Winds have died down. Whitecaps have gone. Sea is a calm cerulean blue. A little cool but only light jacket weather. Down to the grocery store to replenish supplies. Can smell yeast as we walk in. Long white loaves in the oven but, happily, still one loaf of sourdough on the shelf, still warm.
Two dogs on the sidewalk opposite the store. They’ve found the sunny side of the street. Like most Cypriot owned dogs they have collars but spend their days unleashed and usually bothering no one. Frequently on the steps outside the store but never try to enter.
Posted today: ‘Two minibus [dolmuş] drivers came to blows this morning over an argument on the Lapta-Girne route on Ecevit Street Girne. Both men ages 36 and 25 ended up in hospital and were arrested.’ The dolmuşes are privately owned. They’re licensed by the municipality but are not a municipal service. The routes are determined by the municipality but the drivers are essentially in competition and it’s possible for an aggressive driver to overtake and scoop up passengers while his competitor is allowing an elderly person to board slowly. Have witnessed arguments as drivers got out of their vehicles to face off but never physical violence. It is true that the police practice here seems to be to arrest first, determine guilt second, and finally release those deemed not guilty.