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The warmth of the sea in a sun-kissed land.

Sometimes it is so good to get on a plane and go somewhere completely different for the sole purpose of rest and refreshment.

Yesterday I was walking home from work in pouring down rain with my raincoat tightly wrapped around me. Today I woke up to blazing sunshine. As the afternoon nears evening, the warm breeze and reflection in the blue pool water reminds me that this is just the first of many days of sunshine with no agenda.
After a busy getting used to my new job, and finally starting to find a flow at quite a busy pace, it is so nice to have a break. Time to enjoy family, get recharged and reflect on the past 4 months of working with people whose lives represent challenges and journeys so different from mine. And yet at the same time it is possible to find a meeting point, because at the end of the day it is really just about me as a person meeting another person and hoping to see and bring them hope and courage to live and face life.
After landing in Larnaca airport, the charter company efficiently shuttled us to an awaiting bus which took us to our hotel in Anais bay near Fig Tree Bay in Cyprus. Arriving at night meant the anticipation of today was that much greater. And today has not disappointed. A lovely pool right outside the apartment door, and the beach just 2 minutes down the road. And the sea. Oh, the sea. It is truly amazing. Not in a majestic, powerful way, but because it is so calm and warm and salty and like a huge bathtub inviting you in. I look forward to many a swim in it, and small colourful fish swimming by makes it even more tropical.
Cyprus is beautiful. The climate and the scenery a dry desert feel, yet with beautiful flowers and trees everywhere. This area is a bit of a touristy place. All the shops and restaurants are very clearly aimed at the tourist population and the theme of holiday. Not sure how much of the authentic culture I'll experience apart from the tourist version, but that's alright because for this week I am one of them. One of the tourists. Even if I won't get to see the culture from the inside I get to see what this people want to show us who visit. The things they are proud of in their nation and of their culture, and there is such value in that.
The shade is now covering the pool area and I am enjoying my crime novel set in Venice. This evening we're hoping to enjoy a Meze meal. It is good to be in Cyprus and I look forward to good days ahead.

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