Spotlight On with Beata Pal-Christodoulou & Local Author Penelope Magoulianiti

Women, Motherhood & Independence

We all want to live a full life as attractive women, loving mothers and wives, as well as respected professionals at the same time, but we just need a bit of inspiration occasionally on how to carry on. Women in Larnaca will have the opportunity to learn some useful tips and strategies at the next Larnaca Parents Network’s monthly event from Penelope Magoulianiti, author and speaker, who uses her personal experiences as a roadmap for helping women and mothers – not only in Cyprus but internationally too – in finding their strengths and pursuing their dreams, while devoting time to their families. Beata Pal-Christodoulou, an LPN mum, talked to Penelope, author of the recently published book, Women, Motherhood & Independence – A guide to Financial Freedom, Confidence and Beauty after Childbirth (available both in English and Greek).

“I am excited about the opportunity to come to Larnaca, where I will talk about happiness and its importance in our lives. I will share reasons why happiness is crucial in everything we do, the causes why happiness makes us successful and present strategies to adopt it, not only for our own sake, but for the benefit of our children,” she explained.

“As working mothers we tend to forget how important it is to devote time to ourselves in order to relax and recharge. We tend to run around constantly, looking after everyone else, except for ourselves. At some point we end up being overwhelmed and feel frustrated, angry and unhappy. It is extremely important to pay attention to our needs too, because if we get sick, the precious people we try to protect will suffer with us,” she added.

Life lessons

Penelope emphasized that there is no secret in finding a balanced life, we just must be clear on what we really want from our lives and not how others would like us to be. Below are her three basic principles:


Rule # 1: “We must love and accept ourselves unconditionally. We must be confident with who we are and what we are capable of achieving. We must realize that we do not need permission from anyone to follow our dreams and it is perfectly right to want a better life and go after our dreams.

Having a family doesn’t necessarily mean you have to lock yourself into the house with your one and only priority being to look after your kids and spouse, unless this is the life you really want and makes you happy. If you want more than being a stay-at-home mom, then you must understand that it is perfectly all right and your kids will not hold it against you. Our kids observe us and learn from us through examples and not only through words, what we teach and explain to them”.


Rule # 2: “We must plan our days. We set priorities by writing down our ‘to do’ list and deciding on which ones we have to take immediate action on and which ones we ignore for now because they are not that important. We concentrate on the most important ones that bring us closer to the outcome we try to achieve, like closing a deal, finishing a project, learning another language, etc., whatever that might be.”


Rule # 3: “We ought to eliminate distractions, stop letting others determine our own agenda. When we check and reply to emails the minute they come in, then others determine our days. When we answer the phone the minute it beeps, then we let others determine our agenda. We should not check our email more than twice a day and certainly not first thing in the morning. Instead of being available all the time on the phone, we should direct our calls into a voice mail for a certain period of time with the intention of working without interruptions for around an hour. If you do not have distractions at all for ninety minutes, you are going to do a tremendous amount of work.”

The speaker: Penelope Magoulianiti

Penelope grew up in Liopetri, Famagusta with strict parents, who set boundaries and rules for her, nevertheless, she was a straight A student and involved in nearly every activity at school, eager to become a teacher and having the dream of getting out of the small society of her village and simply travel.

“My mother got married very young, so she made sure I didn’t fall in love from very young age, but she taught me how to have dreams instead, how to have a vision and how to go after my dreams with integrity and determination,” she said.

Penelope got a finance degree from the University of Manchester through distance learning, while working two jobs in Cyprus to enable her to pay her tuition fees. She worked for the same employer (Laiki Bank) for twenty years, out of which, six were in London. Throughout her banking career she gained experience through different positions. She ended her banking career as an investment banker and decided to resign after the events of March 2013 in Cyprus.

She is a mother of two, living in Limassol. She knows how challenging it can be sometimes to have a peaceful family life with career. The past years she has inspired many women by talking to them about her experiences and sharing the knowledge on how to create a fulfilling life.

