A successful birthday shopping trip...

Today I was going down to Emba to take Mum out shopping to find her something for her birthday from my sister because although Kaye had sent a card and a gift from the UK it is yet to arrive.  This is not untypical of post at the moment, in fact some might say in general although we don't seem to have too much trouble getting mail up here in the village.

It was a beautiful morning when I left John to some peace and quiet and I headed down to the coast, stopping near the Greenhills Taverna to take a shot of the coastline with Peyia stretched out down below.  What was once a small village is now a sprawling conglomeration - stilled referred to as 'Peyia Village' but resembling something closer to a town now.  I must have taken photographs from the same vantage point for years and it would be interesting to find an early one to see how much things have changed.

My journey down took me through Lemba which is a lovely little village mainly inhabited by artistic types who were either attracted by the bohemian Cyprus College of Art which is located there or it was the other way round.  There is a charming wedding venue located down behind this old boat and a little traditional coffee shop which doubles as a reception venue.   Passing through there always makes me smile except for the time I was in a hurry and the electricity board had blocked the road with no notice and no opportunity to turn round and find an alternative route!!!

Mum had had a busy morning even before I arrived, having coffee with friends, so we decided to go straight out and investigate what delights the Marks and Spencer in the Old Town had to offer.  Fundamentally it is their Food Hall but downstairs there is a small homewares section and upstairs they have end of line clothes at reduced prices.  I parked up in the 'sunken carpark' below the old market and took the lift up coming out to where the newish Cafe Nero is located and walked down the hill to the shop.  It was midday and it was getting exceptionally hot, not helped by all the light bright concrete reflecting the sun.

The visit was particularly successful - I make an excellent Personal Shopper - I stuck Mum in the changing room and brought items to her to decide what she liked and what she didn't.  She was impressed because she had declared that she never normally manages to find anything.  I could have found a dozen tops which I thought would be suitable.

Mum plumped for three lovely fresh-looking tops which she is going to take on her holibobs.  She is seen here modeling said items so that I could send Kaye a picture of what she had paid for!!!  Cropped Trousers and Sandals are models own!!  For an 86 year old I am thinking that Mum looks pretty darn good and I am wondering if I could get a contract for her with M&S for their autumn range!!!!  Even better they were a bargain - all three for a total of €27.50!!!  In fact the short sleeved little number was a massive €2.50!!!!!

We returned to Emba for lunch - Mum was a very happy bunny and has had a lovely week so far.