Feeling the Agape in Cyprus

After months of incredible, yet emotionally and physically intense travel through Africa and the Middle East, our week in Cyprus (August 9-15, 2014) felt like we were on holiday. Especially because of the Koufoudakis family.  Back in King George, Virginia, Brian grew up with Pete and Stephania Koufoudakis whose family is from Cyprus.  When he reached out to them for suggestions about what to see and do while we were visiting the motherland, they arranged for their family to show us the best the island had to offer - Cypriot hospitality.  There wasn't a day that Pete & Stephania's aunts, uncles, and cousins weren't taking us to unbelievable beaches, stuffing us with their favorite foods (which quickly became our favorite foods too!), and letting us be part of their daily lives on their beautiful island.  We left tanner, fatter, and with more members of our extended family.

What better to do on a Saturday afternoon than go to the 
local MC (motorcycle club) to vote for our favorite chopper? 
(The classic cream chopper was mine!)

Picking out Greek/Cypriot sweets with a sweetie.  Cousin Maria
hung out with us all week & was a fabulous tour guide & hostess.

One of the many stunning mosaics in the House of Dionysos,
a luxurious Roman residence dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Brian and Maria swimming at the birthplace of Aphrodite.
Legend is that bathing in the water will make you beautiful
like the goddess.  Brian stayed in the water as long as he could.

Our favorite beach to visit was Tramonto, cousin George's beach.
He has hammocks and cool umbrellas!

But the real reason it was our favorite was because of the company ;-)

Lamb and potatoes and hummus, oh my!

Lachi beach had the clearest water
we'd ever seen. It was stunning.

I think this might be the coolest place to camp. Ever. 

Maria & Brian climbing over old coral on our way out to the blue lagoon.

We arrived at Lara Beach just in time to rescue
baby sea turtles who were trapped in the hot afternoon sun.

We thought this goat was pretty cool.

And this goat thought this rock was pretty cool.

Thank goodness there's a goat crossing sign
should the goat ever decide to leave its rock & venture out.

Enjoying frappes, the unofficial national drink
of Cyprus, with cousins Effie & Maria.

On our last night in Cyprus, Maria and her
incredible mother prepared a feast for us.

The master chef! 

A huge thank you to these amazing people
for making our time Cyprus unforgettable.