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We drove to the tip of Cyprus yesterday.  Or as far as the roads made for hire-cars would allow.  The actual tip is a nature reserve.  I guess, to deter others like us from clogging-up the end of the island.  I guess, a lot like us consider it too much hassle and time to park-up and walk-up.  So we took the obligatory picture and headed back.

Rumbling-tums.

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We had to jump on the brakes as we (almost) flew past this sign (we took the photo on the way out).  Restaurant and hotel AND beach!  Food AND a swim to cool down – perfect!

Long story short …

We left over six hours later after not only a late breakfast (lovely!), but an extended chilling-out on an almost deserted beach complete with sunbeds and umbrellas and toilets/showers AND a self-serve honesty bar!  And …

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Thanks to the (assertive) encouragement of Mrs Paul, I enjoyed my first-ever fish pedicure (I’m that little dot in the distance on the rock)!  And …

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Thanks to my enjoying this new experience so much – Mrs Paul found time for a lovely peaceful nap! And …

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The owner – over a late lunch – told us he had bought the land 30 years ago.  Back then it was just vast sand-dunes (we drove past a load of those earlier).  He and his wife had fallen in love with the place during their own holidays.  So he bought 50 acres of (cheap) “sand-dunes” without telling her and built a house for them – also without telling her.

And the following year when they arrived to “sit and enjoy the view” (and dream a little) … he told her what he had done.

Much romancing followed!

Over the years trees were planted … sand-dunes were moved together(!) … more buildings added … people employed … and a restaurant and beach-bar were born … And the building continued – self-contained apartments – agriculture to feed the restaurant guests … more trees – and more learning how to work with what nature provided.  Not only that but he was very well-travelled with a wonderful stock of raucous stories.  And …

We also checked-out their apartments for a future visit – and more fish pedicures/naps on that gorgeous soul-recharging-deserted-beach.

We arrived hungry.

We left with full tums (and soft feet) – and so much more than we ever expected or sought to find.

This is the Word of the Lord.  Thanks be to God.

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