jul

Would you believe these photos were all taken within a few hours of each other?  The diversity of the landscapes on this island never ceases to amaze me!  

On Christmas day, Mr. F and I opted for a new tradition.  With warmer weather than we had enjoyed in weeks, we loaded up the car with coats, scarves, and a few bottles of Coke and drove up into the Troodos mountains.  I know I've said it before, but I love the mountains here.  I know most people hear we live on an island and think we're at the beach all the time, but really?  When we get a free afternoon, more often than not we head to the hills.

Our main motive for the adventure was to find snow.  Sun and warmth is all fine and well but when you're accustomed to freezing temperatures, cloud cover, and the occasional blizzard this time of year, Christmas just seems a little wonky without it.   Having absolutely no need for hurry, we sauntered through some of the villages of the foothills, navigating valleys we had never seen before.  There, orange trees were bursting, mums falling over walls, and the people, in light jackets.  The further uphill we climbed, the colder the air became and the more our excitement grew.  Then, on one fateful bend on the slopes of Mt. Olympus, we saw it.  Snow!

It filled the very top of the mountain, leaving the tiny tourist village of Troodos feel like an Alpine oasis.  Cypriot families bustled and we savored the hubbub.  Lunch at the local hotel filled us, before we trekked back downhill for sunsets, green fields, and naps.  It was such a different Christmas than any I have ever spent, but it is quickly climbing the ranks as one of my favorites.