Safely Med Moored in Larnaca, a docking technique whereby one enters the harbour spins around and drops the anchor. Reverse engines setting the hook on the trek back to the cement wall to set it. Continue in reverse until lines can be cast ashore to hold the boat in position. And then try to get Carol off the stern! A leap of faith.
Olga arrived last night, looking remarkably fresh after 20 hours of travelling. She slid right into local time eager to explore as much of this island as she can before we make the passage back to Marmaris, Turkey.
We wanted to explore inland to the capital city of Nicosia (Lefkosia), the world’s only remaining divided capital city straddling the Green Line between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot region to the south. This required the use of a rental car with the steering wheel on the wrong side and us driving on the wrong side of the road. The Cypriots are very good drivers for the most part (unless you are a pedestrian attempting to cross the street). We were only honked at 2-3 times the whole day.
Nicosia boasts a historical cathedral and an old quarter situated within the old Venetian fortified walls. Spent a pleasant day in the city touring the church, exploring the outdoor Market and strolling the winding streets of the shopping area. Our rambles were periodically interrupted by a barrier with sandbags, guard shacks and “no photographs allowed” signs.
Availing ourselves of the rental car, we stopped at a ‘Liddles’ to provision. We were able to drive the car right to the sea wall opposite Necessity, the easiest provisioning yet!
Another day of touring tomorrow and then we make an overnight passage to the western end of the island, 14 hours to Paphos