Thursday, February 18/2016

Bus to Mazotos, about 20 km south of Larnaca, but on the city bus route, to visit Maggi, who moved there last summer. She has a two bedroom house, with a balcony off the master bedroom overlooking the distant sea, and fields rather than houses in between. It's a small private complex with a couple of dozen houses, owned by a benevolent man who also keeps animals there - sheep, goats, donkeys, birds - and has the place nicely landsxaped and tended. There's a pool, and a small gymnasium - fairly nicely equipped - and library too.

Drive down to the sea, five minutes away. Maxi, the dog, delighted to be off the lead there, and we're intrigued by the stones on the beach. J also finds a couple of nice shells. Then into the village where we're booked for a late lunch at a taverna. A very nice rabbit stifado (must be ordered two days in advance) preceded by Greek salad and followed, to our surprise, by a crepe with strawberries and drizzeled chocolate. Maggi had gone to pay but was told that we couldn't leave yet - the owner/chef had something else for us! M has a Greek class in town and drops us at home. 

Evening sees us out again. This time with Bill and Jane and Harry and Ailsa at Vlachos. Ailsa back from England where her sister was having brain surgery. Obviously she couldn't stay indefinitely, but things quite difficult. Good to see A and H again though. They kindly give us a lift home.