Wednesday, February 3/2016

Jane has appointment with surgeon in the morning. The plan is that they will collect us afterward and we'll go for lunch. However usual chaos prevails at hospital, resulting in hour and a half of queuing (once more think of the ludicrous arrangement whereby those in wheelchairs go to the front of the line whilst those standing with difficulty do so interminably). This despite the fact that appointments are made in advance. Then J's files not delivered from registration counter to examining room, metres away, resulting in more delays. Would, in fact, be difficult to devise a more inefficient system. To add insult to injury, the surgeon then says they are expected to pay for the operation - which as Cyprus residents and EU citizens they're not. Odd that it would be the surgeon and not a clerk pursuing this anyway. But Bill, not in best humour by this point, obviously having none of it and enlightens surgeon. 

Lunch at Cessac at the British base, where we're metres away from a sunny sea and the fish and chips are excellent. Arrive home at B&J's just as the postman pulls up on his motorbike. Delivery is only weekly in Pyla, so there's a small bundle. Two letters in official brown envelopes are registered and require signatures. What are they? The postman is happy to share his expertise - it will be the title deeds for the house. 

And after lunch the treat: Bill shows us how to make terrine. Labour intensive but fun. Basically sausage meat and chestnut stuffing layered with chicken breast (or on some occasions rabbit) and wrapped in bacon. Plenty of herbs from the garden. To be baked, cooled and pressed. 

We leave for the bus after the terrine is in the oven. And wait a ridiculously long time even assuming the schedule may be a bit off. Until a car stops in the dusk and beeps. Woman inside informs us that the bus strike is still on. Certainly explains non-appearance. Obviously we should have read more than Sunday's paper. B&J kindly run us home.