pals magazine november 2010

Issue 83 November 2010Polis and Latchi Scene

Cover photograph by this month’s competition winner, Ray Atkinson from Goudi

PALS Magazine November 2010www.palsmagazine.com

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First Created and Published by

Sandra Westwoodin July 2003

Issue 83November 2010

15th November 2010

EditorAndy Papaiacovou +357 26322453

Mobile +357 99171120Assistant EditorKaren Rose, Heather Wright

+357 26233453Mobile +357 96314152

Design, Art & TypesettingShieldsPrintingShields 99377451/2

Contributors: Kim Brown, Denise Caskey, Paul Clark, Katherine Dance, Sandra Dobson, Keith Dutfield, Ray & Catherine Elliott, Jan Gibson, Sue de Groot, Caroline Grossmith, Roderick Lovett, Shirley Ludford, Charles Purdy, Sue Rolfe, Robert Wickens, Georgia Wright, Michael Wright, Nagaraja Rao, Simon Phillips.

All correspondence to:A.P. Associates (CY) LtdMarina Latchi Complex, Block C, No. 10 & 11,Latchi Polis Chrysochous, Paphos, CyprusTel: +357 26323538Fax: +357 [email protected]

Hello and welcome to November's edition of the

PALS Magazine.

Firstly, I'd like to thank you all for the overwhelming

response to my request in last months edition of the

PALS Magazine for photographs and articles. We

have received so many wonderful photographs from

across Cyprus and also from many visitors to the

Island including a couple on a 2 week holiday from

Germany so that we now have 'International

Distribution' to Germany this month!.

The exceptional quality of the photographs received and the variety of

subject matter made choosing the winner of this competition for the front

page a particularly difficult decision.

However, after much deliberation we have chosen the 'Winner' and

congratulations to Ray Atkinson, your prize is on its way to you.

To everyone who sent these photographs in to us, please do not think that

you have sent them in vain, we have in fact decided that with your

agreement, we will publish a number of these photographs over the

coming months and will be in contact with you to find out more about

them, to provide a story or information on how the picture came about.

I am sure our readers will enjoy looking at these photographs as much as

we have.

The articles and personal experiences we have received from our readers

over the past month have also been really thought provoking, informative

and interesting. Again we have received many of these which we will

endeavour to publish over the coming months. Please do keep them

coming into PALS, particularly on the run up to the festive season which is

soon to be upon us.

It is also great to have an article this month from one of our younger

readers – Georgia aged 9, telling us all about her experience 'diving', we

may well have a budding 'reporter' in the PALS area. This demonstrates

that interest in our Community Magazine includes the younger members

of our community – don't forget there is no age restriction on our

photographic competition or articles, providing of course an adults

consent has been gained prior to sending this to us.

Now we are really coming into the Festive Season, should you wish to

'advertise' your up and coming event, a service you are offering, a product

you are selling in time for that crucial Christmas period, please do

ensure you send these to us before the 15th November.

Thank you once again for your contribution and continuing support for

the PALS Magazine and our local community.

I look forward to catching up with you all again in December.

All the best

Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the

Australian coat of arms for that reason.

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About a year ago, workmen arrived across the road from where I live. With diggers and cranes they started to clear ground, uprooting many olive trees in the process and the result was a vast bare expanse. This was the start of the new road that would link the Peristerona Road to the Pelathousa Road and would accommodate the new police and fire stations, whose construction appears to be going well.

While digging, they uncovered part of an old building and whether this was the reason that work stopped for a while I did not find out, but eventually it was resumed and the old building was covered again.

It was interesting to see the sequence of events: the measuring; marking out distances and where the holes would be dug out; the huge drain holes; the insertion and then covering of the pipes; tarmac laying and then the kerbstones and pavements. Finally the street lighting.

During the past year, the noise of the vehicles and the dust that came with them have been a nuisance and it was no use trying to keep the house or patio dust-free. I started taking photos and continued to do so up until the barriers were finally removed. Due to the road works on the Polis to Paphos road this week, the new road has been a diversion route for drivers and I have therefore now had a taste of what is in store when the new road is officially opened. Busy and noisy comes to mind!

Letters to The EditorThe New RoadShirley Ludford

Improving Tourism in PolisKyriakos Cleanthous is a forward thinking prominent businessman whose roots are in Polis. He was elected on to the Polis Chrysochous Town Council in 2006 where he is a strong voice for the future of Polis, aware that tourism is a mainstay for its development. With this in mind, he initiated an open buffet evening at the In-Between Bar in May with the main remit being how the area could be made more attractive to the tourist market. The majority of people that attended were English or English speaking and they had the opportunity to voice their concerns and put forward ideas and constructive criticism that he could take to his committee meetings. This first meeting created much debate and food for thought.

The second meeting in August at the Polis Cultural Centre saw a good attendance of ex-pats and Kyriakos discussed how this community could aid in the development of Polis.

The outcome was that a committee has been set up to act as link to the council and perhaps in the future to attend council meetings, with Kyriacos assisting with any translating that may be required. In addition, Kyriakos advised that he would hold a council surgery every Tuesday at the AlkioNest Apartments between 10am and 4pm for ex-pats to discuss council matters, ask his advice, etc. He is also available on 26322028 or 99683050.

Roderick Lovett

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Ay Nics Stags 7 Paphos Tigers 29

With the summer break, the Tigers saw the retirement of several players, others transferring to Limassol and some leaving Cyprus. So it was a young and new look Tigers who took to the field on Saturday against Ay Nics Stags. Right from the start, it was plain to see that commitment was high on the agenda, at times perhaps in the rucks and mauls a little too much! However, having chosen to play with wind, the tigers went in at half time leading 24-0.

The first half had been a scrappy affair for both sides but the second half saw both sides up their performance and the Tigers being put under considerable pressure in defence. The lads played with yet more commitment and kept their discipline, giving away very little. AJ (Alan Pugh), this years Captain, lead from the front, scored one of the five tries and was awarded Man of the Match. Other try scorers were George Agathocleous 2, Ben Whetton and Des White.

It's no secret that stronger teams await the lads in the league, but the commitment, discipline and team spirit shown here lead to a confidence-building win and will have them holding their heads up high and looking forward to the challenge.

Paphos Tigers Rugby Football Club PTRFC are sponsored by M1 Lux, Horizon Group & Mercato del Golfo.

Paphos Tigers vs Akrotiri

Takes place this Saturday, 16th October 2010. Kick off 2 o'clock at Kiniras Sports Ground, Geriskipou. Any members wishing to renew their membership or pick up their new membership card you can see me there and enjoy the game.

We have had enquires to start a ladies tag/touch rugby team, so if there are any ladies wishing to join and get a team together, please contact Paphos Tigers.

Paphos Tigers WinSue Rolfe

Another joyous evening of entertainment was enjoyed by the residents and guests of the village of Letympou on Friday 8th October in the village square. This has become a regular event during the summer months for the village but unfortunately the last for this year.

Ian Clark as always gave a great performance on keyboard providing a variety of music with which to dance and dine the night away. Brooksey's Place provided excellent food and drink to get everyone in the mood to dance well into the night, with passers by stopping to join in the fun.

Other events are planned for the coming months, so please come along and join us.

You will find a warm welcome and varied menu, with daily specials offering good food at very reasonable prices at Brooksey's Place and for those who want to keep up with the football and sports you will be able to watch them on the satellite TV. Displayed in the taverna you will see paintings from local artist John Mann, depicting local scenes, an ideal souvenir!!

If you have not been before, then Letympou is well worth a visit, it is a traditional village with stone houses, beautiful churches, coffee shops and tavenas, surrounded by vineyards and orchards.

Come and experience the hospitality and excellent food on offer, or come to one of the events and make new friends while experiencing some of the unique experiences Letympou has to offer.

DON'T MISS AT BROOKSEY'S PLACE IN NOVEMBER21st November Chilli And Curry Lunch

(please book in advance)25th November Local walk

(around 1 ½ hours) starting at 11.30am and back for lunchPlease check the next issue of PALS for December events.

