Our first swim/snorkel stop.
Jordan, Nadia, and I awoke early to be sure we got some breakfast in our stomachs before heading out on the Mediterranean. We made a great friend in our waiter at Simit Dunyasi (an open air bakery).
We boarded the boat around 10:30am and realized that we were joining a group of about twenty celebrating a birthday party. At first I think they were a bit disappointed not to have the boat to themselves but we did our best to make friends- including a girl who was born a Turkish Cypriot but had lived in Santa Clara, CA from age 4-17 and of course a woman from (where else?) Boston.
We boarded the boat around 10:30am and realized that we were joining a group of about twenty celebrating a birthday party. At first I think they were a bit disappointed not to have the boat to themselves but we did our best to make friends- including a girl who was born a Turkish Cypriot but had lived in Santa Clara, CA from age 4-17 and of course a woman from (where else?) Boston.
Captain - just like the old days.The boat was really more of a lounge on water with flat decks and thick mats for sunbathing or relaxing in the shade depending on location. We decided to divide and conquer securing sections in both areas to allow for freedom of movement throughout the day (that political science course is obviously having an impact).
I could hardly contain myself as we pulled out of the harbor, past the Kyrenia Castle, and in to the sea. Those of you who know of my quest for friends who own boats should understand.
We cruised for about 40 minutes before dropping anchor at our first stop. Although we were disappointed to find that the “free equipment” on board included 4 snorkel masks and 3 snorkels (we renamed it “goggling”), we took full advantage. There wasn’t much in the way of marine life to see but it was exciting just to swim around and explore the open blue sea.
We probably swam and sunbathed for a little over an hour and then it was time for lunch. We got in good with the boat’s owner (at least we understood him to be) and he let us sneak back to be first at the buffet. As you’ve probably gathered by my constant discussion of our meals, the Cypriots definitely know how to put on a good spread. We had pasta, lightly battered fish (no heads or tails this time), humus, eggplant, potato salad, beet salad, cucumber, tomato, couscous, and probably a few other dishes I can’t remember. There was hardly enough room on our plates.
I could hardly contain myself as we pulled out of the harbor, past the Kyrenia Castle, and in to the sea. Those of you who know of my quest for friends who own boats should understand.
We cruised for about 40 minutes before dropping anchor at our first stop. Although we were disappointed to find that the “free equipment” on board included 4 snorkel masks and 3 snorkels (we renamed it “goggling”), we took full advantage. There wasn’t much in the way of marine life to see but it was exciting just to swim around and explore the open blue sea.
We probably swam and sunbathed for a little over an hour and then it was time for lunch. We got in good with the boat’s owner (at least we understood him to be) and he let us sneak back to be first at the buffet. As you’ve probably gathered by my constant discussion of our meals, the Cypriots definitely know how to put on a good spread. We had pasta, lightly battered fish (no heads or tails this time), humus, eggplant, potato salad, beet salad, cucumber, tomato, couscous, and probably a few other dishes I can’t remember. There was hardly enough room on our plates.
Lunch!
Life on the top deck.
We all moved up to the top sundeck for the second leg of our trip. I lost track of time at this point but we reached a similar swim spot for stop number two and this time did some high diving off of the top deck. After a couple more hours of drifting, plus some watermelon and birthday cake our time came to a close and we headed back. A salty, sweaty van ride back to Famagusta had no chance of ruining what was probably our most perfect day overall. A long cool shower and dinner at Maxi Pide (pizza & free wireless) took any remaining energy we had and we called it a day.
An Irish Bar in Kyrenia.
Me post-boat ride addressing the town square before the flag of the TRNC (or maybe just posing with an ice cream cone).
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