Our adventures in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue....

Yesterday evening was a complete change for us. We were invited to an anniversary party for the SDP, currently a political party in opposition. So there we were, suitably suited and booted for the first time since we arrived on the island, enjoying a glass or two of wine and with the opportunity to meet many local Cypriot people. We had a very enjoyable evening, even managing a brief conversation with the leader of the SDP but not one with the hotos/enlargements/prime%20minister.htm">Prime Minister who was also in attendance. We keep saying it and it remains a true fact, the local people go out of their way to make you welcome at these sort of occasions and immediately they are interested to know how much you enjoy living on their island. We did last night solve one little mystery, why do people immediately recognize us as English, it appears that Joan's white hair and bright blue eyes are such an impossible combination over here, that we rather stand out in a crowd.After the event, we remained in Nicosia and went for a meal at a restaurant recommended by Ertugral's daughter. We had a really succulent mixed meat kebab with salad, humus. yogurt, rice, chips and loads of warm pitta bread, washed down with a bottle of red and coffee to follow for £6 per person. See what I mean about lifestyle!On Friday we are heading off to Istanbul for 5 days, so expect a diary update on our return and there should be loads of pictures of Mosques, Bazaars and boats on the Bosphorous.