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Today was the driving day to end all driving days. I really bit off more than I could chew.
Left Limassol early with the intention of heading up into the Troodos mountain area where I was hoping to do some bushwalking for the next couple of days. Got to the village of Platres mid morning after some crazy roads through the mountains. So many sharp twists and turns and so steep at points. So Platres is a tiny village 10 minutes drive from Troodos, at an altitude of about 1000 meters. Although only 10 minutes away, Troodos village sits at nearly 2000 meters, one of the reasons I was hoping to base myself out of Platres for the next couple of days.
So parked the car and went to find out about accommodation in the village. After speaking to a few people, found out that all the hiking trails are closed as they are completely iced over at the moment, and some are covered with snow. Apparently they've had a bit of a cold snap up in the mountains. So with the trails unlikely to be opened any time in the next week I had to rethink my plans a little bit.
The mountain areas are also famous for the Byzantine monasteries that are based up there, so I decided to pay a visit to Kykkos monastery. To get a bit more of the countryside in I planned this really long route around to it that passed through all these little villages. I have never had such hard driving in my life.
The roads were either unsealed or dirt, they twisted and turned all over the shop with no barriers, and were all single lane so each corner you would be hoping there was nothing coming the other way. If there was another car, then there was the difficult challenge of one of you finding some shoulder to pull over on. I found the whole thing incredibly stressful and to be honest probably didn't appreciate the scenery as much as I should have because of it.
The Kykkos monastery was beautiful, and is still working so you walk around the place with all these monks everywhere. It is covered wall to wall with all of these colourful frescoes, and they also have some impressive pieces on display from the Byzantine era. Was a really nice relax after the drive there!
Home I took the short (and relatively easy) route back to Platres, which also gave me a bit more of a chance to enjoy the views... Which were spectacular. From there i decided to head back to the coastline seeing as I couldn't do what I had wanted to do up in the mountains. Another couple of hours driving... and I am now in Pafos, which is a beautiful seaside town.
I found a hotel which my book had rated as being cheap and one star. It is so beautiful. Best place I've stayed in so far. Situated on a hill looking out over the city and the ocean. I have my own balcony with 180 degree sea views. So beautiful... And incredibly cheap... And they're giving me breakfast in the morning:) There is a little restaurant next door which has the same hill top views. Think I might hit them up tonight if I can drag myself away from my balcony. Just watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Completely exhausted. Love to all.
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