A Night Out In Letympou


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The club is now well into the 2010/2011 Third Division The Club Web Site continues to grow and is now attracting Championship having played four matches winning one, valuable advertising revenue. Club Web Master David Buller is drawing 2 and losing one. Currently we are ninth in the table increasing the information included on the site. We are calling in with 5 points but only 3 points behind league leaders Spartakos a Professional Photographer in November to provide some up Kitiou. to date Stadium Photographs after the pitch has been reseeded EN.A.D.FC Results with its winter grass. One of our Web Site Sponsors Magic The results to date are as follows:- Computer Consultancy E Mail [email protected], Tel 18th September Away Spartakos lost 0-3, 25th September no 99269201, continues to expand and integrate our Web Site Home AEK Kouklia won 2-0 and it is worth mentioning that EN.A.D. is the only club in the 2nd October Away Elpida Famagusta 0-0, 9th October Home Cyprus Third Division to have its' own Web Site.Agia Napa 0-0In three of our four games we have failed to score and will need Cyprus Third Division Home Fixtures at the Polis Stadiumto address this problem if we are to make progress this season. 13/11/2010 EN.A.D.FC v Meap (Larnaca) Kick Off 14-30 hrsWe have a talented Team who are working hard in training The venue of the above match may be changed to Agia Marina particularly on this problem and we can expect to see some subject to the satisfactory reseeding of the winter grass at the results soon. Municipality of Polis Stadium. Please watch local adverts, the

match day board outside the ground and the EN.A.D.FC Web Home Match Day Experience SiteWe continue to work to improve the match day experience. The 27/11/2010 EN.A.D.FC v Paraklisia (Limassol) 14-30 hrsCantina now provides sandwiches as well as drinks and snacks The club looks forward to seeing you at our next home game. So before, at half time and after the match. We now have a public come along and support your local professional football team address system given to the club by the Supporters Club and we and help us to develop football in the Polis Chrysochous area. will work on providing match day information including Anyone requiring any further information about the club please announcing the Team before kick off. There is also a Squad List do not hesitate to contact Keith Dutfield on telephone no provided free of charge by the Supporters Club to help you 97770918 or E Mail [email protected] individual Team Members' and a Golden Goal Competition with a cash prize up to €100 for the time that the first goal is scored. All proceeds go directly to the Football Club. The under 21 Team also plays the same clubs Under 21 Team on match days. Kick off is three hours before the First Teams game. Come early and see some of our youth from the area play , we already have some in our First Team Squad.

Cyprus Third and Fourth Division Cup CompetitionThis year the Club has decided to enter the Cup Competition and the first match was scheduled for the evening of 20th October 2010. It is a straight Knock Out competition and so I will be able to provide you with progress in this competition in the next issue.

Supporters ClubAt the last meeting the Supporters Club Chairman Ivan McOwans resigned after completing one year in the Chair. A vote of thanks was passed for his work in the development of the club. As a result it was decided to change slightly the direction of the Supporters Club and make it part of the football club. There are a number of proposals under consideration but the aim is to integrate more with members of the Football Club. The Supporters Club is already doing some sterling work with fund raising and it's anticipated that this will continue linked to some social events. The next meeting will be held on Monday 1st November 2010 at the Village Inn Latchi commencing 7.00pm. If you require any other information regarding the Supporters Club please contact Keith Berry on Tel No 99269314.Club Web Site www.enadfc.com

EN.A.D.FC Polis Your Local Professional Football TeamKeith Dutfield

We are pleased and excited to announce the opening of our new indoor dining area with toilet facilities. However it would seem that some of our regulars (Friday night gang – you know who you are!!) could not wait, and before the alterations were finished they were happy to dine by candlelight (no electric at this time!), but with the help of a torch to visit the “powder room” and oil lamps on the table, we felt it only reasonable that we provided a large hand “brass bell”for service, hastening to add our customers were delighted. Their next visit, next week, we hope to be up and running. From the 1st November winter frying times are Wednesday to Saturday 12.30pm – 8.30pm.

In addition to our traditional Fish 'n' Chips we will now include opening on SUNDAY for TRADITIONAL SUNDAY ROAST from 12.00pm – 3.30pm. Lunch will comprise of Roast Beef, Yorkshire Pudding, Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes and t h r e e f r e s h seasonal vegetables followed by homemade pudding all for €10.95!!! Feel free to bring your own WINE ( no corkage charges!!) To enable this great value Sunday Lunch it will be available on a “bookings only” basis. Please telephone 99377443 or 00873592. LETS MAKE SUNDAYS COSY! Look forward to seeing you.Tammy

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Tammy's Traditional Fish and Chips EXPANDSBy Tammy Fitzgerald

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One hundred and fifty five supporters booked into the Annabelle for a Gala dinner given by the Friends Hospice Support Group. Clearly those who attended welcomed the occasion as a chance to put on their finest evening dresses and bling as the girls all looked dazzling in their finery, well complemented by their well turned out partners in their dinner jackets and suits.

As they sipped their welcome drinks many found time to inspect the array of prizes given by generous supporters to the Hospice. These included a week long cruise given by Century Travel, a weekend at the Anassa Hotel given by Thanos Hotels, a stupendous celebrity necklace given by Beads, a case of wine given by Tsangarides Winery, a mosaic wall hanging from Sharen Taylor's mosaic workshop, a designer evening bag given by the Evangelismos Hospital group, and a large hamper from You Kays among other great gifts. His raffle was well supported and the total raised with it was €2,200. The tables were dressed with balloon bouquets from Partymania and stunning flower centre pieces created by the Paphos flower arranging group and which were given as table prizes. After a delicious three course dinner a speech of welcome was given by the Vice Chairman of the Friends' Hospice support group, Nick Smith, followed by Doctor Anastazia from the General Hospital who conveyed the warm wishes and thanks from the Minister of Health Mr. Christos Patsalides for the work done by the Friends. Music was provided by Bedrock and Jezebel entertained. The entire evening raised about €3000 towards the €300,000 needed to run the Hospice for one year.

Friends' Hospice in Glamour Mode


The long-awaited Limnitis-Pyrgos crossing in the north west of the island opened at 10am on 14th October 2010 after 46 years of separation. A ceremony was held on the new 6km long road, which crosses the buffer zone to link the two communities and halves the travelling time between Limnitis and Nicosia.

It is the seventh crossing on the island and has been a priority in discussions since March 21st 2008, when it was first proposed by leaders President Demetris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat. On this date, they issued a joint statement which also detailed their agreement to open the Ledra Street crossing, which was inaugurated on 3rd April 2008.

In 2009, the two leaders delivered three joint statements, instructing their representatives to take up the opening of this and other crossing points and then on 26th June 2009, they agreed to proceed and decided that the crossing point would operate under the same rules as other crossings and underscored the role that UNFICYP would play.

Construction on Limnitis began on 29th March 2010 after the UN Development Programme s igned a contract with a joint venture comprised of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot companies. On 7th

August 2010, an ambulance made the first journey from Pyrgos medical centre to Nicosia General Hospital via the buffer zone along the Limnitis road.

For the past 46 years, Greek Cypriot residents in Kato Pyrgos have had to travel to Paphos, on the western coast, and Limassol on the south, in order to reach Nicosia. The new route will halve the travel time down to 1.5 hours.

Limnitis Road Finally Opens

Vital StatisticsThe Anglican Church ladies enjoyed an entertaining and instructive talk recently given by Sandra of Bra 4 Me. Lots of laughs and funny stories accompanied her chat which was enlivened by photos of ladies wearing the incorrect bra, a situation very familiar to those with, shall we say, championship curves. Sandra's talk was followed by a more serious topic, that of Breast Awareness. Dr Lorna Morrish of the Friends' Hospice Paphos tackled this vital subject with information regarding the causes of breast cancer, self examination, and how to detect signs of alteration in the breast which may need investigation. Many questions were asked which showed the need for such informal talks about this prevalent disease. Although a daunting subject the afternoon was light-hearted with many personal stories and laughs.Any ladies' group which would like to host such a talk please get in touch on 26911641.

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An insight into partnering with horses, learning to bring our field, my fingers wound in the mane of 'my' horse as he spiritual and business worlds together. peaceably munched the grass around my feet, a rainbow

appeared above our heads and the 'ooh's' and 'ahh's' of the I felt a bit of a nerd standing at the gate saying good morning to other course members had me taking my blindfold off to look the horses and asking their permission to join their herd, when up. There above our heads was a completely circular rainbow all my life I had been breezing in with a head collar and taking a and a 'hole' in the clouds – I had never seen such a thing before. horse or two out of the field to do their work, gates clanging, Enter stage left, two huge Red Kites, who proceeded to circle leather squeaking. Today was going to be a steep learning above us .... and the hairs were standing up on my arms. It was curve, I thought! quite literally, a phenomenal moment! This feature is

recognised by the Native Indians as a dream hole, where the Jackie Stevenson stood quietly with us and we watched as the heavens open up to accept your dreams. It certainly left my jaw horses gently opened the conversation and invited us into their hanging in awe!herd for the day. In the emerging fields (totally!) of Experiential Learning with Horses (equine-ass isted coaching, Jackie outlined to us the Native American Medicine Wheel /The psychotherapy, learning and leadership development), horses Circle of Life and I stilled as it dawned on me the wiseness of the support individuals, families and teams through action- system. Précised briefly, imagine the points of the compass: oriented learning experiences that are immediately applicable North is our spiritual self – it is where we explore the truth to real life issues and work dilemmas. underlying all things; it is the place of the elders, the Wisdom

Lodge. Their office is their pasture. Their clients are people seeking East is the direction of the dawn light, questioning, analysing, direction, personal healing, improved leadership ability or awakening – it is the place of mind, sometimes called the Men's understanding of complex relationship. horses help us to be Lodge.ourselves. South is our physical self – exuberance, innocence, play, joy, The Greek word for horse is Alogo – meaning 'no words', and growth and physical well being, the inner child of the adult – it is watching the herd dynamics from outside their field, the horse the Children's Lodge.first timers and old hands together began to learn to read their West is the direction of the setting sun, it is the place of our signs. Silence frees us from the chatter of inner and outer voices emotional self - looking within, introspection, contemplation, and the desensitising sounds of telephones, TVs and sometimes called the Women's Lodge.computers. As we entered into silent dialogue with these The hub of the wheel is the Children's Fire, the centre of self and horses, we also entered into quiet dialogue with ourselves. In the Centre of the community.their presence, we began to feel more of our authentic inner selves. Imagine how the wheel needs to be balanced to enable it to

turn. Any individual spending too long in any one of the lodges Horses are honest – their inner experience is always congruent and not paying attention to the others will cause their wheel to with their outer actions. Their herd is inclusive – everyone become unbalanced. belongs, everyone is essential, everyone matters. Relationship and the well being of its members is primary to the herds' survival. The stresses of the M25 fight to join them in their grassy office, just off the M4 near Windsor, was beginning to fade away, and as the human heart rates slowed to match the rhythm of the horses' – the humans began to notice the bird song and the shapes of the clouds, the stillness ... and the tiny toad in the grass at our feet!