When: Thursday, 16 October, 2014 - 8-9.30pm

Where: Apothikes, Larnaca

Signed copies of Penelope’s book will be available for purchase at the event

This is a Sponsored Event brought to you by Larnaca Parents Network 

Cookies for Santa @ Splash 'O' Colour

Friday, October 10 

at 2:00pm

Splash 'O' Colour

Avgoulla court, shop11 Andrea Souroukli Street, 6021 Larnaca

Children's workshop in painting a plate for Santa.

BOOKINGS ONLY please call 99095148 to book

Fundraising required for young boy requiring brain scan

Any Donations, ideas and services gratefully received

The Larnaca Parents Network (LPN) are requesting assistance in fundraising for a young boy requiring a private brain scan.

The child – who appears to be suffering from multiple issues – comes from a single-parent family who receive no state assistance and have no family in Cyprus, and very little family back in the UK.

Due to the child's age, the window for diagnosis is limited and it may take up to a year and half to obtain the brain scan through the national health service, therefore having a private scan is the only option at this time, but one that the family cannot afford.

The initial scan would cost in the region of €600, and if a further scan is required, the cost for this would be around €1000.

At present, the boy attends school and is in a class for children with issues, but the school and mother are both struggling to cope as the issues accelerate and a diagnosis becomes imperative.

Sharon McKinley – founder of the LPN says: "The boy is not suffering from a terminal disease, but none-the-less, the situation is critical and time is of the essence is diagnosing him and then receiving the correct therapy or treatment. The mother is an active, working mother of the community who offers her time and services willingly whenever we have fundraising events, and now it is our turn to assist her in her hour of need."

A former teacher of the child explained that whilst the boy receives counselling sessions through the recommendation of the school, these have so far been very sporadic with many months in between appointments and zero progress made. She added that the boy appears to be stuck in the system with no one taking the issue as seriously as it is, or offering any real help.

A friend of the family also says that this situation needs urgent attention: "The mother struggles alone to not only deal with the challenges the boy poses, but to also keep the family afloat with what work she can get. She is not comfortable with asking others for help but is in desperate need of it. This is a child genuinely in need of treatment - who is being drastically failed by the system - and who, without a correct diagnosis, cannot start the healing process. A brain scan can quickly and unequivocally offer a diagnosis or at least rule out certain conditions."

Sharon says that whilst donations are most welcome, she knows that times are tough for everyone: "We would love to receive monetary donations, but I know that people are stretched to their limit, therefore, we are also open to ideas for fundraising events, as well as donations of products, services and time to make this happen. The mother is keen for people to get something in return for their donation, which is why she would like to arrange an event whereby donators enjoy a day out in exchange for their help. Alternatively, it would be fantastic if any doctors were willing to offer their services to the family as a community service. I urge anyone who can help to get in touch with us so that we can help a family that is genuinely suffering and needs the support and kindness of the community."

If you can assist in any way, please email the LPN on: info@larnacaparentsnetwork.com.

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly 26/09/14

Going places… - Paula Manoli-Gray

One of the complaints I hear regularly from ex-pats is that Cyprus doesn't have much to do in comparison with the UK. They cite the wonderful theatres, museums and theme parks and bemoan the perceived lack of educational and cultural activities for children on the island.

I do agree in part – who wouldn't want to be able to take their children to London's Natural History Museum or catch a West End musical? We haven't made it back to the UK since having the kids, but I am really looking forward to the day that I can show them places such as Madame Tussauds, the planetarium, Buckingham Palace, and even Pepa Pig World!

But I do not accept that there is nothing going on here. Every week in my capacity as a journalist I hear of a large and varied number of events taking place in Larnaca. Added to that are the list of permanent places of interest we have from museums and monuments to workshops and themed parks.

So it's not a lack of things to see and do that is our problem, I believe that the problem is simply a lack of awareness. I know that I myself wouldn't be aware of half the events taking place if I wasn't a journalist writing about them, and there are many more still that don't even make it on a journalist's radar and that I pick up from Facebook. Where are we going wrong?

As I do not watch Cypriot television I might be missing advertising there, but I do listen to local radio and the events they promote are mainly of the clubbing variety. Even some of the bigger events are not that extensively plugged, and on many an occasion, the final programme is not ready until a mere few days before the event (a reason that I often cannot promote some events, as they are not ready before my editorial deadline).

