Fish!!!

 
This morning I had to go and see Dr Lykoudis for a check up on my progress and John was taking Sally to see what fish we have available to us which, whilst we live in the Med, is limited as the waters around Cyprus have been severely over-fished.  We have a fish BBQ penciled in for tomorrow and have already purchased some Sea Bream and Red Fish in preparation.  Anyway John and Sally started their search in Paps.  I had anticipated a long wait to see Dr Lykoudis but actually I walked straight in, sat down for about 2 minutes watching the staff making toasted sandwiches in the back of the reception, and then in with Dr L who declared that my range of movement was excellent and that he was happy to refer me for three further physio sessions under our NHS scheme which I was pleased about because I do think they are helping.  Anyway as a result of the quick turnround I walked down to Paps to see John and Sally perusing the fish counter.  Fish was purchased, small red fish commonly known as Boop-Boops or Gupa and some sardines.

Next stop was to Vasilis at the traffic lights for octopus and squid.  Sally was in her element and asked loads of questions and had the poor guy serving her running around being filmed as he prepped the octopus and the squid so that the unwanted bits were removed.  She has not cooked these before so it will be interesting to see how they turn out - she is being experimental, I am sticking to cooking the Sea Bream because I am on safe grounds there.

The others were having a more cultural morning as they had gone to the museum in the village for the guided tour that takes place on Saturdays.

Cheryl was particularly taken by the skill being demonstrated by a little old lady cutting minute and intricate pieces of silk worm casts to make a traditional silk worm picture.  Even if it is not something you might want to hang on your wall you still cannot fail to acknowledge the time, effort and skill which has gone into making it.

On our return the remainder of the 23 went their separate ways until we met up again in the evening.  Frank and Cheryl had decided to wander down to the Droushia Heights and avail themselves of the facilities on offer for which a small fee of 5 euros is charged which gets taken off your bill if you then buy food or drink.  Sally and Tommy decided to go down to the beach and have a swim in the sea.  Poor Sally is suffering with her ears which is a long standing issue and not one which has just appeared.

This evening I had book a predominantly vegetarian meze in Finikas.  To be fair their normal meze usually is but I just wanted to make sure that there would be enough for Cheryl to eat.  Marina really excelled herself this time.

Apart from a small amount of meat at the end all the rest was vegetarian and included some dishes we have never had there before and they were all delicious. 

The halloumi in sesame seed and honey was amazing as was the okra (or ladies' fingers) and the star was definitely the stuffed courgette flowers.  Everyone was well impressed and we had so much food we had to wave a white flag at the end of it all.

This should have been the end of our evening save for perhaps a couple of hands of Shithead and a nightcap but we had passed Andri's house earlier and they were preparing for an 18th birthday party for their eldest child Constantina and we were invited to call in and help celebrate.  In fact Andri insisted that we call in and as we have to walk past we couldn't really refuse.  We did say that we had visitors and Andri said that they would be welcome as well so that is what we did.

It was a riotous affair to say the least, Marios had set up a temporary bar where you could order Vodka, Vodka or Vodka!!!  We stayed far longer than we had anticipated that we would do - we were having such a laugh and were made to feel so very welcome.  I think the photograph below was taken after the fireworks and before everyone started dancing on the tables!!!

What a great night and Constantina we hope you had an amazing birthday - you were 5 when we first met you and you have grown into a beautiful 18 year old.