Horses are remarkable teachers of relationship and facilitators of human development. They resonate with our true emotions If only we could question ourselves “Is what you are doing in the and reflect back to us our authentic self. They are gifted with best interest of you, your family, community, all life? Is it in the innate emotional and social intelligence and wisdom, best interest of the children for seven generations to come? If registering incongruence. It was interesting to see how the yes, go do ...... if no, begin again”.horses became uneasy and would walk away from someone not being congruent (not authentic) with the horses or with You are welcome to come and spend time with the horses – themselves. you'll see what I mean! Next year we will run courses ..... or

rather, the horses will!There was a moment during the course when we were telling Caroline Grossmith www.rideincyprus.com Lysos, Polis. our dreams to our 'horse partner', standing blindfolded in the 99 777 624

Courses With HorsesCaroline Grossmith


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God Speaks... Through His WordSimon Peter fell at Jesus' knees and said, Holy One of God. That changed everything, and demanded a “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.” (Luke 5:8) response.

Up to now he had thought himself in control of his own lifeThis was a dramatic, defining moment in big Peter the He had thought he was as good as anyone elsefisherman's life.

But to understand now that he was a sinner before God, had He was a man who knew fishing – he had been brought up in it, it nothing in himself to offer. That changed everything, and was a family business. Yet that day a preacher had outfished demanded a response.him!He was a man who knew hard, long work. Yet that day a Simon Peter fell at (lit: fell down towards) Jesus' knees and preacher had sat down and miraculously filled his (and his said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man?”fishing partners') boats with fish.He was a man who often spoke before he thought. Yet that day I noticed, that even as he was asking Jesus to go (where could He a preacher had made Peter see himself in a way he never had go, they were on a boat in the middle of a lake!) because he thought possible. realised the huge spiritual gulf between them – he fell towards

Him! Somehow Peter knew that he wanted to be together with At that moment, Peter lost sight of the fish, lost sight of the boat, this Lord. Jesus proceeded to call Peter to follow Him.lost sight of the other fishermen. He saw just two people, and he saw them stripped bare of all but their true souls. Not Jesus a Have you had this defining moment yet, this realisation of who preacher and Peter a fisherman, Jesus really is, and who you really are? Though the gulf is large, but….Jesus the Lord, and Peter the sinner! Jesus' desire to bridge that gulf is larger. That's what took Him Up to now he had heard Jesus preach – impressiveHe had seen to the cross to deal with our problem of sin.Jesus perform miracles – very impressive

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be But to understand now that Jesus was Lord, master of all, the saved.”Romans 10:13

Success At The Annual Event For H.O.P.EOn 25th September 2010 this event was held at the Souli Hotel. Thank you to the Hotel owners. Everyone enjoyed the meze and their hospitality and the staff provided their excellent service.

Musical entertainment was provided by Morris and his wife and a male singer. There were a lot of holiday residents at the hotel who joined in with the local residents for the singing and dancing and everyone had a very enjoyable evening.

H.O.P.E. thanks everyone who attended this event, some coming from as far as Paphos. Many thanks to the donors of raffle prizes and all those who bought raffle tickets which helped to swell our funds for our worthy cause – to buy equipment for Polis Hospital.

The donors were: Demotronics, Paphos Wavedancer, Demetris Chara, Droushia Hills restaurant, Chrystodolous Electric, Sofocleous sports shop, Elegant Nails, Maria Hair Design, Mr and Mrs Cummings, Darren and Andrea, Latchi Watersports, Europecar, Socrates Pharmacy, Matrix DVD Hire, Pencil Box, Lisa Hairdresser, Halfway House, Festival Shoes, Fly Again Pub.

The final amount raised was €780! Our sincere thanks again to everyone.


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The Journey - Part 9Sue de Groot


We have sailed 156 nautical miles overnight and have arrived in archaeological park, containing many wonderful items. More Port Said. Each day we take a photo of the map showing the vendors here of course, so June buys a camel hair rug, which is progress of the ship from the c.c.t.v. in our room, so that we can very nice and she negotiated down for a price of Euros 40 (good see (i) where we are, (ii) where we were, (iii) what day it is (this purchase).info is vital) and (iv) where we will be the following day. This is going to prove useful since it will help us with identifying our Through the back streets of Cairo, where we meet water photos when we eventually get time to download them. The buffalo, donkeys and women with large sacks carried on their camera batteries are getting low, there are already thousands of heads. The river is strewn with rubbish and dead sheep and photos and we are only on the day six! I will have to buy a new people are fishing in it. Slaughtered meat is hung outside shops camera as I forgot to bring the charger but his will have to wait where the flies have a feast day. We are glad that we are on the until we are in Dubai or Abu Dhabi as electronics are cheaper bus and not walking the streets. Children wave gaily at the bus. there and we can look for some bargains.

We drive through the main thoroughfare of Cairo and go under The alarm rings at 04.30 (!) We only half awake. A voice asks a giant flyover which has been constructed immediately in front sleepily whose idea it was to go on this trip and wouldn't it be a of apartment blocks and one can imagine the noise and better idea just to crawl back into bed (me). We shower, dress, pollution living there. Everyone toots their car horn incessantly. check we have the cameras, batteries, water, sneakers, We see only one set of traffic lights in the whole ride of 12 hours. backpacks, etc. and go to breakfast. It is now essential that we Everyone just keeps on driving, aiming to fill in the gaps in the read our tarot cards first thing in the day so that we know what is traffic. Even on the bus it was scary how close cars came to it going to happen to us instead of late in the day when we find out and people just cross the road willy nilly. No zebra crossing what did happen but was not expected. June's card: anywhere. Your heart is in your mouth - they seem to be “Wherever your resistance is, that is where your greatest fatalistic!learning process is”. Sue's card: “If you are lacking in something in yourself, that is where people will be lacking towards you”. So, Suddenly, there is a turn off close to the airport where we go on I have to be on my best behaviour for the day which is just as a road which is hardly a road, but more of a track. The police well, as we don't get a good guide. motorbike escort is still with us, so apparently all is still ok and

we arrive at the Pyramids of Giza. The biggest one is for Cheops, Then off to the Nautica Lounge for bus tickets where we are TO his son and grandson. We are asked by the guide how we would WAIT IN THE LOUNGE UNTIL WE ARE ALLOWED TO GO but we build a pyramid: blocks of stone are cut, numbered, and do not take any notice of that do we, as we are experienced transported to the site so that adjacent blocks will have the travellers and want the front seats to take photos. cleanest cut and therefore must be placed next to each other Unfortunately, there is someone even more calculated than us and lo and behold you have a pyramid. And off to the Sphinx. on this tour, as that person has put reserved signs on the two After that, we are running late, so we will have to cut out the front seats (turns out they are disabled) so we look for the next shopping stop, says Abdul. but no, we are still treated to a stop best thing and that is the seat behind the toilet which has the at the Papyrus Museum, and a Jewellery Store. We do not get biggest window for photos. out at this stop, because it is a waste of time. Instead we are left

alone on the bus with the doors open. I get out and want to call This is going to be a 12 hour trip and in the ship's daily the driver to close the doors (there are valuables on board), but newspaper it says bring your pillows, blankets etc. in case you suddenly a small young policeman appears (must be about 17 fall asleep. We have to travel in convoy with police escorts and years old), with a gun of course, and smiles and looks after our we are told that this is because in 1997 there was an attack on a bus. But, try as she might, June is not allowed to take a photo of tourist bus in Luxor, so now all of them are escorted. And, him and a game develops. He darts in and out from behind the escorted we were- police all over the place, all armed, some bus and June has her camera at the ready, but without success. with machine guns but all of them smiling, all side streets and This keeps us busy for the time the others are in the shops, being traffic are blocked off. This escort lasts for about 3 hours. collared into buying something.

So, we finally arrive at the Port at 8 p.m. to be met by the whole We arrive in Sakkara, where we first visit the outside loos, (we crew and the band playing samba and jazz and the staff in two are of course in the desert by now). The loos like a small mission lines along the walkway to the ship, clapping their hands. On hut and charges $1 for use and you get a piece of toilet paper. the side of the ship is a huge banner saying “Welcome Back Then we visit the pyramid at Sakkara, which is incredibly lovely, Home”, and that is what it feels like. since all the carving and painting has been very well preserved Tonight we begin to sail from Port Said along the Suez Canal, in its original state and it is quite impressive. Lots of photo shots, towards Port Suez which is at the mouth of the Red Sea.postcards of Sakkara, and back into the bus, and onto Memphis.

