New Larnaca Parents Network Contributor

Official Website 

The Larnaca Parents Network is proud to feature a new weekly article for all readers to enjoy, provided by Vanja, architect of the highly popular Emma's Lunch. Vanja will be posting articles for LPN every Tuesday, so keep tuned for some really original ideas for kids' meals and projects!

Our goal is to share inspiration and generate creative ideas for kids recipes, crafts and activities.

Wine Seminar

If you like to Entertain Guests at home and would like to know more about serving Wine storing Wine and food pairing this Seminar will give you great insight.

 Due to popular demand The Grand Maestro of Italy Alberto Civitella is returning to Cyprus to present a Wine Seminar in Larnaca.

Alberto will share his extensive worldwide knowledge of wines and teach you the true art of food and wine combinations,by demonstrating through a practical session how you choose the right wine to accompany your chosen meals.

The Seminar will be executed in English and is the only one of its kind and will consist of 3 Modules as follows:

1. The World of Wines
2. Food & Wine combinations
3. Wine Tasting

Cost: 20 Euro per person (plus vat)

The Seminar will be Certificated and signed by the Grand Maestro himself.

For Seminar dates & additional Information call Jo on 24815416 or email jo.georgiou@progresshq.com

World's Top Ten Theme Parks

Although it's lovely to live on a holiday island, it's also lovely to go for a holiday from time to time... With kids (and adults) in mind, we prepared a list of World's Top Ten Theme Parks to give you a ride of your life on you holidays. Trips through history, crazy coasters and rides that will give you a hairstyle you never imagined was possible, favourite cartoon characters and animals... oh the thrills you shall have! While the young ones outdo the Duracell Bunny with energy supply, you can rediscover your inner child.

DISNEYLAND PARIS (France)
Official Website
An all-time classic and the house of Mini and Mickey Mouse, you are sure to find all of your favourites- anything from Pirates of Caribbean to Pinochio, Peter Pan and the Disney Princesses... This is a must-go for every Disney fan. Located just 30 minutes by train from the romantic city of Paris, the park is divided into two mindblowing adventure islands, counting 53 rides in total. Watch Buffalo Bill's show as you walk down the Main Street that will take to you the Wild Wild West..

UNIVERSAL ORLEANDO- Harry Potter Park (Orlando, Florida, USA)
Official Website
The Islands of Adventure is currently made of 6 islands to which the visitors can travel from the main port. Each island has its own theme. Ever since its opening in 2010, the Harry Potter Island became the ultimate destination. Being the resort's most expensive investment, the world of the young wizard has taken charmed adults and children alike with it's breathtaking design.

EUROPA PARK (Germany)
Official Website
The largest theme park in Germany is divided into 13 themes covering European countries: Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Greece, Russia, Holland, Scandinavia, Spain, Austria, Portugal, England and Iceland. Each part celebrates the culture of these countries through their design. They are influenced by architecture, nature and history of each. They also have a feast for the little ones, "Children's World" which is filled with water-slides, sand dunes and has a Viking Village. And for the adults, "Adventure Land" will make your childhood dream of becoming Tarzan into life when you dip yourself into the jungle...

LEGOLAND (Denmark)
Official Website
Miniature and life-size villages built completely out of Lego pieces await you at this paradise for game and hand-construction lovers. This is the largest and the oldest theme park (1968), and is one of the most significant tourist attractions in Copenhagen. Legoland is dotted globally with parks in UK, Germany, USA and more. There are plans for new parks in Malaysia, Dubai and Florida.

RATANGA JUNCTION PARK (Cape Town, Africa)
Official Website
Located 10 minutes away by car from Cape Town, this adventure paradise is located between 20-acre expanse of trees. 24 roller coasters (including a 100km/ph coaster with a 32 meter drop), waterslides, boat rides, snake shows, exotic birds... This should be fun.

PORTAVENTURA (Spain)
Official Website
An hour or so away from from the beautiful city of Barcelona, Portaventura was built on the Costa Daurada ("Golden Coast"). The six different parks include adventure walks, the Furius Baco boat ride going at 135km/ph, Catalan-theme restaurants, Mayan culture exploration, underground coaster, a ride around an active volcano... and meet all the characters of the Sesame Street.

CEDAR POINT THEME PARK (Ohio, USA)
Official Website
Live dinosaurs, four rollercoasters that are over 61 meters tall, and 75 rides in total. Go for a walk on the sandy beach, and then off you go to the Soak City water park (or the indoor option of Castaway Bay). Don't get repulsed by the minor size of this park, as it has received Amusement Today's award for "Best Amusement Park in the World" for the 13th year in a row.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SENTOSA ISLAND (Singapore)
Official Website
In local dialect 'sentosa' means 'peace & tranquility'... Quite an ironic name, because you will get the exact opposite. Another Universal Studios delight, enjoy Waterworld, Lost World and 2 kilometres of beautiful beach. Gourmet dishes and fast food await you at the restaurants, as well as an endless shopping spree. Casino, golf courses, aquarium

Palaio GSZ

Palagio PSZ otherwise known locally as the old Stadium is located nearby the Municipal Theatre & Gardens. It hosts a tennis court running track & futsal. Free Climbing area & structures are available for children, paying attractions include trampolines and tennis courts. It is open daily and a covered snack bar is available. 

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Making Children's Rooms Academically-Friendly

All kids have a full-time, 9-month per year job- to learn everything they can at school. It can get a little too much from time to time, so we have a few tips and tricks to help you keep them on track by making their rooms more learning-friendly. Changing their studying environment can really boost their results- it can make homework much easier by allowing them to concentrate more and be more comfortable. Even small changes in their bedrooms can help them beat those challenges. It has been scientifically proven that there is a lot of connection between academic achievement and learning environment- kids' room needs to be their place for relaxation, but also a comfortable and concentrated study space.

The first step if to find a language with your child- select the colour palettes together, accord things to their likes and dislikes. Perhaps incorporate their hobbies into the room decoration? Having the child's decorations in the room will make it feel more personal and 'own' to them.

Secondly, analyse the different areas of the room and how they are used- it's not only a bedroom, but also the ultimate playground, a spaceship, a castle and a research & learning centre, amongst other things. Because of this, it's important that the room is practical and fun at the same time.

Now everyone's favourite... the bed. Many parents don't let kids interact with the bed options. Surely for all the right reasons such as practicality and comfort, since for the young ones full-night sleep is essential for their daytime adventures. But try making the bed working with the décor- let your child choose their bedsheets and covers, decorate it and add some fun factors to it.

Once all that is sorted, and it is time to get to business... With all that playing and sleeping, unfortunately on the way they will also have to battle the beast that is demotivation and boredom, the loyal servants of homework. Sure it's the easiest option to just sit on their beds with a laptop, but it's not healthy for the back. They would be much more comfortable with a desk and a chair. If there isn't enough space in the room, you can even get a small coffee-table and put a board on top of it to fit the structure and provide bit more desk space. In this way your kids have a comfortable corner for their homework. Another idea is also a corner desk. You can also try a bunk-bed with a desk underneath. There are many options, but for all students, a desk is a must not only for concentration but also for physical health.


Last but not least, let's not forget that their room is the only place where they can put their own stamp on things, so it's a good idea to personalize it as much as possible. For example you could decorate the furniture  with their name, or get a simple placard.