Sunday Driving

November rains in North Cyprus have given way to beautiful December sunshine.  I still can’t get used to it and pack on a jumper and jacket before leaving the house (to hang washing on the balcony for example) and I’m caught out every time!  It’s hot I tell you!  Damn hot, especially if you’re in the direct sun and wearing multiple layers!

So on Sunday when all the other expats were recovering from hangovers no doubt, Andy and I drove out from Kyrenia to Turtle Beach and went for a stroll. 

My GOD it was stunning. 

The night before we’d had big waves and they’d left behind a deep purple blue sea as still as a mill pond and a beach covered in interesting things to look at.  From HUGE drift wood to teensy weenie jelly fish and lots and lots of shells - and the odd shoe of course.

I found the prettiest cone shell ever and really really really wanted it but it seemed to have a beastie still living in it and so Andy very sweetly and bravely washed it out for me in a rock pool - wimp that I am, it only had sea weed in it!

Anyway, the sky was as blue as blue and the sun was as hot as hot and all in all a great time was had by us! 

We meandered across one beach and up the sand dunes to look down on the next beach and we discovered a beautiful garden in waiting at the top of the dunes.  The rain we’ve had coupled with the sun and warmth currently has produced a plethora of greenery...thick juicy leaves protruding from big fat bulbs, healthy heathers and grasses...all with flowers about to burst forth.  We couldn’t believe our eyes and spent a long time basking in the sun on top of the dunes surrounded by tiny lizards and all the flora…

Then we went dune rolling.

This basically consists of launching yourself from a great height down the sandy banks and upsetting the local goats.  Generally speaking you should do it when no one else is within earsight as you look like a loon and have to laugh loudly a lot!  Great for building up an unhealthy appetite so we went home and had chocolate biscuits.