Next month: A Day at Sea, Sailing down the Suez Canal, Life on At Memphis we see the statue of Ramses III and the Board Ship

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Beat The Recession!


For many, the past eighteen months have been depressing, incredibly wide choice of items at great prices, together with a what with fluctuating exchange rates; low returns on selection of items on the 'Offers Over' section. A new feature at investments; rising prices and news of gloom and doom from the 'Christmas Fayre' this year is a Grocery Stall. Here you will the media. That's why the Anglican Church of Paphos be able to choose from a range of tinned and packet foods at 'Christmas Fayre' is an opportunity to put all of this to the back low, low prices.of the mind for a few hours.For an entry fee of just €1 (Children FREE) and held in the For those who like to 'try opulent surroundings of 'The Monte Liza', Mesogi Avenue, the their luck' there will be the most prestigious wedding venue in Paphos; the 'Christmas usual Bottle Stall, Tombola, Fayre' offers an afternoon of entertainment for all. Santa Claus Water or Wine?, Roll a has agreed to open proceedings at 12.00 noon, after which time Coin, Rivet Game, Treasure children can meet him and even have a photo taken with him. Hunt and, of course, Grand Once again Face Painting will be available for the young and Raffle. There may even be young-at-heart. a few surprises. Perhaps

you wi l l be a Lucky Musical offerings provided by 'Kevin' start soon after and at Programme winner?1.00pm the Cyprus Police Band have agreed to play. To satisfy all tastes there will be a mouth-watering selection of The Anglican Church 'Christmas Fayre' is a huge event, staged sandwiches on offer, not forgetting the famous Burgers, Bacon annually by members of Ayia Kyriaki, Paphos; St Stephen's, Tala and Egg Baps, Hot Dogs and Mince Pies: all washed down with a and St Luke's, Polis. ALL PROFITS go to Cypriot Charities, both selection of hot and cold drinks, including mulled wine. large and small. It is an opportunity to give something back to

our Cypriot hosts. So, put the date in your diaries – To help reduce Christmas costs, many quality items at bargain WEDNESDAY, 1st DECEMBER from 12.00 noon until 4.00pm at prices can be found on stalls such as Crafts, Home-made Sweets, the 'Monte Liza', Mesogie Avenue, Paphos. For more Recycled Cards, Christmas and Floral Decorations, Rainbow, information contact Bob Wickens on 26 322 628, e-mail: Books, Cakes, Jams and Pickles, Crockery, Gardening and Nearly [email protected]. SEE YOU THERE!New Clothing. This year's selection of Bric-a-Brac will have an

All fabricsworked

with

This month's story is about bladder stone higher occurrence in last of the siblings as breast milk was the which is mostly due to poor nutrition main source). Indeed, in Sicily, during the early part of the 20th (famine) and the article in a future issue will century, the children in schools were given supplementary be about stones in the kidney (which is about protein diet. Very soon the incidence of bladder stone declined feast). rapidly. There is no doubt at all that the bladder stone in the

“Western Countries” had disappeared due to increased Historical aspects nutrition which in turn was due to increased standards of living Urinary tract stone (not to be confused with and economy.

gall stones) is one of the oldest conditions known to man. Stones in the bladder were recovered from the Egyptian What is the current situation?mummies dating back to 5000 BC. The medical men of antiquity The type of bladder stone described above has now completely were well acquainted with this condition as reference to disappeared in the rich countries but is still prevalent in some bladder stone can be found in ancient Indian Scriptures, the pockets of poorer/emerging economies. It is still seen in some “Vedas” presumed to have been written around 2000 BC. The parts Thailand, North Western India, Pakistan, Egypt and some earliest account of surgical treatment for bladder stone was parts of Central Asia. Even in these countries, it is disappearing written around 800 BC by the Indian Physician Shushruta, a because of reduced poverty and improved nutrition. A clear famous physician of his times. He described the operation of indication of the increase in food consumption in the low-removal of stone from the bladder with great clarity and gave a income countries between 1970 and 2000 is well illustrated in precise description of the instruments required for the the graph.procedure which, apparently was performed under the anaesthetic effect of alcohol. This was about 300 years before Hippocrates, a Greek doctor and the Father of modern medicine, in whose times bladder stone was very common. As a great physician, he did not operate on the patients but declared in the “Hippocratic Oath” that “I will not cut those who are suffering from stone, but I will leave them to men who practice such operations” (therefore true specialism in surgery started in 300 BC!!).

From various sources it appears that bladder stone continued to form a major part of the work of surgeons until well into the 19th century AD. Surgery to remove bladder stones was difficult, often performed without anaesthesia, and the mortality rate was very high. Samuel Pepys used to suffer from bladder stones and in his famous diaries recorded that it was far better to put up with the painful symptoms than to undergo the agony of surgery and the risk of death from the complications. Mr.P.N.Rao, Ch.M., F.R.C.S (Ed) Formerly Director Stone

Management Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, Very strangely, bladder stone disappeared quite rapidly in the UK. Now, Visiting Professor of Urology“Western Countries” from the early part of the 20th century NTR University of Health Sciences, Indiaand is disappearing in the emerging countries...... WHY?

The FamineA typical patient with bladder stone was:• Male• Less than 15 years of age• Belonged to a poor family• Often the last of the siblings• The composition of the stone was also unusual (stones were made up of ammonium and uric acid)

The main cause was poor nutrition. The affected children ate (if at all some days) food rich in starch and poor in protein and other nutrients. Not having enough milk in childhood, in particular seems to have had a significant influence (hence the

14


Feast And FamineThe Story Of Urinary StoneNagaraja Rao

VACANCY

We are looking for a new member of staff to join our PALS Team to promote our magazine and to recruit new

advertisers from the Paphos area.

If you have a bright and bubbly personality and are goal orientated we would like to hear from you. Please contact:

Or 99 171120.editor@palsmagazine.

PALS MAGAZINE

FOR RENT

CLASSIFIEDS

TO LET: Spacious new 1 bedroom fully furnished apartment in Mesa Chorio, Paphos. Has a/c,

large fitted wardrobes, parking, pretty private garden. Close to the International School .

Would suit a professional person or a retired couple. Tel: 99171120.

COLLECTORS ITEMS: Canon cameras all with their own cases: Epoca 35-105mm, Ixus Z50 (pocket), EOS 300 28-80mm (complete with zoom lens). All reasonable offers considered. Please ring 99171120FREELANCE SECRETARIAL SERVICES: Assistance offered temporary/part-time for any period of time – a few days, a month or only a few hours. MS Word & Excel experience. Ave typing speed 60wpm. Internet e-mails, basic bookkeeping, errands. Available 9am-5pm daily. Please call Maria on 99996913.GARDEN FURNITURE: Quality hardwood items in good condition, all recently treated with a 5 year woodstain. Very reasonable prices. Photos available to be e-mailed. Please ring 99170522.Brand new: SPORT Pathfinder 1 person Inflatable Kayak - €250.00. Contact Amanda on 26323538Brand new: Aquaglide Inflatable ‘Takeoff’ a Giant 12” diameter - lots of fun - €470.00. Contact Amanda on 26323358Brand new: SPORT Pathfinder 2 Person Inflatable Kayak - € 300.00. Contact Amanda on 26323358MARINE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Sailor VHF A1 C4900 DSC radio telephone. €200; Ratheon/Autohelm 16m Radar €400; Interphase Sea Scout forward looking Sonar. €400. All can be seen working onboard. Call Jim on 99854289.Indian Head Massage and Reiki in your own home or in Kathikas. Very reasonable rates. Gift vouchers available. Call Heather on 99170522’Building land for sale: Migliou Village, near Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort. Sea views. 290 sq meters, 100%building capacity. Tel: 99632618Antrias Hobby Shop: Stock clearance of models and remote controlled aircraft, boats, cars and bikes. Phone 26991113.Volvo Engines for Sale: two Volvo engies AD41P, ready to use for stern drives, bell housing included. Hardly used. Price €9,000. Tel 26323538 or 99171120.

Do you have a service, product or item to sell? Advertise it here, only €8.50 for a 30 word advert.Email or telephone before 15th November to be included in the next issue.


15

16

I want to tell everyone about my fantastic hobby because a lot of people don't realise that children from the age of 8 can learn to scuba dive with PADI, which is such a shame when we all live so close to the sea and it's such great fun.

My Godmother Roma bought me a PADI Bubblemaker gift voucher from Latchi Watersports for my 8th birthday. My Mum was a bit nervous about my first dive, but I wasn't –I have always loved being in the sea and was just excited about what it would be like underneath the surface. I really enjoyed my first lesson and my instructor was very kind and taught me about being safe whilst also having fun. I learnt the cool safety hand signals that all PADI divers use and had a great time – I was hooked!

My Mum soon realised that she didn't need to be nervous, so I started doing the PADI Seals course which children can do from the age of 8 until 10. I have gradually learnt to dive down to 3.5 meters, seen rainbow and Jack fish, two large tuna fish, a squid hiding under the sand on the seabed and much more. It's awesome down there, soothing and relaxing – I like feeling like a fish! So, I'm a fish in the water and a penguin out of it because I have to wear a wetsuit and it makes me walk like one! I will soon be a seal too because after my next dive I will be a qualified PADI Junior Seal and I will get a certificate and a badge.

