LPN January Competition

This Month's Competition Question 

Sponsored by
 Enoteca/Wine Bar Larnaca

Simply answer the following question and you could win a €20 Enomatic card.

When did Enoteca Wine Bar open ? 

The Winner will be announced on Friday 31st January ! Good Luck :0)

Our Enoteca/Wine Bar which opened on the 21st December 2013 is finally completed and fully operational. With our 3 ‘Enomatic Wine Serving dispensers’ intergraded into a common wine-card system, 16 different wines are served by the glass every day at their proper temperature.

Charge your own wine-card with any amount you wish and enjoy various wines by the glass at your own pace!

Our wine shop ‘The Oak Tree Wine Cellar’ right next to our Enoteca, gives you the option to select/open any of our 500+ different wines with an extra €8.00 per bottle serving charge from our retail prices.

Various types of cheese/meat platters are served to accompany your wines. We are open every day until late at night, except Monday!

Please give us a call at: 24815044 for more information.

Bugged by bugs - Paula Manoli-Gray

This time of year is a particular worry as a parent of two little ones as it is the dreaded bug season.

We literally live in daily fear that one of our two will catch a virus of some sort as it inevitably means the other one will too. And if hubby and I are particularly run-down, then so will we - just like dominos knocked down one by one!

Of course, it is not nice for anyone to get ill, child or adult, but parents of young children will know exactly what I mean about the worry, as children's immature immune systems are far more susceptible. If you are lucky, a stuffy nose is all you will have to contend with, but even that is tricky to handle as you struggle to squirt stuff up their noses, suction their snot (if they are too young to blow it themselves), battle with the fear that their mild cough will turn into pneumonic-bronchitis, and put up with their neediness and whining. If you are very unlucky then you will enjoy countless wash loads of clothes and sheets that come courtesy of tummy bugs and their colourful and frequent vomiting and diarrhea, or the sheer panic of monitoring a child's raising temperature.

This year, there has been an outbreak of Scarlet Fever in Larnaca, which causes a sore throat with white spots, swollen tongue, fever and rash - a horror straight out of Medieval times. And there have also been reports of Swine Flu on the island. It almost makes you want to put your kids in a giant protective bubble and never let them leave the house again.

But, I don't ever remember being this ill this frequently when I was a child. Am I remembering incorrectly, or were we just not so sickly in those days? My mother wouldn't allow us to stay home from school unless we were 'dying' (her words!), and I had very few sick days my whole childhood. Clearly, something was different back then – was it our immune systems or the bugs themselves?

It seems that nowadays, my kids spend the entire winter season with a runny nose at least, and it's not as a result of nutritional deficiencies. I am somewhat of a hippy mum in that area and I supplement them (naturally), give them herbal teas, chia seeds, flaxseed oil, probiotic powder, elderberry syrup, astragalus, all manner of inventively hidden fruit and vegetables, fresh air and cuddles… and still they get ill!

To be honest, bugs absolutely petrify me because you never know who is harbouring one until its too late, or how bad it will be. What if the next time round it is a new, incurable Super Bug, like in the film Contagion?

The bug season also rudely reminds me that for all our bravado and power trips, man is not the one in the driving seat, and it makes me all the more aware and appreciative of the importance of good health, above all else. I am just hoping 'the bugs' will be appeased by my awareness and acknowledgement of their power over us and take pity on us this year!

Shepherd's Pie

Shepherd's pie….what can I say? Is it not on your list of 'Top Ten Comfort Foods'? Well, it's definitely on mine and not just a perfect comfort food but also a cheap and easy meal to make that is satisfying for the whole family. Also perfect for people with busy lives, the mince mixture can be made ahead and kept in the fridge or frozen for another day. Everyone has their own way of making this classic dish, I've tried a few over the years to end up with this one which has become a family favorite…hope you like it!!!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
1 large onion, chopped
2-3 medium carrots cut into cubes
1 cup of frozen peas
1 tablespoon mixed herbs
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
700g of Beef mince…
1 pint of beef stock
1 tablespoon flour
11/2 kilo of potatoes, boiled and drained
Milk 

Butter
Salt and pepper

Method

Heat oil in a large pot, add the onion and on a low heat, cook until soft and transparent.

