A Sunburn in February?

This past weekend, a group of us decided to get out of Nicosia and actually see the true beauty this island has to offer. Tony, a family friend of my roommate, Carli, picked us up at our apartment on Friday afternoon and drove us to Larnaca to see the Flamingos that are waiting to migrate to Africa. Next stop...Aiya Napa.

Tony took us to the caves where we marvaled at the beauty all around us. It felt like a dream. The clouds were coming in and it was truly amazing to see a storm blowing across the Mediterranean. We knew it was going to start to downpour, so we booked it back to the car and barely made it in time. We then went to our hotel which was spacious, beautiful and very Greek-like. We hung out for a while, put in one of my all time favorite movies, "Definitely Maybe" and went off into a mini nap. Later that night, Emily, Zivile, Colby, Ted and I took some wine and went to the beach. The water was gorgeous and it was a great way to spend a Friday night.

My roomates and I by the caves 

Saturday was picture day. After laying out on the beach for a while that morning, we walked all over Aiya Napa snapping photos at practically everything. We found a cool monastery with a recording of monks singing. When we went in, we found out it was the Monastery of Aiya Napa where all the Christians used to hide. It was a really eery feeling going in there, but was so neat! We also found a beautiful harbor filled with huge boats. Our stomachs were growling by this point, so we ate right on the harbor and looked out onto the Mediterranean. This is where we came across some pelicans. They have got to be one of the creepiest animals I have seen; red eyes and very mean. The sign on thier cage said "Keep Three Feet Back...They Bite". We soon found this to be very true when they stuck thier long beaks out at us, going right in for it! In February, Aiya Napa is less than packed. There were a lot of elderly men and women and must have felt weird with all us college students. However, apparantely in May, it gets packed with people! I almost liked it better with no one really there, it was quiet and peaceful and very relaxing.

That night, we were all supposed to go to a club, but after going to the Happy Hour at our hotel, we didn't even make it; the Pina Coladas were so delicious! We woke up and went to the hotel for an amazing buffett breakfast, then laid out on the beach again for a while and got sunburns...in february?! That's something new. We then walked along the rock cliffs next to the beach and basked in everything! I have never been surrounded by so much beauty; everywhere you looked was another incredible view; I could  have just stayed there forever. Jeana, Emily and I found a little cove right by the water and just laid there and looked out onto the Mediterranean for hours. We took the bus back and unfortunatley had to get right into the work mode.

Its weird thinking of school while being here. I completely foget that I actually do have to do work. On Tuesday, I had another presentation and a midterm. It was a long and tiring day, but managed to make it through. In my History class, we were talking about Switzerland and he asked if anyone had ever been there. I was the only that had and he was asking me what I thought of it; of course I had nothing but amazing things to say! What I've also noticed while being here is that many of the professors remind me of the father in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". According to them, all words come from a Greek root and they will all go into a detailed explanation of it. Its really funny! In Art History this week, we talked about Notre Dame and Chartres Cathedrals since we will be going there later in the semester. It was so cool because it reminded me of my trip there in high school when we sang in them! I can't wait to go again!

My internship is also in full swing now. I go two times a week and its cool to be in an office! However, they all argue in Greek all around me and then end up leaving the room for a few hours. The woman I am working for told me she was going to put me in another room, but that she would be right back. I kept on doing my work and after hours of her not returing, I found out she had already left for the day! So, I guess that was my cue to leave also...it is very interesting to say the least!

Last night, was our friend, Jake's, 21st birthday, so we had a big celebration for him. First we went to a fancy bar and then walked to the club with an open bar. Towards the end of the night, Jake was not doing so well, but he had a good birthday! So, tonight's agenda: Cheesecake from the local bakery and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" with my roommates and the guy's next door. This weekend, we might go to Larnaca to stay at Tony's place for free which would be nice.

Lately, I've been having terrible technology issues. I could go on and on for hours! When in Aiya Napa, my ghetto camera charger messed up my battery, so I could no longer use that one. Thank god my mom had sent me her nice camera from home! However, the batteries in that one had only lasted about half a day. I talked to my photo teacher and he told me what to do, so I really hope something works out!

The biggest thing that happed today: I changed my flight to England! I am now going to be leaving a week early to spend some quality time with my grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins and I'm so excited! It is going to be great to see them all for a while before heading off to Scotland and Ireland! What a semester!

That's all for now! :)