My Grandparents and other people have been paying for my dives as birthday and Christmas presents and they think it's great that they don't have to worry about what to buy me and spend hours shopping. It is also much easier as most of my relatives don't live in Cyprus and posting presents is expensive. Afterwards, I send them a photo of my dive like the one above.

Written by Georgia Wright, Age 9 Photos by Uncle Andy Crawford

A Child's View onScuba Diving


Did You Know?The incubation temperature of a sea turtle's nest is a major factor in the determination of the sea turtle's

sex. Females are more likely to be produced in warmer temperatures.

17

“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the human Nevertheless the first cycle races were on these high machines.race.” H.G. Wells. 1885. The Safety Bike. It was around the 1880s, that the first

safety bikes appeared. These are considered the first real When Was the Bike Invented? 1817 – The Running Machine. bicycles. With their standard two triangle frames, pedals and Invented by German Baron Karl von Drais, this had no pedals no chain, the basic design has remained unchanged. Starley's 1885 chains, but two wheels (Note from Cycling Cyprus: “Sounds just Rover is considered the first real bicycle model.like my bike”). It was propelled by pushing your feet on the ground. (“It IS my bike!”) It was sometimes known as human The Pneumatic Tyre. In 1888, Scotsman John Dunlop invented horse. It was largely a form of entertainment for aristocratic the first practical pneumatic tyre, which created a much more families with their own estate. enjoyable and comfortable ride. The bicycle was ready for mass The Velocipede – 1860s. In the early 1860s, two Frenchmen participation.Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement put pedals on the front Developments of Bikes Which Later Appeared in Motor Cars - wheel and introduced the velocipede, which looks more like our Pneumatic Tyres, Precision ball bearings, Tension-spoked modern bicycle. It had no chain and was very uncomfortable wheels, chain-drive.(“Sounds like my bike”) due to wooden wheels (”It IS my bike!”). Motor Engineers Who started off producing bicycles - Henry

This helped the spread of Ford, Wright Brothers. Dunlop tyres, The Rover Cycle Company, the bicycle. Morris Motor Company.The Penny Farthing - A d e v e l o p m e n t o f t h e Cycling and Social Change Cycling is credited with playing a role Velocipede, this was faster in the increased social mobility and emancipation of women due to the larger diameter and the working class. In the late nineteenth century, the safety of the front wheel. But bicycle gave a whole new section of the population their first considered dangerous personal transport. It enabled, people to live further from work, b e c a u s e o f h e i g h t . helping to create the modern commuter.

Cycling Cyprus and cycling facts………..Paul Clark


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Children of NepalFollowing the success of our fundraising lunches and suppers last year in aid of the work carried out for the children of Nepal through John & Penny Smith (see the article in the September issue of PALS entitled 'John and Penny Smith are Returning to Nepal'), we again invite you to join us in our Guest House in Neo Chorio on one or more of the following dates :-Friday 12 November – Curry eveningFriday 26 November – Fish evening Why not get together with a group of your friends and come and join us? Here is the deal – we will provide all the food and drink free – you will put in our teapot whatever you think the meal was worth and wish to contribute to John & Penny's work for the children of Nepal during their planned visit next winter. As with last year, every euro put in the teapot will be given to John & Penny. A total of 26 people sat down to our Sunday lunch on 26 September and generously contributed to the fund for John & Penny's work and the Pasta night on 22 October at the time of writing is fully booked. Two of our guests, Marion and David Doig of Goudi, were soimpressed by John & Penny's plans that they invited us to put on a barbecue at their own home. A great night ensued and again a significant contribution was collected for the fund. To book your meal(s), or have us organise your own event, please call Ray & Catherine Elliott at Metamorphosis Guest House in Neo Chorio, on 97648382, or John & Penny on 99266853.


There will be a coffee morning at the home of Anne & Keith Empson to support the children of Nepal.

Please come and enjoy a friendly coffee and cake, view Anne & Keith's paintings, cards and crafts while at the same time helping the children to a better lifestyle and education (please see the article in the September issue on John & Penny Smith returning to Nepal).

There will be a donation box for coffee and cake and 20% of any paintings sold will go in the box. Please bring along something for the “Bring and Buy” stall if you like.

Date: Friday 5th November, Time: 10am to 1pm, Place: Villa Ochre, Timochari St, Diana Polis Villa 13, Polis Chrysochous. Tel: 99255794 (for directions).

Coffee Morning

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7

The Upper Room has become an integral part of the community • A young churchof Polis and the surrounding villages. A few of you will that means that it was just 7 years ago that it started to meet remember its first location in Ayios Andronikos Park, above together and function as a church. They are celebrating their where Savvas the fisherman, now has his restaurant. We still 7th Anniversary on the 28th November. Please come and join in remember the steep stairs up to the small flat that had a large the Celebration – see the special notice on page 11 for details.livingroom/kitchen. Only the fit managed those stairs without panting! Of course the Upper Room is

u s e d f o r m o r e t h a n meetings. The kitchen gets well used, not only on a Sunday when many are there and enjoy fellowship meals, but also on Thursdays and Saturday evenings when small groups come together for Bible study.

The place is available and used• by many who need an oasis of quiet from the busyness of life outside.• by those who want to make a cup of coffee & enjoy chat

Then the move 4 years ago, with a friendto the current site in • by those who enjoy the friendship of others on holidays from St.Andrew's Plaza opposite work.Papantoniou Supermarket (it • by those who want a bed overnight in the townhadn't opened yet). The sign advertising the Upper Room Many tourists who are looking to worship the Lord Jesus with (now ground floor!) is large, others, while they are on holiday, find their way to the Upper but sometimes the place Room and enjoy the informal, and yet sincere and loving itself seems hidden in fellowship that they find. They come back again and again.behind, and I'm sure some of you wonder what goes on inside.

Well here goes:- Mainly the Upper Room is the gathering place for a church made up of followers of Christ (Christians). • A non- denominational churchthat means it is completely independent and does not come under the direction of any other church or organization.• An international churchthat means that though everything happens in English, the people themselves, who make up the church, are from a variety of countries – Britain, Canada, South Africa, Philippines, Romania, Bulgaria, and of course, Cyprus itself. • A Bible church that means that it uses the Bible – God's Word – as it's basis of truth and direction. • An open church 7½ years (4 of them in the present facilities) in Polis, the Upper that means that anyone is welcome to come and join with the Room has come of age and is appreciated by the community. church in any service, Bible study, or fellowship time. Whether From small beginnings, to a full-house sometimes. they believe themselves to be Christians, or are interested in learning more about Christianity according to God's Word, or God is good.are just plain curious!

The Upper Room 7th Anniversary

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One of the problems faced by many of my customers in Cyprus is unauthorised usage of your broadband).wireless network coverage inside their own homes.

More good news? Well, until recently, a reliable setup would The scenario is that you have a broadband wireless router / have meant implementing some pretty pricey equipment, but modem installed in one room of your house, and you want to be now there are much cheaper consumer units available that can able to use your laptop elsewhere around the house or even be configured to achieve the speeds and reliability you would outside on the patio, but find that you are limited by range of want to depend on. So video calling (Skype etc), media the wireless signal. streaming (online TV) and other high dependency internet

activities are not affected.This is happening due to the typical construction of the majority of houses here in Cyprus. Concrete walls with metal This information has been supplied reinforcements are a very effective barrier against wireless by Simon Phillips ofnetworking, and short of running network cables around your IT Solutions Cyprus.house, you are left with few options. For more information on the above

or any other business However there is an option, and it utilizes wireless bridge or consumer IT advice call Simon repeaters. Using this method, a wireless network can be on 9775 8905 extended as far as you like. Installations can start with a single www.itsolutionscyprus.com unit and can be be added to in any direction, or multiple directions, to achieve the wireless coverage that you need. All that is required is that each additional unit is placed within range of the last one. You could quite literally bounce the wireless signal down the whole street and further ! (Of course you still have your wireless security so there can be no

Wireless Networking Issues In Cyprus

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because

it has a song.

21

As many PALS readers will have read previously, Jason and I – happened to us will happen to them… or worse. plus our two cats and Deifer the dog – have been on quite an amazing adventure over this summer. Some of you may also We have had several people say, “Well, just sail away… leave. know the sadness of the poisoning of both our cats, on our Why stay with all this trouble?” Latchi is our home and, despite return, as a result of a targeted attack. Some of you within the the problems from a minority, we like it here. In reality, why boating community are aware of our treatment and the SHOULD we run away? A friend emailed me the following, and I circumstances of our return. Others, no doubt, are not. wanted to provoke some thought with the question - What will Regardless, hopefully these thoughts might be of interest to all YOU do next time someone buys a mousetrap?PALS readers – I have missed you all!!!!