Add the meat, and cook slowly, I usually put the lid on the pot with quite a low heat and it cooks nicely with the steam in the pot, but keep an eye on it, making sure it doesn't stick.

Once the meat has lost its red color and has cooked through, add the carrots and peas, sprinkle with the herbs, add Worcestershire sauce and mix well. Now add the stock and cook on a slow heat. Don't allow your mixture to dry out, adding water if needed.

When everything is cooked and tender season with salt and pepper. Add the flour and mix well. Your mixture shouldn't be too dense, if needed add a little water, so it has a nice sauce. I like making it this way, so my shepherd's pie doesn't dry out too much once the potatoes are added.

Add butter and milk to the potatoes, season with S&P and mash until creamy.

Place your mince in an ovenproof dish and pile potatoes on top. Rough up with a fork so you've got a few peaks, that will brown very nicely once baked in the oven,

Bake for about 25 minutes, at 180c, until the top of the potatoes start to color and you can see the meat starting to bubble around the edges…this is the part when I say ''Mmmmmmm!!!''

Serve piping hot!





Androulla xx

Where to GO this weekend

Bump and drive! - Paula Manoli-Gray

I can honestly say that I do not remember a time when Larnaca was without bumps, hazards and diversions, otherwise known as 'roadworks', and I think that despite our irritation at this status quo, most of us have become completely and utterly used to a lifetime of upheaval and construction.

It seems that no matter how many times they dig the darn things up and re-tarmac them, the roads are never, ever smooth, even, one colour or without potholes. I would love to know (or I probably wouldn't…) how much of my car's wear and tear costs are as a direct result of the bad state of the roads. And there can't be a single parent who hasn't cursed the bumpy ride with sleeping babies in the back that you do not – under any circumstances - want to wake.

And it's not just the roads. On a daily basis, year-round, the town is built, rebuilt, smashed up, jiggled about and changed, but nothing actually changes at all!

There is also a strange habit for major construction or road works to be started as the tourist season begins. There will be no activity during the quieter months then as soon as the first planeload of sun-seekers arrives to herald the start of the warmer months, in come the bulldozers and diggers. I suppose the 'winter' brings a risk of rain, but our rainy seasons are very short so I don't buy that, and surely working conditions in the burning sun are a lot worse for the crews that toil all day and turn a shade that indicates they have no idea what sunscreen is (probably not manly enough for them).

The other irritating thing is the very unclear diversions that appear. As you are diverted (yet again), a couple of arrows will appear but will suddenly disappear leaving you driving round in circles. The next morning you may smugly congratulate yourself on remembering there are roadworks and take a different route only to find the works and diversion have moved and are once again directly in your path.

I often try to look at the town through a visitor's eyes, as I have indeed become immune and accustomed to the sight of building sites and torn up roads, and it ain't pretty. I can only console myself with the thought that visitors assume that they have come at a time when works have started and are not aware that it is a permanent feature of our town.

Still, we can't grumble too much as Larnaca is still pretty easy to get around with reasonable traffic at peak times compared to the traffic hell of Nicosia. And besides, my children are at an age now where it is not imperative to get them to sleep in the car, so we just make the potholes and bumps a game. But I do hope that by the time they are old enough to drive, the town will have reached completion of whatever all these works and construction were all for in the first place!

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 18/01/14

Crochet Lessons

American Style Pancakes

Growing up in the U.K, I'm used to the paper thin pancakes, so delicious sprinkled with sugar and lemon, but sometimes I like making these American thicker pancakes, so tasty and easy to make, I usually make them quite early and keep in the fridge until ready to start making them. My favourite way of serving them is with fruit salad and agave syrup, but delicious served with assorted toppings like honey or jams or chocolate sauce. Here's the ever so simple recipe, a real breakfast treat for the whole family.....

