Wednesday, February 25/2026

Zoe down the road to the east of us posts that there’s lightning out at sea. Haven’t gone to look as we’re in the south side of the flat but we can certainly hear the thunder and it’s definitely raining. Didn’t rain in the daytime but was extremely windy. In fact several reports of water spouts, which are essentially sea based tornadoes. 

For some reason this winter seems to have been much windier than we’ve experienced in previous years. Do remember that we studied weather when I was in grade ten. Don’t remember anything I learned other than the names of the different shapes of clouds. So google and learn, or relearn a bit more re atmospheric pressure and the rotation of the earth. None of which seems to answer a more existential question - why, and why now, and why here. 

Leading perhaps to an existential answer. Why not? And to considerable gratitude for not living in the northeastern US, some bits of which got over three feet of snow in one dump this week.

Tuesday, February 24/2026

Courtesy Cyprus Mail

Windy today. Seems that’s frequently the case lately. Weather app lists the fine particulate matter as being “fair”. As usual that will refer to dust from the Sahara. Obviously not ideal for humans, and probably some animals as well, but there’s another drawback apparently.

A new Cypriot study has found that atmospheric dust has a deleterious effect on solar energy production as dust blocking light to solar panels can drop electricity production by more than twenty percent. Easier to measure than prevent.

Monday, February 23/2026

 Water, and also gas cylinders, are delivered by a nice man called Mehmet.  The deal is that I message him on WhatsApp the day before we want a delivery. So early this morning I have just said to J that it’s surprising that Mehmet is prepared to drive over and deliver a nineteen litre bottle of water for a hundred lira ($3.12 CAD, £1.69).

Short answer is that he isn’t. Not any more. Knock on the door. Young assistant there with the water bottle. One hundred fifty. Well, scarcely surprising. And inflation is hitting everything, and not only in North Cyprus, although the unstable nature of the Turkish lira makes it more obvious here. Though foreigners like us normally operate on harder currency that they bring in and change to Turkish lira as needed.

Still fifty percent increases seem fairly striking. Although probably a bit of bite the bullet about it. Simpler than raising it by five percent every couple of weeks. And nineteen litres of water is heavy. Well, nineteen kilos of course.

Sunday, February 22/2026

Courtesy kibrisgazetesi.com

 Late afternoon and a couple of gunshots from the mountainside remind us that this is the last Sunday in February and therefore the last Sunday of the hunting season in North Cyprus. There has apparently been a proposal to extend the small game hunting season into March, citing, among other reasons, changes in climate. However, KUȘKOR, the Birds and Nature Conservation Association, have protested, saying that March is breeding season and that in fact with climate change some partridges are beginning to breed earlier, meaning that the end of the hunting season should be moved back rather than extended.

Meanwhile police reports for the day include the account of a 47 year old female who failed to stop at a traffic stop. Then fled the scene. Raises a couple of questions. Why are police/news reporters obsessed with the age of everyone? Possibly because it’s the bit they’re allowed to report. And suppose it would be interesting if the driver were, say, thirteen, or ninety-eight. However the more interesting bit comes later:

“A search of the vehicle revealed that he was in possession of a metal detector without authorization from the relevant authorities. The individual was arrested.”

The “he” is probably a translation error. There is no third person gender in Turkish. He and she are both translated as “o”. Particularly awkward when translation apps are used, resulting in posts saying things like “my uncle died last summer and we really miss her”.

And about the metal detector. Have never thought about buying one but would have had no idea that it is illegal to possess one here. What other laws are we likely to be breaking?

Saturday, February 21/2026

Don’t usually acquire books and olive oil from the same source but today’s Saturday market is a happy exception. Karen, who runs the book stall in support of animal rescue, also harvests olives and sometimes has olive oil for sale. 

So today we collect, as arranged, a litre and a half bottle of olive oil. And, as we’re at the stall, acquire two previously unread Ian Rankin novels  and three Robert Harris books. Would have stopped at four books, but Karen points out that there’s a discount when you buy five so go with it. Besides spring is here so more time out on the terrace, which means higher proportion of “real” books. And it’s in a good cause. 

Friday, February 20/2026

Second day of Ramadan, but we, happily, are not fasting. A bit cloudy but no rain and not cold so we’re back to our usual Friday gathering at the Blue Song.

We go to the bar when we arrive and the bar tender says “two draft”. I’m impressed. “You remembered”. Then he goes to the cooler and takes out two bottles of Efes lager and two glasses. Would raise an eyebrow in query were I so accomplished. He explains with a nod toward the tap.”Not good today”. Fair enough.

Stop for groceries on our way home. 

Fruit and veg and a half dozen eggs. But most important the Ramadan pidesi, Ramadan  bread.  Sesame studded and at its best when still warm, as it is now. Seems a pity that those observing Ramadan have to wait until after sunset.

And, from the for what it’s worth department, North Cypriot press Kibris Postasi reports that Whitehall has not given permission for US operations against Iran to be conducted from RAF Akrotiri in southeast Cyprus, apparently as a result of concerns that the UK might be found to be violating international law.

Thursday, February 19/2026

Courtesy Kibrispostasi

Officially into the Ramadan month of fasting. Sunset roughly 17:30 now, although it varies with the exact geographical location and there are websites happy to provide the info. As with Lenten observances, it’s easy to focus on the deprivation aspects, and they certainly exist. Between dawn and sunset those observing (who are certainly not all those who are nominally Muslim) are required to abstain from eating, drinking (including water), smoking, and having sex. Naturally the prohibition on sexual activity is meant for those who are married - sex for practising Muslims is expected to be within marriage.

However the emphasis is not exclusively or even primarily on denial. Ramadan is meant to be a time of spiritual renewal. Of reflection, empathy, charity and community care. Iftar, the evening meal after sunset, is often a warm family affair. There are also public iftar meals provided by charitable organisations such as the Red Crescent or institutions like universities and government bodies. Everyone is welcome, Muslim or not, as the sharing should be inclusive. Those unable to fast for reasons of age or health or other causes are expected to make donations to contribute, but are not the only ones donating.