Katherine

I have, over the summer, read with interest both the excellent A mouse looked through the crack in issues raised by Andy, the Editor of PALS, and some of the the wall to see the farmer and his passionate replies that have been published in regards to the wife open a package. "What food marina. All the points raised were real and valid: neat sewage IS might this contain?" the mouse daily pumped into the harbour (despite that, we have a turtle wondered, but he was devastated to who has now lived here for five years and regularly shares a 6

discover it was a mousetrap. a.m. coffee with me); school kids DO climb all over boats; boats ARE too close to each other and get damaged; the rubbish IS a

Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning: disgrace; and the development of the marina is haphazard at "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is a mousetrap in the best and grossly behind schedule. We lack basic fire fighting and house!" The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and life saving equipment, which was specified for installation five said: "Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is years ago, and so the list goes on. of no consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it." The mouse turned to the pig and told him: "There is a mousetrap in the All the responses published in PALS have one thing in common: house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The pig sympathized, they are all anonymous or have requested their names be but said: "I am so very sorry, Mr. Mouse, but there is nothing I withheld. can do about it but pray. Be assured you are in my prayers." The mouse turned to the cow and said: "There is a mousetrap in the It should make every reader stop and think…”Why does the house! There is a mousetrap in the house!" The cow said: "Wow, boating community feel so threatened, that not a single letter Mr. Mouse. I'm sorry for you, but it's no skin off my nose." So, the criticising the state of Latchi Marina, has a name next to it?” The mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face reason is that people are scared – scared for their property – it the farmer's mousetrap alone. was probably a coincidence, however, that in the past, one boat

mysteriously sunk and another came very close to it, shortly That night a sound was heard throughout the house — the after the owners had had disagreements locally. People are sound of a mousetrap catching its prey. The farmer's wife rushed scared that if they stick their head above any metaphorical to see what was caught, but in the darkness, she didn't see it was parapet, they will be the next to be shot down, and they are a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught. The snake bit probably right! Who can blame anyone of the need for self the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital, and she preservation, being self-centred or protecting what is valuable returned home with a fever. Everyone knows you treat a fever to them. No fault can be laid – it's human nature. with fresh chicken soup, so the farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main ingredient. But his wife's sickness We returned to Latchi to find our space 'reallocated', despite continued, so friends and neighbours came to sit with her written official reassurances that, after our five month around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig. adventure, we could return home to our berth (and Latchi IS Unfortunately, the farmer's wife did not get well; she died. So home). We were left with no alternative than to raise our many people came for her funeral, that the farmer had the cow heads… or run away like many others have, and continue to do. slaughtered to provide enough meat for all of them. By raising our heads we unearthed some unpleasant elements

of Latchi, and suffered the ultimate loss of a loved one as a result The mouse looked upon it all from his of being the person to shake the tree.crack in the wall with great sadness. So, the next time that you hear someone is We have since been inundated with support from the local boat facing a problem, and think, “It doesn't community and others – really lovely heartfelt support! With concern me,” remember — when one of that support has come dozens of personal stories about us is threatened, we are ALL at risk.problems here in Latchi over this summer. What all these stories

have in common is a total unwillingness to be the next to stand Anonymousup and complain, or take positive action, for fear that what has

Someone Else's Problem Katherine Dance


22

Sudoku

Crossword Answers in next month’s issue of PALS


23

GLORIOUS GARDENSSANDRA DOBSON

Lets then consider other specifics, the Agapanthus, (one of my favourites) is truly striking in addition to being tough, Bulbs, long-lived and undemanding. It's spectacular flowers are really eye-catching, especially if you have several planted Corms together – this is what they prefer with their bulbs in tightly knitted clumps. If you do need to divide them, it is best done in Summer or early Autumn. and The Anemone is a non-demanding small bulb offering Tubers!many colours ranging from white, pink, blue, purple and red. Although enjoying a sunny site, they will need

As you sit in a quiet watering during the Summer in order to flower in the corner of your garden, Autumn. mug of tea in hand, magazine on the table by Cannas are very popular here and for good reason, they your side, taking in this offer huge spectacular flowers from the yellows to the reds w o n d e r f u l w e a t h e r and grow quickly. They will need dividing at regular (almost like an English intervals in order not to become over-crowded. S u m m e r ) , d o y o u

sometimes day-dream about how the garden will look in Cyclamen are often found growing wild around the the Spring? Mediterranean, but do look good in the garden too. They

offer a variety of shades of pinks to reds. You will find they Well I'm sure it will look beautiful, but how about if you were reward you best if they are left in the garden, planting the to give it a helping hand with some well placed bulbs, corm in a corner somewhere perhaps under a tree where it corms or tubers? The picture here is of the ever-popular should prosper and spread without much help from you! Tulip of course.

Dahlias too do well here, originally coming from Mexico The Tulip is a natural plant of Central Asia in northern and Guatemala, they will need watering during the temperate climates and as I'm sure you will know has a Summer and the theory says they should be dug up each long and interesting history and was cultivated in gardens Autumn and replanted in the Spring. in the Turkish Empire well before the 1500's. By 1559, we know that Conrad Gesner described them growing in Augsburg and the seeds subsequently traveled via botanists with connections to England by the late 1570's. It was around this time too that the Tulip arrived in Holland. The first 'tulip-mania' happened in 1634-37 when the bulbs were sold for incredible prices and fortunes were made and lost overnight by speculators. Phew!

But just a minute, what about the corms and tubers? Well they are many and varied and I just don't have enough space here to go into their history too, however consider for a moment just what a wealth of plants they are collectively. Many of them are indigenous to hot, dry regions so require no water during their resting period during our Summer. It is true that they need a little attention, e.g. Narcissi and Daffodils though, do need a good feed if possible with the delayed release fertilizers, preferably one that is low in nitrogen. The best time for this is when the shoots first begin to show and again when the leaves are at their maximum development. If you do this it will ensure a good show for the following year, otherwise they may become wasted and fragile and eventually fail to flower. Generally, bulbs, corms and tubers make excellent container flowers, either self colours or in a variety, they will not fail to please. They are usually planted at twice their own depth, leave them outside until the Spring. Thereafter if you wish you can plant them out into the open garden.


24

Condensation, damp, mould and mildew is part of life here in If you can't take these steps, or perhaps as well as taking them, Cyprus. Condensation means that our windows run with water you can buy a dehumidifier from as little as €239.00 for the basic in the mornings and walls become damp. Mould grows and model. Running costs are low, and it makes very good sense to spreads black, thriving on the moisture and nourishment that it avoid expensive repairs to your home or replacements for your finds in the damp plaster. Mildew covers the backs of leather wardrobe, by acting now, before the damp is upon us and the furniture with a green coating. Leather jackets, shoes and suffering begins again. handbags can be ruined. Clothes in wardrobes, cupboards and draws become damp. Books and paperwork and pictures on the For further advice or information, contact the author on wall are all affected. 97 63 05 39.

Less obvious, is the damage it does to our health. A damp atmosphere makes arthritic conditions worse. Joints become stiff and swollen. But perhaps, more seriously, chest and respiratory complaints can become chronic, particularly with the very old and very young. Mould spore, some varieties of which are toxic to our systems, emanate from the mould infestation, searching for fertile ground in which to multiply, just like weeds in a garden. This fertile ground can be an adjacent area of damp plaster or porous surface, or it could be our respiratory tract and lungs.

Building designs and specifications in Cyprus take no account of this problem and the lack of understanding by architects and developers can cause inconvenience at best and extreme misery at the worst. Lack of proper insulation and ventilation are the main culprits. Single skin walls, concrete floors and ceilings, no extraction in bathrooms and kitchens. Poor or inappropriate heating. These can all combine to make our homes very unpleasant places to be in a Cyprus winter. It is almost as though they are Designed for dampness.

We all produce moisture in our living space by cooking, bathing, doing laundry, making coffee and just breathing! Add this to an already high humidity, particularly in a rainy season, and it is easy to generate excess moisture in our homes. This will pass unnoticed during the day when the air is warmer or when heaters are on. At night though, or when heating is turned off, the cooler air will not support the same level of moisture as warmer air. A dew point is reached and condensation is formed on cold surfaces. This is most often on windows or, on walls where it will soak into plaster surfaces. North facing walls in north facing rooms, and corners where walls and ceilings meet, or along skirting levels, and in other areas where there is little air movement are the worst affected. This is Ideal breeding ground for mould and mildew. A dehumidifier will dry your home and keep it dry, but, it won't repair the damage to your home or your health. A better idea is to run a dehumidifier from about October onwards. This will deal with the excess moisture as it is produced, and will prevent any of the above problems arising. If you reduce the level of humidity, then you won't get the condensation. Prevention is better than cure, and you can make other changes that reduce the causes of the problem. If you can, get an electrician to install extract fans in bathrooms and kitchens, especially if you cook or heat your home with bottled gas.

Designed for DampnessKen Bwye - Dri-Home Ltd


“We’ve gotten used to the dampness”

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PALS Magazine October 2010www.palsmagazine.com

26

Prize PuzzleWin an EXCLUSIVE PALS Magazine mug

plus a unique Euro keyring!Winner is first correct entry out of the hat

Closing date for entries is 12.00pm 15th November 2010

Samurai Sudoku puzzles consist of five overlapping sudoku grids. The standard

sudoku rules apply to each 9 x 9 grid. Place digits from 1 to 9 in each empty

cell. Every row, column and every 3x3 bot should contain one of each digit.

