Lately, I have been spending my nights tending to a dreaded project on my long and looming to-do list: sorting through 10,000 photos, all of which are on my laptop. Hours fly by as I painstakingly view every single one, discarding or fixing up and eventually saving or setting to one side to print. I have unearthed many long-forgotten photos such as these from a Saturday afternoon at one of our favourite spots in Old Nicosia, Tria Fanaria.
Located behind the Faneromeni church and square, on one of the pedestrian streets next to Ledra Street, we consider this patisserie, open since 1952 (!) to be one of the few places (that is not a playground) where we can go and relax with Georgie. There’s plenty of space for him to ride his scooter without us having to worry about cars driving by while we take in the old city vibes.No matter how much papa and I love taking Georgie to places where the walls are not plastered with Mickey Mouse images, if the food is a disaster, we ain’t going. Luckily that isn’t the case with Tria Fanaria and their bougatsa with cream. I couldn’t tell you what the spinach and cheese pies taste like nor the baklava, galaktopoureko and other traditional sweets because I simply cannot resist a bougatsa with cream and a hot coffee on a Saturday afternoon under the shade of the big old trees. Georgie is a massive bougatsa and cream fan too although his choice of beverage is a chocolate milkshake. Another reason we like going there are the ridiculously low prices. Two bougatses, two coffees and a milkshake will cost you less than 10 euros.
on our island
One of my favourite things to do on a quiet and uneventful Sunday is go to the market in the Livadia area. My parents, avid market goers, introduced me to this impressive set-up of stalls over a year ago when I was on the hunt for ‘special’ pieces to add to our new house. I remember the first time I went with them. My dad made me laugh when he warned me: ‘This is not Portobello market, ok?’ Of course I knew it wasn’t because I have been to my fair share of markets in Cyprus (even attending a few as a seller) therefore I know how extremely rare it is to actually find a special kind of gem.
We Cypriots have a silly tendency: We stick to what we like and this is especially true of food. We like going to the same restaurants, tavernas, cafes and pubs forgoing some excellent choices that are now finally more available on the island.
I admit to often getting stuck in a rut when a decision has to be made about eating destinations. There are times when I fancy a favourite dish at a favourite spot but more often than not I love experimenting and will go out of my way to try something new.
Oh how I enjoy shopping for Georgie! And honestly, it doesn’t matter where; it could be at a second hand shop or a gorgeous little boutique. As long as clothes/shoes are practical, sturdy and have a perfect fit, I’m sold. Do you remember my post on Boyz & Girlz, a shop that stocks quality pieces at affordable prices for kids aged 0 to 14? If you haven’t been yet, now is your chance . Tomorrow, Friday April 3rd at 15:00, Boyz & Girlz will be celebrating its first birthday with a 20% discount on your Easter shopping as well as new arrivals too. There will also be other offers in store and most importantly, kiddie entertainment! Cristina, who is part of the Wonder Dough team will be there to keep the kids occupied with tons of arts and crafts while you and I chat over wine and of course, shopping! See you there!
Months ago, before Georgie turned four, I noticed him kicking a ball around outside. He was playing on his own, muttering to himself, kicking the ball to the wall, sometimes asking Tano, our dog, if he wants to play too. Moments later he came indoors, went to the toilet and emerged with slightly wet hair and pulled-up sleeves.