The other issue is that many events are promoted on a micro-level, ie, only amongst those involved, their families and friends and the particular industry they are affiliated to, so many events are very insular. But we have so many of them! Off the top of my head I could give you numerous suggestions of things to do and see any day of the week across the island, and I believe it would take me years to see everything Cyprus has to offer.

Through a Facebook page 'Kids Fun in Cyprus', we found a number of museums that we had not known about and have so far taken the kids to three; two in Nicosia and one in Limassol. At all three museums, I was asked where on earth a Larnaca family had heard of their little museum, as all three were surprised that word was getting out. The museums are small in size – nothing on the scale of other European cities – but we are small scale as an island, so it stands to reason. Personally, I found them to be just the right size for my young children's concentration levels. All three were enjoyable, well presented, inexpensive and educational, but no one I know had heard of them either. And therein lies the problem.

On another note, I am still deeply feeling the loss of Larnaca's greatest annual event ever – the West End musical brought directly from London every July 1 and 2. The event was stopped as a result of the financial crisis and was something I looked forward to all year round, as I am sure many others did too. Time to bring it back I think…

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 26/09/14

 

LPN Third Thursday with Author Penelope Magoulianiti -Women, Motherhood & Independence.

When:Thursday 16th October 2014

Time: 8pm - 9.30pm

Where: Apothikos Larnaca

An Evening with Penelope Magoulianiti dedicated mother of two, an inspirational speaker lifestyle coach and Author of Women, Motherhood & Independence.

We all want to live a full life as attractive women, loving mothers and wives, as well as respected professionals at the same time, but we just need a bit of inspiration occasionally on how to carry on.

Women in Larnaca will have the opportunity to learn some useful tips and strategies at the next Larnaca Parents Network’s monthly event from Penelope Magoulianiti, author and speaker, who uses her personal experiences as a roadmap for helping women and mothers – not only in Cyprus but internationally too – in finding their strengths and pursuing their dreams, while devoting time to their families.

Read full Interview here LINK

This is a Sponsored Event brought to you by Larnaca Parents Network

Caring for our Community

For further information please contact 96585496.

Музыкальный спектакль для детей "Про Данилу и Ненилу"

Московский музыкальный театр для детей и юношества «На Басманной» в рамках гастрольного турне по Кипру представит музыкальный спектакль для детей «Про Данилу и Ненилу».

Юных зрителей ждут захватывающие приключения и самые удивительные превращения, которые когда-либо случались с теми, кто любил… 
Спектакль расскажет ребятам о том, что истинная красота человека в его добром сердце и благородстве души.

Место и время проведения:
1 октября – Ларнака – театра Скала (17.00)
3 октября – Пафос – театр Маркидео (18.30)
4 октября – Лимассол – театр Агиос Афанасиос (18.00)

Продолжительность: 55 минут без антракта.

Возраст: 4+

Стоимость билетов: €12

Дополнительная информация по телефону: 96 30 2770
и на сайте: www.magictheatre.ru

Two sides to every coin - Paula Manoli-Gray

Saturday's screening on a documentary on natural birth versus c-section is a step in the right direction for an island that tops the lists for the highest number of c-section births, and I am strong advocate of natural birth. But despite my deepest wishes to give birth naturally, I unfortunately had to give birth by c-section both times I had my two children.

It was never in my plans; I did hypnotherapy, bought a TENS unit and drank raspberry leaf tea in the final month, all to prepare me for natural birth, and I was really looking forward to the experience.

But in my eighth month, I contracted a double-strain infection from my daily swimming pool sessions that is notoriously difficult to treat and requires very strong antibiotics, which I couldn't take during pregnancy. Giving birth naturally carried risks of stillbirth, pneumonia or meningitis for the infant.

The final month of pregnancy was awful for me and was spent in and out of the Dr's office having repeated swabs and tests in the hope that the infection would shift. My Dr, hubby and I kept the hope of a natural birth alive until the very last week when I had to face the realisation that it wasn't to be. Although the risk of my unborn child contracting the infection was small, any risk was a risk not worth taking.

The reaction from people was anger that once again someone was being forced to have a c-section, and some tried to insist that the risk was a fabricated one before finally accepting that it didn't matter how I gave birth, as long as the baby and I were safe and healthy.