October SolutionWinner: Anneke Irwin, Simou Village

Name

Telephone

Email

Address

Send competition entries to:PALS MagazineLatchi Marina Complex, Block C, No. 10 & 11, Latchi, Polis Chrysochous, PaphosOr fax +357 26 323 539 or send scanned entry by email:[email protected] Akis Express: PALS, Polis ChrysochousBy hand to PALS office, Latchi HarbourBy entering this competition, you hereby agree to abide by the competition rules. The full rules are on display in the PAL Office, or are available on request by post, fax or email. Winner(s) will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable after the Competition draw/decision. No purchase is necessary. One entry per applicant. All entries must be received by the deadline for that Competition and late or incomplete entries may, in the absolute discretion of the Company, be disqualified. Proof of posting shall not be deemed proof of delivery. No responsibility can be accepted for entries which are lost, delayed, misdirected or corrupted during delivery to or from the Company due to any computer malfuntion, virus, bug, delay or failure of the postal service or other reason whatsoever. Competitions are not open to: (a) the employees, agents or subcontractors of the Company; (b) any Competition sponsor or its employees, agents or subcontractors; (c) the immediate families of such employees or sponsors.


27

10 Household Uses for Vinegar Get rid of smoke odor week-old tuna? What about that musty old car boot ? Quit If you've recently burned a steak -- holding your breath every time you open it. Instead, soak a slice or if your chain-smoking relative of white bread in white vinegar and leave it in the malodorous recently paid you a surprise visit -- space overnight. The smell should be gone by morning.remove the lingering smoky odor by placing a shallow bowl about three- Give grease stains the slipquarters full of white or cider Eliminate grease stains from your kitchen table or counter by vinegar in the room where the scent wiping them down with a cloth dampened in a solution of equal is strongest. Use several bowls if the parts white vinegar and water. In addition to removing the

smell permeates your entire home. The odor should be gone in grease, the vinegar will neutralize any odors on the surface less than a day. You can also quickly dispense of the smell of (once its own aroma evaporates, that is).fresh cigarette smoke inside a room by moistening a cloth with vinegar and waving it around a bit. Conceal scratches in wood furniture

Got a scratch on a wooden tabletop? To make it much less Wipe away mildew noticeable, mix some distilled or cider vinegar and iodine in a When you want to remove mildew stains, reach for white small jar and paint over the scratch with a small artist's brush. vinegar first. It can be safely used without additional ventilation Use more iodine for darker woods; more vinegar for lighter and can be applied to almost any surface --bathroom fixtures shades.and tile, clothing, furniture, painted surfaces, plastic curtains, and more. To eliminate heavy mildew accumulations, use it full Get rid of water rings on furniturestrength. For light stains, dilute it with an equal amount of To remove white rings left by wet glasses on wood furniture, mix water. You can also prevent mildew from forming on the equal parts vinegar and olive oil and apply it with a soft cloth bottoms of rugs and carpeting by misting the backs with full- while moving with the wood grain. Use another clean, soft cloth strength white vinegar from a spray bottle. to shine it up. To get white water rings off leather furniture, dab

them with a sponge soaked in full-strength white vinegar.Clean chrome and stainless steelTo clean chrome and stainless steel fixtures around your home, apply a light misting of undiluted white vinegar from a recycled spray bottle. Buff with a soft cloth to bring out the brightness.

Erase ballpoint-pen marksHas the budding young artist in your home just decorated a painted wall in your home with a ballpoint original? Don't lose your cool. Rather, dab some full-strength white vinegar on the "masterpiece" using a cloth or a sponge. Repeat until the marks are gone. Then go out and buy your child a nice big sketch pad. Unglue stickers, decals, and price tagsTo remove a sticker or decal affixed to painted furniture or a painted wall, simply saturate the corners and sides of the sticker with full-strength white vinegar and carefully scrape it off (using an expired credit card or a plastic phone card). Remove any sticky remains by pouring on a bit more vinegar. Let it sit for a minute or two, and then wipe with a clean cloth. This approach is equally effective for removing price tags and other stickers from glass, plastic, and other glossy surfaces.

Get the salt off your shoesGetting Sea Salt on your shoes and boots, leaving unsightly white stains which can actually cause your footwear to crack and even disintegrate if it's left on indefinitely. To remove it and prevent long-term damage, wipe fresh stains with a cloth dipped in undiluted white vinegar.

Deodorize lunch boxes, Shoe closets, and car bootsDoes your shoe closet smell like, well, an shoe closet? Or perhaps your child's lunch box has taken on the bouquet of


28

The Ultimate Christmas Chocolates John Adams, our chocolate maker based in Platres, has created some very sumptious and luxurious chocolates ready for Christmas.

T h e i r u n i q u e c r e a t i o n w a s inspired by the v e r y f i r s t Chr istmas g i f t e v e r a n d chocolates of this kind have never b e e n m a d e before – the gold one is filled with a

champagne cream and covered in edible 23ct gold; the other two are chocolate covered creams infused with real but edible frankincense and myrrh.

These exclusive chocolates will be available from 20th November and will be presented in a silk lined box in keeping with their quality and value which will contain a miniature scroll describing the edible jewels within.


29

Come up with the funniest caption (in the opinion of the PALS Magazine staff) and win yourself a plate of COD AND

CHIPS at Tammy’s Traditional Fish ‘n Chips in Latchi!

Send competition entries to PALS, see page 3 for details.

CAPTION:

NAME

ADRESS

LAST MONTH’S WINNER:

Latchi 99377443

Closing date for entries 15th November

“Hey Kitten, is this cool or what?”Dave Hunt - Agia Marna


30

You've had the story from a Guide Dogs angle as told by Dipper. Now I will tell the Guide Dog Owner's side of the story.

I have glaucoma which was diagnosed in 1974. Not much was known about the condition and even less could be done. I saw a specialist and used drops regularly until my field of vision had deteriorated to two small dots. I was on “nodding acquaintance” with every lamp post, tree and telephone pole in the area and I enjoyed many a trip on the ever so even pavements. It was in 1988 that it was decided that I would be registered blind even though I fought against it. At first I had a long cane which I could not get on with. It's fine on a smooth surface but on most pavements it's like having a vaulting pole and I'm not an Olympiad. It was suggested in 1989 that I try for a Guide Dog so I got all the forms and sent my application off to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA).

I was visited by a man from GDBA who talked to me and made notes. Then he took me for a walk with him as the dog holding a harness and me holding the handle. I had to give him commands to set off, stop, turn etc. He even tested if I could be firm by saying “I am sniffing at this tree” to which I had to reply “Leave it”. To which he replied “I didn't hear you and I'm going to cock my leg on this tree”. To which I replied very firmly “Leave it”. Now this performance was bad enough on its own but it was a nice Summer's day and all the neighbours were doing their gardens and all the Mums and toddlers where on their way home from school. I didn't live it down for years! When we got back home he took a photo of me by the gate with the car in the background. This he explained was so that they could judge my size. A few weeks later I had a phone call from GDBA asking if they could bring a dog for me to try. They brought a beautiful black Labrador bitch called Yana. My husband Roger said she had a coat like a Rolls Royce. We went for a walk around the

A Guide Dog OwnerJan Gibson

block with the dog, me holding the harness handle and the trainer holding the lead to see if we could work together. At the end they brought Yana into the house which I knew meant she was going to be mine. We discussed any special needs I had and when I could go for training. I then had to wait a month for Yana to finish her training before we would train together.

I'll tell you more about that next time.


Drama At Latchi Harbour

On 9th October, the Lady Calypso sank in two minutes in Latchi Harbour. On 11th and 12th hundreds of people congregated to witness her being raised by a 200 tonne crane.

31


Sited in a beautiful area in Prastio between Paphos and Limassol, One Plantation is a new idea for holidays and hospitality in Cyprus.

The purpose built property contains four large luxury suites each is self contained with two twin bedrooms, spacious lounge, dining room and fitted kitchen with top quality furnishings throughout. The house has its own swimming pool and each suite has its own reserved space with poolside furnishing. The house is situated in spacious landscaped grounds allowing for outdoor parties or just relaxation. There are commanding views all around of the Mediterranean sea and the Troodos mountains. It has to be seen to be believed.

The property is very flexible. The four suites can be used for letting as holiday accommodation. The ground floor can be converted for use by corporate events such as seminars and lectures. The grounds are fitted out to allow catering for outdoor events such as parties and weddings.

The owners intended to offer all inclusive self-catering accommodation. Full maintenance and cleaning, bedding, towels, use of the pool and grounds and car rental with no hidden extras to pay. It will compare favourably with the highest standard of hotel in the area.

Sited in a major leisure area with three fine golf courses nearby and a new international golf venue under construction. Plus the new Pissouri marina and numerous tourist attractions, beaches, bars, taverna, skiing, night life and city shopping within easy reach. This venue will attract a lot of attention and is set to be very popular with holidaymakers and golf enthusiasts alike.

