Larnaca, a Taste of Cypriot Culture

Cyprus is a small and beautiful island. 

In spite of its size, I have been coming back many times because I love this country and have good memories. My latest and 8th visit is very recent. 

On my 7th, my visit before last, the immigration officer asked, "I have noticed you'd been coming here quite often, what is the purpose of your frequent visits?"  

I learned to love your country, and the people, and am wanting to experience more of your hospitality.  

"Enjoy your stay!", he replied.

Larnaca Beach

I checked in with my family in a hotel called Lysithea as it was a very convenient place to stay being close to the Larnaca International Airport.

Mardi Gras is Big Business for Gulf Coast

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press

Mardi Gras. It brings to mind beads, parties and fancy floats in New Orleans as people cram in all the fun they can before Lent begins.

In reality, Mardi Gras has long been celebrated in coastal towns from Texas to Florida. And it means big business.

"It is more of a regional thing, Mardi Gras is, from Texas down to (the) Gasparilla
(pirate festival) down in the Tampa area," said Stephen Toomey, whose family started a chain of Mobile, Ala.-based Mardi Gras party supply stores.

The Dark Side of New Zealand

Bay of Islands is so far the best of the islands I have visited. It has many interesting historic towns including Paihia, Russel, Waitangi and Kerikeri. I, myself, cannot believe that I have explored the bay up to the edge of the world at Cape Brett.  

But before I lost control of jumping to the climax of this story, let me start with our scary flight via Air New Zealand from Auckland to Kerikeri.

Hole in the Rock ~ Cape Brett NEW ZEALAND

I am not used to fly with small aircraft with only 8 passengers on board. Though it's not the flight itself which is scary.