Minor bit of exploration on our afternoon walk. We’ve stayed in this area for years - ten in this part of the city and twenty in Larnaca - but like any old city streets follow unpredictable paths and neighbourhoods change character quickly. And Larnaca is an old city. It was first colonised by the Mycenaeans about 3500 years ago. Originally known as Kittim, and referred to Biblically in the book of Numbers, it was re-established by Phoenicians as Kition about 800 BC. We’re not exactly lost on our walk and certainly within a mile of home, establishing direction by the afternoon sun. Then spot the fenced off ruins - and they’re fairly minimalist as ruins go - and realise we’re beside the ancient Kition site. And two blocks later see the turns that will take us to our favourite bakery, not yet visited this year. So a large wholemeal sourdough loaf and two koulouri - chewy sesame studded bread rings (simit in Turkish). By tradition we stop to share one on the way home. Must be eaten the day they’re baked and it’s already afternoon, but still good.