Ingredients

1 cup flour
2 Tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Method
In a medium bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and set aside.
Whisk milk, butter and egg in a separate bowl.
Now combine dry ingredient to the flour mixture and whisk until quite smooth.
Heat oil in a large pan. For each pancake, spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the batter into the pan.
Carefully flip with a spatula and make sure both sides are golden brown. Transfer into a platter and cover loosely to keep warm. You should get about 15 pancakes with this amount of batter.
Serve with any toppings you desire…..just so delicious…Enjoy!!!!


Androulla. xx

Talk of The Town

Where: Larnaka Civil Marriage Office
When:  Wednesday 29th January 
Time:    8.00pm - 9.30pm 
Contact : 96585496

LPN is delighted to Welcome the Mayor of Larnaka Mr Andreas Louroutziatis to our January and start of year LPN monthly event. "Talk of the Town" giving us Parents & those of us in Business the opportunity to put questions to the Mayor and hear first hand the future development plans for Larnaka city .

The purpose of this event which will be in English is to encourage a dialogue between the residents of Larnaka and the Mayor, and to foster a greater sense of community. It will be a valuable opportunity to find out first-hand what is in store for Larnaka and to discuss with Mr Louroutziatis how this will impact us personally and professionally.

Parking will be available: turn right at body shop follow road to end of street you will see open parking on your left civil marriage office is on your right.

This is a Sponsored Event by Larnaca Parents Network.

Natural Pregnancy, birth and baby workshop

Herbs, oils and natural birth presentation.
Spend a unique morning with us at the gorgeous gardens of CYHerbia. Learn about natures remedies to all things pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.

• Early pregnancy: dealing with morning sickness and emotional upheaval. Which herbs to use, which to avoid
• 2nd trimester onwards: How to strengthen and nourish the uterus, foetus and yourself. Herbal energetics, relaxants, taking care of your body. How to avoid or minimize stretch marks with oils.
• End of term: Get this baby out! Herbs to help things along naturally and safely.
• Post-partum healing and care with essential oils.
• Breastfeeding: Herbs that stimulate lactation, taking care of your baby’s health with herbs. Dealing with cramps and how to give your baby the best in nourishment.
• Natural organic baby care: sore bottoms, cradle cap, and general skincare.
• Caring for yourself: nourishment, skincare, emotional wellbeing.
Half hour presentation on natural childbirth including breathing sessions and prenatal yoga presentation (Lazy Daisy) by Claire Anne Mavris
Included in the entrance fee will be natural teas and cakes.
Tickets are 15 Euros per person - Babies Welcome!

Το Θέατρο Little Muse - παρουσιάζει

Το Θέατρο Little Muse
παρουσιάζει
Η Αλίκη και η Χώρα των Θαυμάτων
της Catherine Beger (πρώην συνδιευθύντρια στο Θέατρο Αντίδοτο)
Σκηνοθεσία: Torkild Lindebjerg Σχεδιασμός: Liene Kalpisa Ηθοποιοί: Catherine Beger & Lefteris Moschovias
Σε αγγλικούς διαλόγους.
Η Αλίκη και η Χώρα των Θαυμάτων είναι μια μουσική προσαρμογή του κλασικού παιδικού μυθιστορήματος: Η Αλίκη στη Χώρα των Θαυμάτων. Σε σκηνοθεσία Torkild Lindebjerg, το έργο περιστρέφεται γύρω από το πώς ένα παιδί βρίσκει τη φωνή του ενώ αποκτά αυτοπεποίθηση μέσω της προσωπικής αναζήτησης. Το έργο αποτελεί ένα μοναδικό συνδυασμό κρουστών, τραγουδιού και θεάτρου.
Το θέατρο έρχεται στην πόλη μας! Ο κ. Απολλώνιος είναι ένας περιπλανώμενος θιασάρχης και ανυπομονεί να ακολουθήσει και η κόρη του τα βήματά του. Όμως ο καθένας μας έχει το δικό του τραγούδι να τραγουδήσει και το δικό του άσπρο κούνελο να κυνηγήσει...μπαίνοντας μέσα στην Χώρα των Θαυμάτων η Αλίκη συναντά διάφορους περίεργους χαρακτήρες και ξεκινά το ταξίδι προς την ανακάλυψη της δικής της φωνής. 

