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Almond trees in blossom, though not as luxuriantly as they will be. This one is across the road from us.
Into Girne with Steuart. We first stayed there in February 2001 and it has changed enormously over the last twenty years. It’s bigger, more modern, more commercial. Probably more successful, but has lost if not innocence some of its unique culture. Haven’t been here for five years and construction has continued at a furious pace as the population has grown rapidly. The really old landmarks remain, of course. A castle that was originally Byzantine (though possibly built on the site of Roman fortifications) but substantially developed by the Lusignans and the Venetians - for centuries a working fortress. We’ve been before, and in any case the port area is significantly disrupted by restoration activity which is intended by summer not only to provide necessary infrastructure upgrading but also to create ambitious tourist and sport facilities which may well bring in much needed revenue but risk destroying the historic charm of the place.
The waterfront restaurants being closed, we head a little east and lunch at an Indian restaurant. In solitary splendour, presumably because this is well before evening, and also it’s only Monday. All of us choose lamb dishes, J and I in part because we rarely see Canadian restaurants where it’s even on the menu. Though in fairness we don’t eat out much in Canada. Very good.
