Gladlee of Guernsey

On Monday 5th, Geoff and Jen arrived for a couple of weeks on their way back from Sweden and UK to New Zealand. We haven't seen them for nearly two years since our visit to NZ in January 2015.

Tuesday we took them on a tour locally and ate at our favourite Larnaca restaurant - Panos that evening. Very sad day for us as Tiger our kitten went missing. She went out after breakfast and we never saw her again.

Wednesday we drove up to Lapta in Northern Cyprus primarily to check out the hotel for our Hash away weekend but then went into Girne (Kyrenia). Had Iskender Kebab lunch in a side-street before walking to the harbour and along the outer wall. We had all been here some 12 years ago with the EMYR (East Mediterranean Yacht Rally) so nice to revisit. Back down to the south in the afternoon and then on to Tamala bar/restaurant in Kiti in the evening.

Thursday was a quiet day spent by the pool and then later an introduction to the Polygon Hash. Geoff and Jen's first ever hash.

Friday up to the cottage for the weekend, stopping on the way at Aphrodite's Rock Brewery for lunch. Ulterior motive taking Geoff and Jen to the cottage as we then managed to get our guests working on building a bottle wall for us.

A fairly busy week for us doing the tourist bit with Geoff and Jen. Monday spent by the pool and introduction to the Larnaca Hash. Tuesday we headed back up to the cottage  so that Geoff could finish off the bottle wall and add some finishing touches to the side of the toilet steps. And of course some tuition for Julie to do more of the same later. Back down to Larnaca on Wednesday and out to  TGIF's for dinner. Thursday was more hashing, this time  followed by fish and chips at Dhekelia. Friday saw us driving up to Kato Drys near Lefkara to visit the Bee and Embroidery Museum and then lunch in Lefkara. Saturday was a quick look round the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque then coffee at Nero's on Mackenzy Beach. We then took Geoff and Jen back to the house and headed to the airport to pick up our next guest - Janette. Janette is an ex Navy buddy of Ron's when they worked together in Gibraltar. That evening we all head off to the Art Cafe at Perivolia for dinner. There is also a local wedding celebration on at the cafe so we manage to get free entertainment as well. And it wouldn't be Cyprus if we didn't head to Troodos which we did on the Sunday

Monday saw us driving over to Ayia Napa and and on to Cape Greko via the Sea Caves and lunch by the harbour. In the afternoon we all head to the Larnaca Hash this time followed by dinner at Tamala's.

On Tuesday Geoff and Jen departed heading back to NZ to catch up with all their family there including the new grand child. In the afternoon we drove with Janette to Kolossi Castle near Limassol where her late husband, Ray, had worked on a Crown Land boundary marker, still there. Very nostalgic for Janette. And of course as we were more than half way there we continued to the cottage.

On Thursday we dropped Janette in town to do some shopping and have a wander round while we did a few chores. Polygon Hash later, followed by dinner at Sacrementos in Ayia Napa.

And so comes the Hash highlight of the year. Friday we drove up to the Sempati Hotel in Lapta for our annual Polygon Hash away weekend. The two of us had been responsible for planning this so we are hoping everything goes well.

The evening started with a free bar for an hour followed by dinner then a mixture of self-entertainment with 6 acts in all from our illustrious hashers and the DJ Johnny Lee thoughtfully provided by the hotel.

Saturday gathered for the hash.

Once the actual Hash and Circle are finished we head over the road to the picnic site for lunch. Steve Marr has arranged a talk for everyone by one of the volunteers who looks after the turtle beach in the area. The guy has his assistants with him as well - 17 day old loggerhead turtles. A collection was made to help the charity so now next year there will be six nests named after the Polygon Hash.

On the Saturday evening we are having a Fancy Dress evening with an Arabian Nights theme. Truly impressed with the efforts people have gone to. Never ceases to amaze us the lengths people will go to, to win a prize! We also have special entertainment for the evening having arranged for a Frankie Vallie tribute act to play for us.

All in all PH3 had an absolute brilliant weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed by all - except maybe the Dutch Lady who was staying at the hotel and didn't like the noise.

So, next on the list of functions was Jenny's (Swellen) 50th birthday party. Combined with this was Gordon and Pam's 50th wedding anniversary. Hosted at Frank and Jenny's house (South Fork) another great evening with fantastic company. Mum (Molly) was out for a week staying in Pafos and she joined us in Alethriko on the Saturday, firstly an early dinner with Diane, David, Pete and Glyn in Vrysoules, followed by the party. She seemed to survive the late night.

And moving right on we have Gordon and Pam's party held at the Buffs Lodge a week later.