So, I had my son by c-section (a horrible experience), breastfed for a week, stopped for two weeks to take the strong antibiotics (all the while pumping and discarding my milk, which was heartbreaking), then resumed giving him breast milk after the antibiotics were out of my system. When I was due to give birth to my daughter two years later, I had a c-section again to avoid tearing the stitches – the policy of my particular doctor – although I know some women do give birth naturally after a c-section.

My sister had a c-section too for her first child at the beginning of this year due to her placenta maturing too quickly, the baby being breach and the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby's neck three times.

So, whilst I applaud all efforts to reduce the rate of c-sections on the island, and don't doubt that in some cases it can be avoided, we are also lucky to have this option for the cases where medically, a natural birth could be dangerous for mother and/or child. If my sister and I lived in the 'olden days' or in a country with an overworked state health system, we may not have given birth safely.

And whilst it is true our rate of c-sections is high and should be reduced, we also have to look at the infant mortality rate of Cyprus, which is very low. Yes, our private doctors here are overcautious and perform c-sections because they cannot risk their reputation, out of greed for money and also for the convenience of their schedules, but at the other end of the spectrum, you have state medical care in other countries that does the opposite and is willing to take risks for the sake of saving money and as a result of being understaffed.

I don't agree with opting for c-sections so readily, but at the end of the day, there are always two sides to every coin…

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 19/09/14

It's Vintage Darling Puttin' on the Ritz Fashion Show

Tumbling Toddlers

The need for dirty hands - Paula Manoli-Gray

My father has a lovely plot of land in the village of Lymbia that he nurtures with love and a lot of hard work. On it there is a wooden house (complete with kitchen and bathroom completely installed by him), all manner of plants and trees, a beehive and farm animals.

He maintains the trees and harvests the carobs and citrus fruit, as well as looking after and harvesting the olives from another one of the family fields. He has built water systems and structures, set up generator and wind-power systems and knows how to plough the land and tend to the chickens, ducks, rabbits and pigeons. He has also invented a honey extractor and was delighted when he recently bottled his own honey for the first time.

All the family enjoy going to the plot and having dinner, cooked in the clay oven and consumed in the fresh air, but not one other single member of the family would be able to look after it or have the first idea what is needed to keep it running and how.

This is the sad state we find ourselves in; with each new generation, more and more practical skills are lost, and whilst my generation is fairly rubbish, we are a million times better than the generations to come… those who are growing up in an uber-technological era where you do everything with a click rather than by hard graft and getting your hands dirty.

My paternal grandfather was a cobbler, and my paternal grandmother sold homemade ice-cream. My maternal grandfather was a tailor on London's Saville Row. What do I do? I sit at a computer and type. Hubby and I are rubbish at gardening and useless at DIY. There is nothing in our day that requires us to use our muscles in the functional way that working in the fields or manual labour does, so we go to a gym and exercise in a contrived way on machines that move our muscles in an unnatural manner as opposed to functionally.

So far we have managed to keep our two young children away from tablets and the like, but how much longer will we be able to maintain their innocence before we have to give in to peer pressure for the sake of not marginalising them?

These are issues that trouble me, which is why I am always delighted to see the programme of evening classes run by the government. To me they are a wonderful opportunity for a second chance at learning something new, and preferably something that enriches my life away from technology. In the past I took the herbal medicine course (wonderful!), a Turkish language course (it was so hard!), tried (and failed) at guitar and clothes making, but succeeded at the painting class and the glass mosaic course. Personally, I would strongly encourage everyone to take advantage of them and open up new doors of discovery and skill.

As for me, I have my eye on gardening this year (if it fits in with my schedule), as I want to be able to show my own kids in years to come how to look after the village oasis that their grandfather so lovingly built.

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly, 12/09/14

MICROBIRTH - International Screening

NEW DOCUMENTARY “MICROBIRTH” REVEALS THE MICROSCOPIC SECRETS OF CHILDBIRTH 

The way we give birth has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Some leading scientists are warning that these changes could have serious repercussions for the lifelong health of our children. “MICROBIRTH” is a new feature-length documentary premiering worldwide on Saturday 20th September 2014.