The property has been built to the highest European standards and has been made as green as possible. It is highly insulated to maintain a constant temperature and reduce the need for either cooling or heating. All lighting and electrical appliances are low energy consumption and there is extensive use of solar heating for the hot water supply and pool. Irrigation for the grounds comes from a private well. Although not yet installed, the plans allow for generation of solar electricity and any excess will feed the general grid.

A New Development in Hospitality for Cyprus

Greek AlphabetInstead of our usual Greek lesson this month, due to many readers requests, we are providing you with a simplified form of the Greek alphabet.

Credit: Wikipedia

Did You Know?It is a matter of record that Canadian

porcupines kiss one another on the lips.

32CANCER PATIENT'S SUPPORT GROUP

– PAPHOS

Association's Day Centre9 Dimitriou Mavrogenous, 8510, Paphos.

(road alongside Constantinidies Bakery, opposite CYTA)Tel: 26-952478 Fax: 26-221986

Chairperson – Mr. Tom Handley Tel: 26-654007

CANCER PATIENTS SUPPORT - CRAFT GROUPMeet every Thursday at the Association's Day Centre 10am till noon.New members always welcome – bringing new ideas and skills.Phone 26654007 for information.www.cancerpatientssupport.net

CANCER PATIENTS SUPPORT GROUP - COFFEE MORNINGSecond Tuesday of every Month.10am till noon at Associations Day Centre – all welcome.Monthly announcements at 10.30am.Table sale with preserves, marmalade and cakes.Cards for all occasions and book sale.Phone 26654007 for information.www.cancerpatientssupport.net

QUIZ NITEQuiz Nite for Cancer Support at Mother's Restaurant Kato PafosThursday 25th November, 2010 7pm dinner followed by quiz and raffle.To book phone Mother's 26-937474 or 26-654007www.cancerpatientssupport.net

IN MEMORY OF ALEC RUDDICK

Thursday 9th December at Pizza Express an evening in memory ofAlec Ruddick. Raffle and Auction to raise money for Cancer Patients Support Group. For more details call 26654007.


POLIS ANIMAL RESCUEnOVEMBER 2010HELPING LOCAL ANIMALS IN NEED

'The office party', Murder mystery night TUESDAY, 9th November at DROUSIA HILLS Restaurant. 1980's Disco theme, with a 4 course meal; 20 euros. Call 97758980

New!! Games night AT THE 'B2TWEEN BAR' (Past Porto Latchi Restaurant), at 7.30 pm on Wednesdays, 3rd & 17th October then every other Wednesday. Play Cribbage, Rummikub, Dominoes & Draughts Plus the Jigsaw Jackpot. Food available from 6.30pm. Call 26322495 or 96537205

'BOULES' AT THE ARGAKA PICNIC SITE : starting at 9.30am Come and play 'BOULES IN THE ROUGH' with a friendly group. 2 euros each. Boules available for new players. No experience needed. Tel 96537205

ARE YOU CLEARING OUT your cupboards before the winter? We need lots of 'BRIC a BRAC', Books,

DVD's, Household Items & Clothing for our 'Duckpond'

Market stall, at Chlorakas, every Sunday and Wednesday, 8.30am to 1.00pm. Please call 99903205 or 99855980. Thankyou.

Plus!!CANDLE FACTORY & Chocolate factory visit on 3rd December; Ring 97758980

HELP POLIS ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP TO HELP THE ANIMALS;

PLEASE put donations into our jars around the area & leave DRY CAT FOOD at;

KAREN'S CAFÉ ( new location opposite Paragon, Latchi);'HOLITEC' OFFICE (By 'Crystal Marine' Office,

Prodromi);EASY SHOP Minimarket, Latchi. DUCKPOND Market Stall, Chlorakas.

Not PALS Office please.

WE URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP WITH FUNDRAISING, FOSTERING KITTENS, CAT FEEDING,

TRANSPORT etc. & we have many lovely kittens that need good homes.

If you can help in any way please call 99205752.

33

International payment providers, or currency specialists, are similar to banks in that they help their customers to send or receive money from overseas locations.

In most cases, money is sent to Cyprus for the payment of a property or mortgage - and of course, there are also pension transfers. It's also quite normal to transfer money to buy a car or a boat. Sometimes even an aeroplane! And money often needs to be moved to Cyprus.

How to Pick the Best InternationalPayment Provider for You

Charles Purdy

And in various instances, funds from Cyprus may be transferred abroad to top up a savings account or pay bills back in the UK.

Regardless as to whether money is coming or going, when making an international payment, funds need to be exchanged from one currency to another and then transferred to the onward destination. Whether you use a bank or a currency specialist the actual products and overall process are pretty much the same across the board. The difference, however, is in the level of service that you ultimately receive.

But before service…when choosing a currency and international payment specialist, it's paramount that you pick one that is regulated by HM Customs and Excise along with being registered with Companies House (both verifiable over the Internet). You'll want to ensure that you're working with a legitimate organisation – one that is safe and has a record of happy customers.

The motive of your currency organisation representative is also a key component to consider. Most currency specialist organisations pay their traders a commission on the margin achieved during each individual transaction. Similar to a car salesperson, when you work with a currency trader working on a commission business model, you may get a hard sale, have to listen to scare tactics and overall get a less than great exchange rate.

If you'd like to avoid this approach there are a few organisations that do not pay traders on commission and are in business to serve rather than to 'get what they can take'.

Finally, but probably most importantly it's often best to go with your gut instinct. If you're communicating with an organisation and they're talking jargon or spouting out information that makes you feel inferior, they're not the right people to do business with. You want to feel they're offering good information in the form of comprehensive client literature, educational reports and solid communication.

Picking the best provider comes down to doing a bit of background research and then testing the waters. Once you know they are legitimate, give them a call and find out which

one provides the highest level of service for you.

Charles Purdy is a Director at Smart Currency Exchange Limited – the only international payment specialists in the UK who work specifically to help people save money on regular transactions such as mortgage or pension payments. What's more, Smart are the only international payment specialists in the UK where traders are NOT paid on commission – ensuring you get the best exchange rates every time!

So to move money overseas, including funds for pensions, property purchases and also the repatriation of funds back to the UK, why not go to www.SmartCurrencyCyprus.com for further information, or if you prefer, just call our local number (00 357) 26030213.

© Smart Currency Exchange Ltd

For further information please contact:Jackie Nicholls, Public Relations Executive – email [email protected] or telephone 97 743 238


34

Imagine a scenario with bad developers on the right and good developers on the left. An extremely bad developer will lie, take all your money and ultimately leave you with nothing – that is the worst case scenario. A top-notch developer will be truthful, supply you with a property that is within your budget, of a high standard, delivered on time and with a smile – the best case scenario! And all the other developers sit somewhere in-between – and, let's face it, these generally form the majority, wherever you are buying.

As a whole, the Cyprus property market has a bad reputation. There are several greedy, unethical property 'professionals' out there and, as a common business practice, these developers provide customer service only before you sign a sales contract and not after!

To ensure that you find a really good, reliable developer there are several things you can consider before and during the purchase process. Here I've listed 5 actions you can take to reduce your risk:

1. If possible, move into rented accommodation for around six months BEFORE you plan on buying. Living and talking with local people in shops, restaurants or during a walk on the beach will give you a very clear idea about which developers are good and which are not so good. In Cyprus, conversations often centre on the wonderful weather, a new restaurant that comes highly recommended…and the latest property scandal. Simply spending time in the area that you're interested in can provide you with all sorts of important information. Furthermore, while you're renting you'll have more time to determine your preferred location, property design and layout.

2. Search the Internet for 'Expats in Cyprus' and you'll find various forums and groups that discuss a multitude of issues. Some forums highlight poor practices and name and shame shoddy developers. Others provide testimonials of purchases that went swimmingly well! Reading the forums will help you to determine developers to instantly remove from your list and those that can be considered 'maybe's'.

3. Consider using an estate agent as they have a certain amount of leverage over developers. The last thing an agent wants is hassle, so many tend to work only with developers who have a proven track record and provide a good product. If the developer decides to cause problems or stray from the terms already agreed to, the agent often has the upper hand. They can threaten to withdraw all future business unless the developer complies with the requirements of the agent and buyer. Whether buying from a developer directly, or using an estate agent, you will most probably pay the same price so it's often worth having an extra party involved to assist you through the journey.

4. View many different developers in many different areas to get

Researching and Choosinga Good Developer Kim Brown

something with exactly the same spec.

5. Look for projects from developers that have started after the upgrade in EU legislation for build quality. The EU has really clamped down on building regulations and so properties are now being built with insulation, better materials and of a higher standard.

There are many actions you can take once you find a developer that meets your needs, however you need to do a quite bit of research to separate the wheat from the chaff PRIOR to selecting one - and not live to bitterly regret the oversight when it's too late.

Kim Brown is the author of the Cyprus Buying Guide. The guide is a publication dedicated to exposing poor practice, property buying pitfalls and providing an educational instruction manual to buying and/or investing in Cyprus property. Go to www.cyprus-buying-guide.com/pals.htm to get your free copy of the mini-guide.

a comprehensive idea of property styles, prices and value for money. Some developers will charge €10,000 to €30,000 more for the same spec property than other developers – it pays to shop around and get to know the developers that inflate their prices. There's nothing worse than finding out that you purchased your property for thousands of euros more than

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