Not barbarians part 2 - Paula Manoli-Gray

Back in November, I wrote a comment about how I believe our reputation as animal abusers and haters is not justified, which provoked many responses from people who disagreed with my view.

Most of these people are actively involved in animal rescue or welfare and had some horrific stories of first-hand animal abuse to share, thus arguing that we are indeed still barbarians. Having seen what they have seen, I am not surprised that my comment riled them as it may have appeared flippant or ignorant from someone who is not living and experiencing these horrors daily.

I had never said that animal abuse on the island didn't exist, my point was that although it does exist, I do not think it is any worse than anywhere else (more apparent maybe due to our small size). And more importantly, that there are a great number of animal lovers on the island being unfairly tarnished with this reputation for animal cruelty.

In the weeks following, there seemed to be nothing but stories on animal abuse in the news and on Facebook, as though my words were coming back to bite me on the bum! But, all of this actually supports my view. The very fact that so many people are standing up and exposing the cruelty, taking their own time to work tirelessly for these animals, and that the stories of abuse are making the news and sending shockwaves prove what I said – that there are many, many animal supporters and lovers on the island. It goes to follow therefore, that we cannot be the nation of animal abusers our reputation tells.

My comment seems to have been timely, as it feels as though there is a real momentum gathering in support of our furry friends. I don't know if this is because Facebook and other social media sites have allowed people to share their stories and pictures, thus making it difficult to sweep cases under the carpet, or because the powers-that-be can no longer treat the issue as unimportant as a European member state. Maybe there is an increased level of awareness as organisations such as the Larnaca Famagusta Association for the Protection of Animals and Birds hold regular fundraisers. Whatever the reason, it feels like 2014 could really make a difference to animal rights on the island, and I know that Larnaca stands in good stead, as there are a number of devoted people who are going to make sure that it happens.

I hope that when the time comes to write part 3 of this comment, that I can categorically state that we are indeed not the barbarians of our reputation but rather heroes in Europe thanks to ordinary, every day people standing up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and really making a difference.

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 11/01/14

Diary of Event -Larnaka Municipality

Chicken Liver Pate

Chicken liver pate is just so easy to make and adds a bit of luxury to your dinner table, as an impressive starter served with slices of French bread. Not only that, it is just a tasty homemade spread to have available for sandwiches or for a snack with savoury biscuits or toast. Here's my tried and tested recipe, hope you like it!

Ingredients

500g Chicken livers
175g Butter
I large onion, roughly chopped
A few sprigs of sage (or thyme)
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
A couple of anchovy fillets
4 tablespoons of brandy
2 tablespoons of cream (optional)
Fresh black pepper
About 4 tablespoons of Melted butter

Method

Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large pan.
Add the livers, onion, garlic, anchovies and sage and fry on a low heat until livers are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Remove the woody part of the sage. Now add the brandy and cook for a little longer until a nice syrupy sauce has formed. Leave to cool just for a little while.

Pour the whole mixture into the food processor, add the rest of the butter and the cream if using, and season with freshly grounded pepper. Process until your mixture is very smooth.
Spoon the pate into ramekins. Pour the melted butter on top of each ramekin just to form a thin layer.


Androulla xx

Education Exhibition in Larnaca

All students and parents are invited to the Education Exhibition at Ktima Makenzy on Sunday 12th January 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm. Free entrance.

Ballet-tale «The Nutcracker» for kids in Larnaca

Miracles happen not only in the New Year night…

25 and 26 of January 2014 young spectators and their parents will have the unusual meeting: ballet-tale «The Nutcracker» 
(on motives of a fairy tale by E.Hoffman «The Nutcracker and the Mouse king»).

