a peripato around a mountain village in sunset

We went to the mountains last weekend to breath fresh air, fetch spring water and perhaps see some lovely folks. At a café with a spectacular view a man came up to our table and wanted to talk. He looked out the window and explained how he and his wife uses to drive up to the mountains as often as possible.

But really where he wanted go, was back to his home in occupied Famagusta area. For a long while he dwelled in this subject. He said, even if he has children and grandchildren, he will never stop waiting to move back to his house. I really can't imagine how traumatising it must be to be driven away from ones home over night, not being able to return.

He said he would live up to 200 years waiting to return. I felt sadness over how strong his love for his land seemed, occupying almost all his heart. Later we made "a peripato" (a promenade) up to my aunts house. She seemed in good vigour. We managed to have interesting conversation in Greek, dispite my poor vocabulary.

After filling our water bottles we returned back to Limassol, elevated and sad at the same time.

an afternoon in old Nicosia, liking more and more those old Cypriot floor tiles

We had some errands in Nicosia last week, on the kids last days of summer holiday. This evening we would also see some old friends from Sweden, currently living in Nicosia. The afternoon however begun chasing our smallest one up and down the main street Ledra, in the old town.

The bigger kids where so easy in comparison. While at a café they soon sunk into reading books/comic papers they'd brought, in the cooler shadows of this hot September afternoon. Even the little one was quite for some moments, busy fiddling with my camera (picture above of me).

Near the end of Ledra in a house with beautiful balconies the shops beneath had kept their old floor tiles. We stopped admiring and ended up chit chatting with one of the shop owners. He generously explained about restorations of old Cypriot houses and how the government is supporting that. Of this reason you can find old type of floor tiles at some builders merchants. I'd love to have old style tiles in our living room one day. Even if it would probably look somehow weird in a 1990s house.

capturing anticipation and rejoice

Anthea had a great time as bridesmaid at a lovely family wedding in a modern mountain village church. The sweetest couple with such beautiful anticipation before marching the isle.

During the lengthy ceremony Eddie became restless and preferred playing outside with pine cones and his new "bag" containing rice and rose leaves to be thrown at the newly married couple.

I'm particularly glad I captured the rejoicing bride throwing her rose bouquet. Such adorable moments.

linen is great, and I've knit a top with it

Kids schools will be starting in a weeks time which we're busy getting ready for. There's finally emerged a little chill in the evening breeze, while it's still above 30 degrees mid day and we keep using the air condition.

As far as I can remember I've admired the look of linen fabric. The texture of creased linen fabric, how it drapes, the natural scent and the durability of it. Besides silk, I think linen is my favourite textile. There's nothing like airy garments, elegant curtains and pillows, beautiful accessories, crispy towels and crunchy bed linens made in linen.

Made this comfy linen top (more project notes here) just in time for the Cyprus autumn. It's my third knitted linen item. Besides this top I recently made two farmers market bags. I've also sewn a few simple items out of linen fabric before, such as bath towels, a inner bag etc.

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.