Anastasiades still president, as the winner of yesterday’s run-off. Not particularly surprising. Could tell there was a winner when the car horns started sounding along Makarios Avenue, and continued for a couple of hours. Reminded me of growing up in Quebec, where victory always sounded first in the streets, long before there was an official announcement on the radio.
We’re off today to Crete, on what is essentially a visa run. Can only stay 90 days in Cyprus without leaving, though after an absence of any length the 90 days start over. We’re extremely fortunate that Cyprus is not a Schengen Area country like most EU countries, as the Schengen countries function as a single unit for visa purposes. After three months in the Schengen Union you are obliged to leave the whole Schengen area for a three month period. Would totally ruin our winter pattern. Actually, Cyprus is legally obliged to join but has managed to put the obligation off on the grounds that the government cannot control what happens in the North.
Crete only an hour and a half flight and a fairly friendly place. Historically and culturally somewhat like Cyprus. Bus in from the airport goes within a block or two of the hotel. Evening wander in the squares around the lions fountain and then pick up a couple of chicken pitas from a very good corner spot we remember from last year and take them back with us.