Music by Tchaikovsky.
Libretto by Marius Petipa (abridged version of the ballet performed at the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow)

Together with the main character of ballet Marie you will find yourself in a room, lit by the moonlight. Suddenly the Christmas tree starts growing before your eyes and toys come alive. Something rustle from underneath of the floor and army of mice appears. Only resourcefulness of Marie and courage of Nutcracker chase away the evil witchcraft of the Mouse king. Wooden toy will turn into a beautiful young prince. Snowflakes swirl under the tender and wonderfully graceful music in the magical dance and Marie with Prince-Nutcracker will get in fairytale Kingdom of dreams…

The main ballet party are performed by professional artists (the soloists of the leading Moscow theatres). Support by students of the Moscow children's art school named after Mikhail Balakirev.

Duration of ballet - 55 minutes without intermission.
Recommended age – from 4 years.

PLACE and TIME of ballet:
25 of January 2014 – Nicosia, Russian cultural centre at 11.00
25 of January 2014 – Larnaca, Theatre SKALA at 17.00
26 of January 2014 - Pafos, Theatre MARKIDEO at 11.00
26 of January 2014 – Limassol, Theatre POLEMIDIA at 17.00.

Price 12 Euro.
More information 96 30 2770 and on www.magictheatre.ru

Мы все знаем, как трудно детям высидеть на одном месте длительное время.

Именно поэтому для первого путешествия в мир музыки Чайковского 25 и 26 января 2014 года мы выбрали адаптированную версию всемирно известного балета "Щелкунчик". 
Она длится всего 55 минут. 
За основу либретто взята постановка Мариуса Петипа, которая идет в Большом Театре России, г. Москва.

Еще специально для показа на Кипре волшебник Дроссельмеер в балете будет не только танцевать, но и говорить!
Причем говорить на двух языках: русском и английском. Очень короткая фраза - объяснение предваряет балетную партию, помогая детям понять язык танца, дать импульс их воображению.
Такими короткими фрагментами (слова и танец) дети смогут вживую познакомиться с прекрасным произведением, жемчужиной русского балета - феерией "Щелкунчик".

Основные балетные партии исполняют солисты ведущих московских театров.Кордебалет - ученики московской детской школы искусств им. А.М.Балакирева.

А если ваши дети уже знакомы с балетом, значит их ждет переход на более высокую ступеньку образованного и культурного восприятия - наслаждение от увиденного и услышанного!

МЕСТО ПРОВЕДЕНИЯ:

25 января в 11.00 –Никосия, Русский культурный центр,
25 января в 17.00 – Ларнака, театр «СКАЛА»,
26 января в 11.00 - Пафос, театр «Маркидео»,
26 января в 17.00 – Лимассол, театр «Полемидия».

Стоимость билетов 12 евро.
Дополнительная информация по телефону 96 30 2770
и на сайте www.magictheatre.ru

Flamingos late return to salt lake - Paula Manoli-Gray

The famous flamingos that grace Larnaca's salt lake between the months of November to March have finally appeared this year, later than usual due to the dry weather.

Despite the popular misconception that the flamingos stop over in Cyprus on their way to and from Africa, the flamingos actually come from Turkey where they breed in the summer months. As temperatures in Turkey become considerably colder at this time of year, they make their way to Cyprus. Their first choices of habitat on the island are Larnaca Salt Lake and Akrotiri Salt Lake, with the Oroklini Lake as a back-up. This year, the Akrotiri lake has been considerably wetter than Larnaca, and so the flamingos have been there until now, rather than absent from the island.

Research Coordinator for Birdlife Cyprus, Martin Hellicar, explains that there has to be a correct balance for the flamingos to come to Larnaca: "Flamingos have a good sense of when a lake reaches the right conditions for them and once they have identified that, can be there within a day.  The salinity of the lake waters has to be just right for the shrimps they feed on to thrive and that is dependant on there being an optimum amount of water in the lake."

During December 2013, Martin recorded just eight flamingos on Larnaca's salt lake, but wetter weather since is enticing them in larger numbers and their flocks can reach up to 10,000.

In the past, the Flamingos were victim to lead pellets from a nearby shooting range, and the presence of the airport still poses a threat, but Martin says that conditions are much better than they were two years ago: "The lake is an EU Natura 2000 site which means that under EU law, it is a priority to protect the species there. As such, there is a management plan in place that is doing okay. The flamingos are like a flagship species – if they are okay and doing well, then the plan is working."