Featuring prominent scientists from the UK and North America, “Microbirth” examines how modern birth practices could be interfering with critical biological processes potentially making our children more susceptible to disease later in life.

Recent population studies have shown babies born by Caesarean Section have approximately a 20% increased risk of developing asthma, 20% increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes, a similar risk with obesity and slightly smaller increases with gastro-intestinal conditions like Crohn's disease or coeliac disease. These conditions are all linked to the immune system.

“Microbirth” explores several possible explanations. If a baby is born by Caesarean Section, scientists hypothesise this could alter the “seeding” of the baby's microbiome, the critical transfer of good bacteria from mother to baby at birth. Scientists suggest this could lead to the baby's immune system not developing to its full potential. Another hypothesis is the actual process of vaginal birth, including the cocktail of hormones produced during labour, could profoundly affect the baby's immune regulation and metabolism.

Dr Rodney R Dietert, Professor of Immunotoxicology at Cornell University, says, “Over the past 20-30 years, we've seen dramatic increases in childhood asthma, type 1 diabetes, coeliac disease, childhood obesity. We've also seen increases in Caesarean delivery. Does Caesarean cause these conditions? No. What Caesarean does is not allow the baby to be seeded with the microbes. The immune system doesn't mature. And the metabolism changes. It's the immune dysfunction and the changes in metabolism that we now know contribute to those diseases and conditions.”

Dr Matthew Hyde, Research Associate of Neonatal Medicine, Imperial College London says, ”We are increasingly seeing a world out there with what is really a public health time-bomb waiting to go off. And the research we are doing suggests it is only going to get worse, generation on generation. So tomorrow's generation really is on the edge of the precipice unless we can begin to do something about it.”

The film's co-director Alex Wakeford says, “The World Health Organization has stated non- communicable disease has reached epidemic levels. Leading economists have predicted that, by the year 2030, the cost of treating this epidemic could bankrupt global healthcare systems. Governments are extremely concerned about the repercussions of antibiotic resistance and the effect this level of disease could have upon social and economic stability on a global scale. What is not even on their agenda, however, is the possible effect of mode of birth.”

The film's co-director Toni Harman adds, “Caesarean Sections are often essential and can be life-saving. A few leading individuals have been raising the alarm and building up a picture of potential long-term outcomes for some time. Over the last couple of years, more and more people have joined this debate and the weight of this emerging research is painting a very worrying picture in terms of future health across populations. The film raises awareness of the potential importance of “seeding” the microbiome for all babies, whether born naturally or by C-section. This is an issue not just for parents and health professionals, but also for all our world leaders. For surely now is the time for childbirth to be the focus of serious, urgent attention at the highest level?”

For international media enquiries, please contact: Toni Harman info@altofilms.com +44 (0)1273 747837 http://microbirth.com



Additional Notes






- High-res images and academics available for interview upon request.



- Short synopsis of “Microbirth”:
"Microbirth" is a new feature-length documentary looking at birth in a whole new way; through the lens of a microscope. Investigating the latest scientific research, the film reveals how we give birth could impact the lifelong health of our children. http://microbirth.com

- “Microbirth” is an independent production by Alto Films Ltd. The film has been produced and directed by British filmmaking couple, Toni Harman and Alex Wakeford. Their previous film “Freedom For Birth” premiered in over 1,100 public screenings in 50 countries in 2012.

- “Microbirth” will premiere at grass-roots public screenings around the world on Saturday 20th September 2014. The film will then be represented for international broadcast sales as well as being available via online platforms.

- “Microbirth” running time is approx 70 minutes.
- For more information about the film, please visit the websites:

[http://oneworldbirth/.net/microbirth] and [http://microbirth.com]

