metamorphosis

During summer vacations we had a little project where we got the chance to follow the whole cycle from silkwork larvae to cocoon to silk moth to eggs. It was particularly interesting to me as a knitter as they produce one of the most precious silk thread that can be found. Also the fact that they can survive in the Mediterranean climate, where we live, is interesting.

We received nine silkwork larvaes to take care of from Eddies kindergarden just before summer holidays started. We fed them with Mullberry tree leaves which we found in the neighbouring area. For weeks they ate day and night. Then one day one by one did they start cocooning. They remained in their white and yellow cocoons for weeks. Covered in the softest silk thread, the metamorphosis took place. Then the beautiful silk moths came. Blind, not able to fly or eat they just mated and laid eggs until they slowly and peacefully started dying. 

orchids at home

Since our move to Cyprus, I've made a few attempts to keep orchids outdoors. The kind of orchid varieties you can purchase at the supermarket. To my delight last year a plant even had keikis (small orchid baby's), unfortunately which didn't make it due to some cold snap nights.

Have come to realize these kind of orchids aren't fit for the Mediterranean climate, much due to some really cold winter nights, but also the super strong summer sun (however which you could avoid by placing them smartly).

My next attempt with orchids at home will involve bringing them indoors during the coldest nights. First just need to figure out a good placement for them in the absence of window sills.
Also this year involved some local orchid spotting.

sun between storms

Tsiknopempti, also known as Fat Thursday elsewhere, is supposedly often sunny and nice here in Cyprus. One could believe the gods wanted to ensure they could fully enjoy the smell of meat from the many active souvlaki grills on this day.

While it was stormy, wet and cold, otherwise all week, on this day the skies indeed opened up. With kids still in their uniforms, we went straight from school to look for sea shells that might have been flushed up the shore during the storms. The sea was magnificent. Leo found an impressive triton shell.

On our way home we passed an area usually with orchids early spring. Already, we could spot some from the car's windows while driving really slowly. There's an all time low temperature heading, since we moved here. We shall see if the orchids endure it, until the next time when we go to see them.

limassol seafront snaps

This Sunday:

I'm knitting. On a poncho. So, I will soon have a finished object to show you. It's knitting up into a big chunk. Made of lambs wool and some angora goat mohair. So warm.

walking, snacking and discovering small things

A city promenade to everyone's liking involves a snack break. If it can be topped with a lunch at KFC by the Marina, with a sea view, it can give a long good after taste. Not that the kids will be relaxed and well-behaving well home the rest of the evening, as a gesture of gratitude. But with rosy cheeks there will be spontaneous sweet comments, such as "what a great day we had", "thank you mama for treating us with KFC", along the evening. That, and the stretching of our legs and getting to enjoy the small things we discover as we walk is what we treasure a lot.

Walking from the Marina we discovered that the extended wooden walks along the Molos sea promenade are one by one made open to the public. On our way home, after a coffe and some croissants at the new La Croissanterie at Anexartisias Street, we passed that Opera Travel copper plate sign that I just love. I don't think the business is located there any more, but I hope they will save that sign.

Can you just not like those old doors with bright paint fading, so typical for south Europe. A fig tree by one of those charming door step's definitely made me smile. Did you know that the somehow recently renovated water tower in Limassol was the source of water for all Limassolians from when it was built 1930s until it was closed 1947, as underground water supply system was set up. It has a historical value for many Cypriots as it's one of few monuments of mechanics in Cyprus.

fishing

Last weekend Leo and his papa wanted go fishing. At Akrotiri Fishing harbour we where alone except for a man fishing at the end of a stone pier. No fishes where caught this day, but great time was had by son and husband.

The rest of us made a little promenade. I'm always up for a brisk walk along sea, filling my lungs and head with well needed fresh air. Tiny shells can be distracting for a little girl though, and I guess because we hadn't been out there for some time, it took some convincing before all had found their walking mojo.

I'm impressed by the Cypriot wine makers, the great wines they produce and with such enthusiasm. You can follow Wineries Cyprus on Facebook to see what the wineries are up to.