Frank and Joan's news for 10 December 2006 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

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

One or two, actually more like twenty or thirty, have asked about the final work on our villa, so here are a couple of pics to show the final stages.

All the arches have gone and been replaced by windows or patio doors. Behind those shown here is the new large lounge area and Joan and I find it really nice to be able to sit and look out directly on our garden, as well as being able to still use the shady eating area which we have created by leaving two of the arches, where you come out through the back door. Lovely spot for the breakfast now that it remains so warm in December.

Oh yes many have asked about the Peagsus and Easy Jet route to UK. Well Gill and Roger used this route and he sends this report for us all.

Our flight from Ercan left exactly on time and Pegasus's cabin crew were smiling and very efficient du

ring the hour and a quarter flight to Sabiha Gurkchen (phonetic spelling) which,as you know is Istanbul's second airport.
We had been a bit concerned that a four hour wait between arriving at
Istanbul and leaving on Easy Jet for Luton might be a bit too long but, once we had retrieved our bags from the carousel (no transit arrangements for luggage or passengers) and had a meal and a mooch round the quite large terminal building, it was time to check-in for our flight to Luton.
Because Easy Jet operate a strictly first come first boarded policy it is advantageous to check-in early to get a seat with extra leg-room. Again both check-in and cabin crew were excellent and our three hour and twenty minutes flight time went smoothly and, with the aid of a good book, quickly.
In fact we landed at Luton about 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

Total costs: Ercan - Istanbul 90YTL each
Visa to enter Turkey £10 each
(No transit lounge at Sabiha Gurkchen so technically we're deemed to be entering Turkey)
Istanbul - Luton 37.5 euros each (booked via internet - the earlier the cheaper)

These are all one way prices and include taxes. The visa lasts for three months

I work the total out to approx.£70 each excluding onward travel from Luton.
I reckon this is at least a third of the cost of a one way ticket with CTA.
Unfortunately, as yet, Pegasus don't have a flight back to Ercan from Istanbul any sooner than nine hours after the arrival of Easy Jet from Luton so we won't be coming home via that route but for any residents of the TRNC it's well worth considering the outward journey to Britain via this way.

Thanks Roger, useful information. I know that you thought your info would be more interesting than the regular exploits of the Lapta Layabouts, but I have to tell you Roger, that we are all off to Cousins Restaurant for Sunday lunch. We need to get in practice for the Xmas festivities.