- “Microbirth” includes the following scientists and academics:
RODNEY DIETERT, Professor of Immunotoxicology, Cornell University
MARTIN BLASER, Director of the Human Microbiome Program & Professor of Translational Medicine, New York University
MARIA GLORIA DOMINGUEZ BELLO, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, New York University
PHILIP STEER, Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics, Imperial College, London
NEENA MODI, Professor of Neonatal Medicine, Imperial College, London
MATTHEW HYDE, Research Associate in the Section of Neonatal Medicine, Imperial College, London
SUE CARTER, Professor, Behavioral Neurobiologist, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
ALEECA BELL, Assistant Professor, Dept of Women, Children and Family Health Science,
University of Illinois at Chicago
STEFAN ELBE, Professor of International Relations, University of Sussex and Director of Centre for Global Health Policy
ANITA KOZYRSKYJ, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta and Co- Principal Investigator, Synergy in Microbiota Research (SyMBIOTA)
JACQUELYN TAYLOR, Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Yale
HANNAH DAHLEN, Professor of Midwifery, University of Western Sydney
LESLEY PAGE, Professor of Midwifery, King's College London and President, Royal College of Midwives

1st Penguin Festival

Little Muse Storytelling Theatre Presents: 'The Magic Bed'

Saturday, September 13
9:30am - 11:00am
Little Muse Theatre, 8 Markou Drakou Street, Larnaka

Georgie has got a new bed, but it's not like other beds. For each night, Georgie says the magic word and it whisks him away on a fantastic adventure. He loves his bed, but one day he and his family go on holiday, and when they come back, Granny has a big surprise for Georgie . . .

Entrance 5 euro per family

Zogonos Holistic Health Cente-Yoga Classes By Donation

I’m offering donation based Yoga classes to anyone who is feeling a financial “pinch” following Cyprus’s hair cut, anyone who has had their salaries lowered, has been made unemployed, collage students, low income earners, single parents or anyone requiring decompression from stress in a calm and supportive environment but simply can't afford to.

My approach to Yoga is non-competitive, you will not see any mirrors here; Yoga practice is not physical based, but is orientated toward calming the nervous, relaxing the muscles, opening the joints stilling the mind and contacting the deeper dimensions of existence.

All practice sessions include Yogic breathing, postures, and meditation.

Classes Times and Days :

Yoga classes are currently being held on:

Monday - Wednesday - Friday

At 08.00 A.M and 6.30 P.M

Tel: 99304202

CyHerbia Organic Herbs of Cyprus‎Lemon Verbena weekend 27th & 28th of September

Every month we will dedicate one weekend to a featured herb. For this first mini-fest we will focus on the wonderfully refreshing Lemon Verbena, a favourite herb for many. You will be able to try ice tea, liqueur, snacks, sorbet and ice cream, all made with lemon verbena.
In the tea room there will be food and cakes on offer, made with lemon verbena. We will also do a craft workshop: making a fragrant lemon verbena wreath for the home.
There will be a talk about the benefits and uses of lemon verbena, and written information about the plant’s benefits as well as yummy recipes will be given out. Normal entrance fees and opening times apply. The herb garden will be open from 9 until 6, so pop in any time during the day.
The talk will be at 11 am and 4 pm on both days.
The wreath making workshop will be held at 11.30 am on both days. To sign up for the workshop please email miranda@cyherbia.com or call 99915443 to book your place. Price of the workshop including all materials is 18 euros.
For lunch our kitchen goddess Lisa will make very special dishes with… you guessed it! Lemon verbena.

Soulla's Saturday Morning Library

Soulla's Saturday Morning Library offers the chance for both children AND adults to get their reading-fix. Come along, even if you don't have children, between 10 and 11.30 and see how well-stocked our library shelves are.

Stick to the right side of the street - Paula Manoli-Gray

So, our lovely new Piale Pashia street is almost complete (pending some greenery planting and benches in October). What do you think?

I have heard mixed views with some loving the fresh new look and others saying that the modern, grey vibe isn't in line with the traditional character of the rest of the area. But on the whole, people seem to be pleased with it and enjoying walking, cycling and skating along its length.

Personally, I think it looks nice and is certainly an eye-catching attraction for our town, but I do have my concerns! I wonder how long it will be until the budget runs out for the cleaning of the glass panels, designed to ensure uninterrupted sea views. Sure, it looks great now, but sooner or later, the glass will get to a point that it is not kept clean, or some scum will graffiti it. I hope this day doesn't come, but sadly maintenance requires a lot of commitment and money - be it your own home or public places - and if our parks are any indication of what happens after a while, then we are in trouble.

