Lefke trip today feedback

From Barbara Johnson:

Another lovely day yesterday on our ATA tour of Guzelhurt, Lefke & Soli Ruins. Our first stop (which wasn’t on our schedule so thank you Hatice) was to the stunningly beautiful Greek Orthodox Church of St Mamas in Guzelhurt, which dates back to the 18th century a mere baby in Cyprus history. But, as St.mamas is 12th century & his tomb is there I’m guessing there’s been a few reconstruction’s over the centuries. 

The Ottomans believed there was hidden treasure  in his tomb & during their rule they bored holes into the marble & out oozed a kind of healing balm! which gives protection against earache, people dab it behind their ears & hang wax ears & things around his tomb & it’s still oozing today!!!! (Yer right, good old olive oil, didn’t your mother used to bung your lugs with cotton wool soak in warm olive oil when you was a kid 🤣) 

But, there’s always one who has to try it, isn’t there, & guess what Linda Hughes earache disappeared 🤣 Anyway something obviously gave me the ability to remember totally irrelevant, useless information when I can’t even remember what I had for my tea last night  🤔 🤣 so, who am I to judge. Big thank you to our wonderful Serhan & Mustafa our guide & driver.

And a special thank you from me & the ATA to you all for your continued support. Look forward to seeing you next time. xxx

Part 2 of our ATA tour of Guzelhurt, Lefke & Soli continues from the Post Office in Lefke old town. There’s a water tower outside erected to commemorate the Coronation of George V1, a post box dating back to Queen Victoria & some English lions above a door all very colonial. 

There’s some amazing old Ottoman Mansions in desperate need of restoration before it’s too late, how I’d love to get my hands on one. 

Then a fabulous walk through the fruit plantation’s oranges, lemons, dates, avocado & walnuts the most beautiful fauna at this time of year. 

We also visited the place(dergah) home to the Naqshbandi Sufi a religious order connected to Islam, whose doors are always open to anyone in need regardless of religion. And once visited by King Charles before he was King. 

Then a much needed rest & picnic by the sea. 

Wished I brought me cozzie!