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
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
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.
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