Zoë Bowyer

Our second week of holidays involved a lot of swimming. I discovered that D’s dive mask solves all my problems as I hate getting water in my eyes and nose (especially the nose!). It didn’t, however, help me overcome my fear of deep water. We went on a cruise in a sailboat – the captain launched a sail, but I think it was just for show. The cruise involved leisurely sailing, eating, drinking, partying, sunning oneself, swimming, jumping off the plank and parasailing (should we so desire it). D did it all. I attempted to get into the water for a swim but the deep water got the better of me and I forgot that I knew how to float.

We went back to Kykkos Monastery; via the most scaresome dirt track road. I couldn’t look at anything beyond the road otherwise I felt panicky – we were very high in the mountains and the road had no safety barrier to keep us from plunging over the edge. Apparently the scenery was awesome. The Monastery was also spectacular – no photos as they weren’t allowed.

Other adventures included a trip to Nicosia – the last divided city – where we were able to look over to Northern Cyprus. We also went for trips to the beach and Avakas Gorge. It seems that the turtles have it sussed; they know where to find the best sandy beaches to lay their eggs – so it was there that we headed to do some snorkelling. We saw a whole shoal of little fishes. I think D was trying to help me experience a little of what it is like for him when he goes diving. I am not a natural in the water but I spent a lot of my time improving my skills (handstands in the hotel pool and proper use of snorkels). This did not stop me being a wuss when I stepped into the sea one day. I peered under the water with the mask on and immediately lifted my head out and whimpered. ‘What’s the matter?’ asked D. ‘There’s a big rock there,’ I replied. Maybe if it had been a shark I would have had an excuse for my fear, but a rock is hardly anything to be scared of.

We spent a lot of time watching the sun set and having a wonderful time.

On the return home we stopped in London where we went on the London Eye and had a stroll around the Tate Modern. All of this with my Auntie A, who would make an excellent tour guide.