a baptism, a mountain village church, and a lace scarf-shawl

We visited this old mountain village church with a lovely view when kids youngest cousin was to be baptised. Daugther was spontaneously involved in the ceremony, which she managed excellently. Holding a large candle and a cross she walked around the baptism font together with the the priest and the god mother carrying the baby.

I thought it would be a good idea to cover my shoulders in the church. So at the baptism I wore a hand made silk clapotis, my second clapotis so far (more project notes here). However it appeared unnecessary, and too warm this hot August day.

Speaking of silk: Cyprus on the Silk Routes seems an interesting documentary about ancient silk production on Cyprus which I want to watch some day. Here's a clip from the film.

hikig

We experienced a refreshing day at Troodos, as we walked along one of Troodos many hiking trails. We only walked a part of the trail though because of the two year old.

The dominating nature here is pine forest. Mostly black pine, but I also saw Lebanese cedar (pic 5), Troodos phoenician juniper (pic 8), Cyprus oak and many more variants. There's also many small plants and minerals to study closer.

The altitude is about 1775 m over sea level, why the significantly fresher weather. It's much like walking in Nordic forests (which I love so much) apart from the rocky mountain environment.

random

1. Trees with vivid red flowers blooming.
2. At the local fish market, we went for fresh sardines ("sardeles") and anchovies ("gavros").
3. Another beach stones collection. From Curium beach.
4. A handmade book. One of daughter's summer projects.
5. Went with daugther for some opera at the open air ancient theatre at archeological Curium.