Doug's Week in Cyprus!!

So last Saturday, I went to the Larnaca airport in the afternoon to pick up Doug! He made it all the way here safe and sound!!! It was fantastic. We caught a cab back home with another girl in my program and her friend who had just flown in on the same flight. We came back and hung out with Kelley and Kelly (Lauren was at the beach for the weekend with her friend visiting from Paris). We spent that night and most of the next day not doing too much because of his jetlag but we showed him around our area of Nicosia and of course took him to Zorbas and to get some true Greek gyros. On Monday, I didn't have classes so the Kell(e)ys and I took Doug to the Old City of Nicosia to have lunch, etc. We bought some sweet souvenirs, explored a church or two, and found our way to the top of the observatory. The observatory was of course closed but in true Cyprus fashion, you were still allowed to take an elevator to the top and the huge windows opened so we were able to enjoy a sweet view of the city and mountains at sunset fo free. Which is everyone's favorite. In effort to even save some more money, we neglected to take a taxi to or from the old city (it's about an hour walk). On the way there it wasn't much of a problem but after dark, everything looks different. But we tried to do our best and even asked for directions which ended up taking us right past the US Embassy. We thought awesome, the US! And of course in true patriotic fashion, Doug wanted to take a few pictures. Funny thing is, you aren't allowed to take pictures of embassies, especially the United States Embassy. Sure enough we were called over by a few guards carrying very large guns. They started in on the questions and had Doug delete the pictures. It was pretty much just very humorous. They asked if we had our passports, only Kelley did and they took Doug's driver license. It ended up being about a twenty minute ordeal which was quite ironic that we have been here for two months and the only time we get into trouble is with the US.

Tuesday I had a morning class and the weather was beautiful so we all spent some time on the roof enjoying the sun. I had to take some time from sunbathing to star in Lauren's music video of "You Were Meant For Me". Who knew I could be a popstar?!

Tuesday night was the much anticipated Erasmus Bubble Party. We were all given bubbles at the door and of course it was open bar. It was a great time and Doug had a chance to meet alot of our international friends.

On Wednesday, Kel, Kel, Doug, and I went back to the Old City, this time to explore the Turkish side. We ventured around for awhile before working up an appetite for meze. We returned to the Greek side for a fantastic meal at our new favorite restuarant in the Old City. About thirteen courses later, we were full. We spent the rest of the night hanging out and at some point made it to Bennigan's for some late night milkshakes.

On Thursday, Martin drove Doug and me to Ayia Napa to spend a few days at the beach. It was completely wonderful. We had a hotel right on the beach. Most things were still closed because its the off season but that means it wasn't crowded and weather was beautiful. We hung out on the sand for a while and grabbed a late lunch right on the beach.

Friday was a great day. We had some cereal on our seaside balcony before setting off to explore. We spent the rest of the day exploring the rock cliffs and crystal waters of the Meditterranean. The water was really calm early in the day and Doug even let me swim next to the rocks. Very surprising considering all of it was terribly dangerous. The pictures really say more than I can write. I've never seen ocean water that fantastically clear before in my life and I'm so excited to go back again and again (it's where the girls and I just booked a hotel for our spring break in April). The weather was of course perfect and we both got sunburn : )

Saturday was Doug's last day in Cyprus before making the long trek back. We got up early and spent some more time by the water. It was a bit cooler so we went back, showered, had a quick lunch, and then it was time to wait for the taxi to the airport. It was only about a 30 minute ride to the airport and the drive is beautiful. The highway runs along the coast and in the Spring there are yellow wildflowers everywhere that cover the empty fields.

His flight was delayed for a bit but too soon enough he was headed to back home. It took him almost two days to get back to the burgh but he's a trooper. It was an awesome week that went by all too quickly. That's how most things go here.

I hope everyone is still enjoying my blog, not really sure if anyone still reads it but o well : ). Still much more to see and do!!