Larnaca salt lake is the second largest salt lake in Cyprus after the Limassol salt lake and measures 2.2 square km. Its flamingos are a significant part of the town's identity, a major tourist attraction and its mascot.

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly newspaper 04/01/14

Making friends with 2014 - Paula Manoli-Gray

Dear 2014, welcome! It's nice to see you, even if that means I am going to be another year older!

You are well aware that you have a very tough job ahead of you following after 2013. There is so much pressure and expectation for you to sweep on in and be better than your predecessor, like a new president taking on his term at a particularly tough or crucial time. I am sorry that you have this burden to bear, but nonetheless you hold our hopes and dreams in your hands in a way that probably no other year has done so, so please, treat us wisely and kindly.

What I cannot get my head around, is how in 2014, we have found ourselves in such a paradox of being classified as a 'first world, advanced, rich' nation, yet, we are struggling in a way that we should not be – it's crazy.

It's like a game of snakes and ladders. The hardworking people of Larnaca who have always paid their bills and taxes and tried to climb the ladders up towards bettering their lives are now finding nothing but snakes, sliding down further and further, and going backwards instead of forwards due to wage cuts and tax and bill hikes. The shocking fact that we are the first generation to be worse off than our parents is terrifying, especially for those of us who have children that need providing for. We don't (all) expect to be rolling in it, with lavish lifestyles and material wealth, but we do expect to be able to make ends meet in the knowledge that each year our circumstances will better themselves till we can retire in a comfortable way deserving of all the years, hours, blood, sweat and tears that we have put into our lives. The stark reality that the snakes will keep taking us down and that the rungs of the ladders are crumbling beneath our feet is one in the forefront of the minds of all us 'ordinary' citizens as you enter our lives, so please 2014, find a way to get us all back on track.

Don't let all this put you off, this is your opportunity to be the year that turned it all around for us – just like the president who comes in with a fresh perspective and succeeds in making real and tangible improvements during his term. Part of his motivation is to better the lives of the people he serves, but another part is ego - to go down in history books as the person who made the difference. You too can be 'that' year – the one that everyone looks back on with gratitude and positive memories as a defining point in our lives. I can't offer you advise on how to do it, but if you do, the glory is all yours!

I will check back in on you at the end of your term, and I hope that you prove to have been the 'president' that brought about better days… for me, for mine, for Larnaca, for Cyprus, for each and every one of us…

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly newspaper 04/01/14

Winter Coleslaw

Ok, we've had our fun, we've overdosed on all those delicious Christmas goodies, it is a time of over indulgence after all, but I think now we need to tone it down a little. I really did enjoy all those rich Christmas lunches, followed by mince pies, trifles and fruitcake…..I can go on, but now my body is just screaming for lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. I just love all the winter vegetables available to us right now and have found a perfect recipe for them. It's mixed vegetable coleslaw, inspired by Jamie Oliver. This is not your average coleslaw though; this is something special, just packed with fresh crunchy vegetables and herbs. Yogurt is used instead of mayonnaise which gives it a much fresher taste and I now I actually prefer to use it in quite a few of my recipes. The beauty of this recipe is that you can experiment, adding any raw vegetables or soft herbs that you like. Having a big bowl of this in the fridge helps me behave myself, just a little..….I hope you like it!

 

Ingredients

2 large carrots

2 large beetroots

2 large radishes

Half of a kohlrabi (kouloumbra)

1 chicory

1 small fennel

Half of a small red cabbage

Half of small white cabbage

2 celery sticks

1 Onion

1 handful of mixed soft herbs, I used fennel, parsley and mint

Walnuts (optional)

250g of yogurt

¼ of a cup of olive oil

2 tbls Dijon mustard

Lemon from 1 large lemon

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Grate carrots, beetroot radishes and kohlrabi. Slice the cabbages, celery and onion as finely as you can and mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Chop the herbs and add to the mixture. Add walnuts, if using, also sultanas complement this salad. Now in another bowl mix the yogurt with the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and season with the salt and pepper. Pour dressing on to the vegetables and mix.

Androulla xx