Once that was done it was off through security check--I nor Mike have been checked so far on this trip as we usually are--we think it is Tammy's artificial knees setting off the security buzzers.  Once we had our luggage and Tammy had been patted down, the next stop was passport control and then we waited for our flight. 

Finally we were on the flight to Athens--and what happened first--they brought us lunch. The offering was pasta with tomato sauce, teensy bread sticks, a small scone like biscuit and water.  The pasta was okay although the bread/crackers not so much.  The flight landed in Athens on time and as there was no gate assignment yet we just wandered around the airport.  We finally decided to go through the security line and passport control and head to the gate area--once again no problems arose.  We could get used to this going through security without pat-downs.

The plane to Larnaca left a few minutes early--who ever heard of any airlines doing that?  And once again they decided to feed us!  These days on flights it is either feast or famine--food all the time or no food at all!  This time it was pasta with meat sauce, bread stix, and a scone with olive paste.  I asked for a vegetarian meal so they brought the same dinner without the meat in the pasta--since I had already received a meat pasta they couldn't take it back--so guess what?  Mike ate his and then he ate my first one also.

After an uneventful flight (the best kind) we arrived in Larnaca.  Off we went to the baggage collection, then through passport control and out to meet Starios who is waiting for us with a taxi-van.  It was a beautiful sunny day and we headed down the coastal highway to Limassol--going of course at lightening speed.  If you have been to Cyprus you must remember the speed that everyone drives.  It is somewhat shocking at first.  On the drive Socrates called and said he would meet us at the Lobelia Apartments as there was no room at the Jasmine--can you believe that?  It seems that a tour group has booked the entire hotel (we found out later it was a group of people with disabilities from Russia or Ukraine, not sure which).  So we have a room in the building that is attached to the Cutty Sark Bar and Grill--the Lobelia Apartments.  It is owned by Ms. Kiki who is the sister to the owner of the Jasmine.  We are in Apartment 204--we have a bedroom, bathroom, and a kitchen/living room with a balcony--it is a slightly smaller version of the rooms at the Jasmine.  As no breakfast was provided here, we will have breakfast at the Jasmine--such as it is.  If you all remember, the breakfast at the Jasmine was rather minimal--we will see how it is this time.

Once we are settled we thought we would walk to the Santa Maria for dinner and chat with Chris, the owner--alas we had forgotten that the restaurant is not open on Mondays.  So off we go along the beach walk to the Dasoudi Restaurant--also one of our favourite places to eat.  We have a fondness for this restaurant as it was the first place that Sandy and I ate and it is right on the beach overlooking the Mediterranean, as well as the food is good.

Mike had a DIY sandwich (chicken, bacon, and halloumi cheese) plus the ubiquitous cucumbers and tomatoes along with chips, Tammy had eggplant parmesan and a side salad, and I had a halloumi and tomato sandwich with cucumbers and tomatoes and chips. And to celebrate our arrival we shared a bottle of Dasoudi white house wine.  It was a lovely evening near the sea which of course we shared with a bevy of cats.  

We are happy to be back in Cyprus--and for Tammy to be here for the first time with us.  Both Mike and I are excited about sharing this lovely island with her--and with you who are reading our blog.