As for the parking situation, I thought that the municipality would clamp down hard on illegal parking but so far, I can see no deterrent and plenty of cars squeezed in, making it extremely difficult to drive along the road, especially for larger vehicles. Yes, we all want to park outside Militizis to enjoy our souvla, but it is clearly a no-parking zone – the width of the road and the bollards say it all!

Some drivers think that just because they can park and leave the minimum space for oncoming traffic to closely make it through, it must be okay. I have seen many a coach trapped because some ignorant diner has to be able to see their vehicle right outside the restaurant whilst they are eating, and despite the inconvenience they have caused, they don't seem to care or be in a hurry to move their obstacle of a vehicle. I am not mean-spirited but in cases like this, I do want to see people being booked and will not feel sorry for them in the slightest if they are.

Something else that really bothers me is the disparity between one side of the street and the other. One side gleams like a jewel, but on the other side we find shacks, tin-can structures, sheds and buildings ready to fall down. Aside from being an eyesore and a big stain on our shiny, new promenade, there is no way that they meet building safety regulations. Please correct me if I am wrong, but if those tin-roofed shacks are up to code, then truly, anything goes. Once again, I see nothing happening to remove them or bring them up to standard. I am not saying that every establishment on Piale Pashia should have to upgrade its appearance, but on the other hand, we can't leave the other side of the tracks looking like a salvage yard either.

So, whilst most of the restaurants and ice-cream parlours that line the road look great, and we now have our sea-view walk, cycling paths and a big car park to boot, all that is left is one last push to really get the area looking top-notch…

… and some flashing, all-singing-all-dancing neon signs that make it super clear that parking is not permitted!

First appeared in The Cyprus Weekly 05/09/14

Back to School Mom Rap

OH YES... 

We Want YOU...

A Larnaca girl in Limassol - Paula Manoli-Gray

Last week my family and I went on a mini-holiday to Limassol for two nights and two-and-a-half days, which many found strange. After all, locals tend to holiday in Pafos and Protaras/Agia Napa for a beach break, or the mountains for some cool respite, but Limassol is generally considered to be a non-holiday destination for those who live here.

Having done both Pafos and the Famagusta areas in previous years and finding them to be lacking in good family activities, we actually had an amazing time and crammed in the zoo, marina, castle, mall, Science Museum and waterpark in our short time there, all of which we thoroughly enjoyed.

It was also very interesting to see the differences in Limassol and Larnaca and the two are indeed so different that at times I thought we were in a different country!

For one – and I don't like to generalise but there seemed to be a pattern – drivers in Limassol routinely run red lights. Hubby thought it must be because the seafront road is so long and has so many sets of traffic lights that residents of the big town have lost their patience driving down the coastal road. Personally, the coastal road is way too long for my liking and I much prefer our compact Finikoudes. The beaches along that vast strip also feel too close to the road; more exposed with too little pavement separating sand from tarmac. But I could see more facilities for children than we have in Larnaca with most beaches including a playground of some sort, definitely something we could do with having more of in Larnaca.

I do have to say that the new marina is marvellous and residents certainly think so too judging by the way they flocked there at night. It is truly a lovely place to have a meal or drink, and I hope that we too will get our marina soon and that it will be just as charming. My only criticism of it would be that one company that owns many fast food franchises dominates for dining and drinking, and this seems to be contradicting the luxury element that the marina boasts of itself. It could definitely benefit from a greater variety of options and a higher quality of them. When the time comes for our marina to come to life, I do hope that the powers-that-be will watch and learn from their Limassol counterpart.

Limassol also has an unusually high number of frozen yogurt and ice-cream places, but they are also considerably more expensive than Larnaca's. I was shocked to find a small (and it was small) yogurt ice-cream was €3. Now, this may seem to be trivial, but I love my frozen yogurt and normally go for a large… a pleasure taken away from me by the price tag of €4.50 for a large that was the size of Larnaca's medium! I might have just got unlucky but methinks that for them to be charging that on a road lined with competition, it must be the standard.

I think we saw and did the best that Limassol has to offer and enjoyed every minute, but coming from a smaller town, Limassol can be intimidating in its size and chaos, which made me appreciate our compact nature and bring to mind the old adage of 'there's no place like home'.