Author Archives: Xenophon

Pink Paeonies, Purple Vetch and White Butterflies – 11 May

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There was a feast of colours entertaining the group of Strollers who achieved the toughest trail on the island, the Grand Circle of Madari, on Saturday 11 May. This is the only trail in the entire year where we see the pink flowers of paeonies, and this time there were many more, thanks to the productive rainy season. A delightful meal at our taverna of choice capped a wonderful day out. Compliments to Christos for leading this excursion and to George and Stathis for the photos. Join us on 19 May on Troodos https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/troodos-atalanti-sunday-19-may/

Pleasures of Persephone – 5 May

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The outing of Sunday 5 May took us along the Persephone nature trail in the Troodos mountains, starting just a few minutes’ walk from Troodos square. This particular trail ranks among the most popular routes for several good reasons: It’s short and sweet – only 4 km each way and not demanding; It winds its way through beautiful forest patches that offer welcome shade; It ends at a point that grants you quintessential Cyprus views across green forests, a large dam, the salt lake and Limassol Bay.

Apart from the perfect weather, the real bonus of the walk was the group’s configuration. Persephone attracted hikers of all ages, from elementary school to grandparents. And as is often the case, at least 10 nationalities were represented. Special guests included a number of four-legged furry friends, one of whom could not resist a full-body mud bath in a rainwater puddle, offering us surprise entertainment to add to the day’s memories.

The buffet lunch that followed began with a warm welcome from Irene, who was celebrating her name day on the day and gave us the opportunity to share the story of Persephone in Greek mythology, to catch up with friends, get to know new group members better, and make plans to meet again at the next Cyprus Strollers hikes.

Compliments to Dina for this summary and to Stathis for the photos. Join us next on Madari https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/madari-grand-circle-11-may/

Good Friday Stroll – 9 Epitaphios in Old Nicosia

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There was a flood of young people and people of other ages visiting the churches of Nicosia Within-the-Walls during the afternoon of Good Friday 26 April. Reviving an old custom, we venerated the Epitaphios in 9 churches. In order of visit Chrysaliniotissa, Agios Kassianos, Phaneromeni, Agios Eleftherios, Trypiotis, Agios Savvas, Agios Philoumenos, Agios Antonios, Agios Ioannis (Cathedral). Chrysanthemums, white and purple, were the prevailing flowers used for decoration, and then roses. Enjoy the photos. Best wishes for a Happy Easter.

Agios Kassianos

Agios Philoumenos

Chrysaliniotissa

Phaneromeni

Agios Ioannis

Agios Antonios

Springtime in Klirou – 20 April

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The beauty of spring, green fields, flowers and flowing streams created a nice setting for the hike of 20 April near Klirou. Compliments to Ian for leading and to Stathis for the photos. Join us on 5 May on Troodos https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/troodos-persephone-5-may/

Poetic Platres – 14 April

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The turnout at Platres on Sunday 14 April was impressive, because so many Strollers fancied a hike to a waterfall, along a river, in a forest, offering charming views from high up to a picturesque village that inspires poets and romantics, followed by a delicious lunch that catered to the needs of vegetarians and vegans. Compliments to Stathis for the photos. Join us on 20 April at Kykkos https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kykkos-xistarouda-20-april/

Wonderfully Executed – Trimiklini 6 April

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We hiked a new trail on Saturday 6 April; it was discovered by Koula and wonderfully led by Britt and Dimitris; we climbed mount Zalakas overlooking Trimiklini, passed orchards, admired flowers incl. orchids and enjoyed splendid 360 views. Lunch came as a well-deserved reward, and the meal included surprise treats for non-meat eaters and vegans. Compliments to Stella and Stathis for their photos. Join us on 14 April at Platres https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kryos-potamos-pouziaris-14-april/

Satisfaction of Overfilled Dam – Germasogeia 31 March

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A brave group of Strollers defied once more all adverse weather warnings; and climbed above Germasogeia on 31 March, to enjoy the views of an overfilled dam; the weather rewarded us with only spells of light rain, which did not subtract at all from our pleasure. We also welcomed new members and shared our spirited conversations over lunch. Compliments to George for taking over as leader in place of incapacitated Ian, and to Maria, Thalis and Stathis for sending photos. Join us on 6 April at Trimiklini https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/trimiklini-zalakas-6-april/

Students’ Favourite Club – 23 March

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The Cyprus Strollers recorded the largest attendance ever, at Cape Greco on Saturday 23 March. We extend a warm thank you to each participant, and a special thank you to our student members. Compliments to George for leading the outing and to Stathis for the photos. Join us on 31 March at Kyparissia https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kyparissia-nature-trail-31-march/

Celebratıng our Forests – 17 March

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Our excursion in the forest above Kapedes on Sunday 17 March produced a broad and inspired exchange of ideas and contributions from many Strollers, in celebration of the International Day of Forests (on 21 March). It was particularly touching to hear the poem recited by 12 year old Samruddhi, in English as well as in Greek, wonderfully on target, given this year’s theme of ‘Forests and Education’

A forest is a place, where peace is found in the flowers.

Where violence is lost in the air.

Where love is found in the leaves.

Where hatred is lost in the roots.

A forest is a place where a soul can forget about the world, and live its life.

Compliments to Koula, Nana, Maria and Stathis for sharing their photos. Join us on 23 March at Cape Greco https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/cape-greco-konnos-bay-23-march/

 

In the Vineyards of Paphos

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Our walk of Saturday 9 March took us further from Nicosia than we usually go, to the hills above Panagia village, in Paphos, a car journey of two hours. And we were thoroughly rewarded, by a stroll in splendid weather, among acres of vineyards of Xynisteri and other Cypriot varieties of grapes; no wonder that this region produces some of the best wines in the country. We saw the vines being pruned, which is done nowadays with machines powered by compressed air. To get to them we had to slog and gasp up a trail as steep as a capital A. When we reached the peak, we found that the Prophet Elijah had got there a few thousand years before us, and someone had built a little church right at the top to remember him. Along the way, as usual, we passed the time by chatting in many languages – one could hear Greek, English, French, Arabic, Icelandic, Swedish, Hindustani.

The highlight of the day came as a surprise over lunch, in the tune of Á Sprengisandi, a song from Iceland, graciously sang by our members from Iceland. Here is part of the lyrics, in translation:

Let’s ride, ride, ride over the sand

the sun is setting behind Arnarfell,

around these parts there’s many an unclean spirit

because the shade is starting to fall on the glacier ice.

The Lord lead my steed,

the last leg of the journey will be difficult.

Let’s ride, ride, ride over the sand,

the darkness is falling on Herðubreið.

The Queen of Elves is harnessing her staff,

it’s not good to end up in her way.

I’d give my best horse in order to

arrive in Kiðagil.

Do you have a song to share? Bring it along next time and add to the unique cultural character of your favourite club. Compliments to Deborah and Jackie for leading this excursion, to Ian for contributing to this summary, and to Mangesh, Stathis and Koula for sharing their photos. Join us on 17 March to celebrate the International Day of Forests on Mahairas https://cyprus-strollers.org/activities-description/kapedes-agios-onoufrios-17-march/