We have settled into a routine that involves making breakfast in our apartment and packing a picnic lunch, checking emails and blogging at a coffee shop in Coral Bay, exploring in whatever direction the day takes us, finding a dinner spot that serves good local fare, and then doing some planning (and for me, drawing) back at the apartment in the evening. The TV/DVD player doesn't work, which is fine. Most days we've also been able to enjoy an hour or so out on the terrace - high above the sea - enjoying the view, the sun, and the breeze.
Paphos is the western-most city on the Island of Cyprus. It is a mixture of very modern and ancient
structures. A massive new mall is being built near the harbor, but today we will spend some time browsing in the bazaar - an old, mostly enclosed warren of shops selling everything imaginable. Paphos has several archaeological sites the reveal the city's history over the past 2,500 years. One stie is known for its amazing mosaics depicting scenes from Greek mythology. Today we will visit a location in the center of the city that has the remains of several ancient churches that were built as early as the 4th century. The Apostle Paul visited Paphos on his first missionary journey, and there is a stone pillar locals believe Paul was tied to for 39 lashings.
Yesterday we drove to the north coast to visit the "Baths of Aphrodite," a secluded grotto where the goddess Aphrodite is said to have bathed. The grotto itself isn't much to see, but the views of the sea from the hiking trail were spectacular. The road north went through wine country, and we stopped for a tasting. The route home took us through a nearby, parallel valley with an entirely different micro-climate that produces citrus fruits. We bought a bag of juicy oranges along the road from 2 Euros from a woman and her small child.
I'm working on being entirely "here" and not dwelling on life and work back in the United States. It's funny how I rarely dream at night about the church or my kids. Here, I have had long, detailed dreams each night about both. I have never been away from either for such a long time, and I guess it will take a while to adjust to the sabbatical rhythms and physical distance from those I love back home.
