Friday, March 31/2017

J to dentist for quick checkup. We meet Fehmi's brother. He speaks a little English and, in fact, summons up a couple of words in Polish, having learned it years ago from Poles who were working on the Famagusta harbour. Fehmi has another patient, but the brother shows us their memory room, a small room behind the waiting room which served as the bedroom for the four brothers when they were growing up. Now it's almost a shrine, filled with family photographs, certificates, period furniture, lace. A very old sewing machine, a recessed wooden cabinet once in their kitchen, copper pots with lids. Beautiful. 

Jane and Bill arrive. We've planned lunch but for the first time in a week there's a cool breeze and a brief shower. Same restaurant we'd picked for curry, but fortunately they have an inside table. Close to five by the time we get back to the Sunflower so we stop at the Holy Cow for coffee - or in Jane's case a date smoothie - and say our goodbyes. 

Would go up to our flat (our usual one!) but the lift is broken so head over to Carrefour where we pick up a couple of chicken fillets and a large bottle of water. Then two oranges from Prinos. Supper taken care of and the timing is good - lift fixed. And then the repack. Suitcase has to be under 20 kilos, nothing sharp or liquid in the carry ons. The newly acquired books don't help!