissouri then do it in a group and have a giggle!