Frank and Joan's news for 05 April 2009 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

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

Bit of a miserable start, rain during the night and lots of clouds around so guess that might put paid to the gardening today. Never mind at least it gives me time to catch up on this diary.

None of the old bacon and egg this morning, just a couple of lightly poached eggs on wholemeal toast. Nice though, so maybe I will get used to it, no lunch but some pork and veg tonight.

During the afternoon it cleared up a little so the three of us went for a walk down to the seafront area and had a drink in Rosie's Bar which is now open for the season.

The paper says that the government has reduced VAT on 21 items, it says that it is doing so to overcome the economic crisis by creating a chain reaction by increasing demand and improving

cash flow. It also says that these reductions only apply until May 31st. Now there is a general election later this month so this cynic thinks that they might just be touting for votes. Do I hear you say NO.....

Well it had to happen. McDonald's has come to the island, admittedly under the guise of Bigmac but with the well known golden M as a sign and possibly this is just the start as the man who opens the first one says he has other sites planned.

An attempt is being made to co-ordinate a big litter pick up. Tourism chiefs are linking together to clean up TRNC and are asking for volunteers during the periods 10th to 27th April. The leader of Cyprus Turkish Travel Agencies is organising and had apparently said "Tourists are complaining about litter and we can see it for ourselves". One of the important links is with the Education Ministry in the hope that by educating the children about litter, from Primary School age, they will educate the adults. Remember "Keep Britain Tidy"

As it is election build up time there are many articles which clearly show that votes need to be won all round. Our problem as ex-pats, is that we cannot vote and have no influence, so just have to sit and await the outcome and see what any new blood can do for this lot.

Late afternoon, I watched Man U score a late goal in the "5" minutes extra time awarded which was disappointing to say the least. Where else in UK do they get 5 minutes extra time except when Man U are at home?