Question #1:
WHEN IS AN ADVENTURE NOT AN ADVENTURE??
***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT***
(If you read this, it will quickly become apparent what whimps and whooses Gary and I are...if you'd like to maintain the image of us as intrepid travelers, jump ahead to Question #2.)
"Eeeek" quickly became our shorthand for "Watch-the-fuck-out" in our attempt to navigate Cyprus while driving on the LEFT side of the road. There are, of course, many combinations and permutations of "eeek."
**For example, one small, sotto voce "eeeek" means there's a person about the cross the street that you're not going to see because you're looking the WRONG way.
**A double "eeeek" accompanied by a pointing to the left means there's a car parked on the street that will be hit if YOU DON'T MOVE TO THE RIGHT.
**A quick intake of breath, coupled with several "eeeks" means there are cars headed right for us and we are certain to die within the next 2 minutes of you don't HIT THE GAS NOW!!!
**But my favorite, one I used more than any other, is multiple "eeeks" building in speed and volume...Imagine: "eeeek, eeeek, eeeEEK, eeeEEKKK, EEEEKKKKK." This means, of course, you're going to rear end that car if you don't SLOW THE FUCK DOWN--NOW.
Obviously, we made it out of Cyprus alive...but it was with great relief to have the driver take us to the airport. People learn to drive on the "wrong" side of the road, it happens every day, they establish new patterns and habits, and it's seamless....just not for us.
I was reminded of when I moved to LA with my family and we were introduced to the freeway system. My Dad was officially freaked out...so, when we all got in the car, an announcement was made, "we're getting on the FREEWAY," and it was understood we had to sit down and shut up so he could navigate the speed and traffic. So my sister, brother, and I would sit very still and very quietly in the back seat until we reached our destination. Image a stair step of three heads frozen, looking forward, afraid to move. After about 2 weeks we could no longer resist the prodding and teasing and talking necessary while in the back seat; Dad just had to adjust.
In our discussions about what truly defines "adventure," Gary asserts it's the adrenaline of a new situation and the challenge to overcome it. I'd just like less "eeeks."
From our terrace, the Mediterranean greeted us every morning.
And to the right, the Byzantine Castle, St. Hilarion, shadowed over us...St. Hilarion has since been renamed "Gary's Castle" because he climbed all the way to the top while I drank tea! There is the castle at the top of the mountain...it's said this was Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle!!
We stayed in Karmi Village in North Cyprus...this is the church and an interesting guy. Abandoned by the Greeks in 1974, the Tourism Board of Turkey thought to sell the abandoned properties to expats, mostly British, who have lovingly restored the village using only local goods and services and retaining the original structures. There is a great restaurant, Levant, and a lovely neighborhood pub, The Crow's Nest. Food, views, drinks, stories, companionship...great place to stay!
WAIL, WAIL, WAIL---DO MY WAILS CARRY ACROSS THE SEA??? I went to a local hairdresser here and she demolished my hair....I find I'm terribly sensitive about how I'm looking and aging, so to have my hair butchered has not helped, but, this does lead to my next question:
Question #3:
JUST HOW POWERFUL ARE GENETICS???
I remember how my Mom refused to have her picture taken in the morning. And on those occasions where we brandished a camera, she always deflected it. Does this ring any familiar bells with anyone else??
One beautiful morning in Cyprus, Gary thought he'd capture the glory of morning and brandished a camera in my face....the result?? A carbon copy of all the pictures of my Mom deflecting the eye of the camera. Wanna see it?? Are ya sure?? Really, truly ready??
WHEN IS AN ADVENTURE NOT AN ADVENTURE??
***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT***SPOILER ALERT***
(If you read this, it will quickly become apparent what whimps and whooses Gary and I are...if you'd like to maintain the image of us as intrepid travelers, jump ahead to Question #2.)
"Eeeek" quickly became our shorthand for "Watch-the-fuck-out" in our attempt to navigate Cyprus while driving on the LEFT side of the road. There are, of course, many combinations and permutations of "eeek."
**For example, one small, sotto voce "eeeek" means there's a person about the cross the street that you're not going to see because you're looking the WRONG way.
**A double "eeeek" accompanied by a pointing to the left means there's a car parked on the street that will be hit if YOU DON'T MOVE TO THE RIGHT.
**A quick intake of breath, coupled with several "eeeks" means there are cars headed right for us and we are certain to die within the next 2 minutes of you don't HIT THE GAS NOW!!!
**But my favorite, one I used more than any other, is multiple "eeeks" building in speed and volume...Imagine: "eeeek, eeeek, eeeEEK, eeeEEKKK, EEEEKKKKK." This means, of course, you're going to rear end that car if you don't SLOW THE FUCK DOWN--NOW.
Obviously, we made it out of Cyprus alive...but it was with great relief to have the driver take us to the airport. People learn to drive on the "wrong" side of the road, it happens every day, they establish new patterns and habits, and it's seamless....just not for us.
I was reminded of when I moved to LA with my family and we were introduced to the freeway system. My Dad was officially freaked out...so, when we all got in the car, an announcement was made, "we're getting on the FREEWAY," and it was understood we had to sit down and shut up so he could navigate the speed and traffic. So my sister, brother, and I would sit very still and very quietly in the back seat until we reached our destination. Image a stair step of three heads frozen, looking forward, afraid to move. After about 2 weeks we could no longer resist the prodding and teasing and talking necessary while in the back seat; Dad just had to adjust.
In our discussions about what truly defines "adventure," Gary asserts it's the adrenaline of a new situation and the challenge to overcome it. I'd just like less "eeeks."
From our terrace, the Mediterranean greeted us every morning.
 |
And to the right, the Byzantine Castle, St. Hilarion, shadowed over us...St. Hilarion has since been renamed "Gary's Castle" because he climbed all the way to the top while I drank tea! There is the castle at the top of the mountain...it's said this was Walt Disney's inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's Castle!!Question #2:
WHY BOTHER PLANNING ANYTHING??
The reason we decided to go to Cyprus was to visit Othello's Castle...Shakespeare's play takes place in Famagusta, a port city in Northern Cyprus--(now a ghost town...a creepy other story)--and there is a famous castle named for Othello. So, Tuesday morning we took off for Famagusta, amid "eeeks" and excitement, only to be told upon our arrtival--wait for it-- the castle is under renovation! Wouldn't you know it??
We saw lots of cool stuff in Famagusta, but not my castle!
Henceforth, we plan to make no plans....
WAIL, WAIL, WAIL---DO MY WAILS CARRY ACROSS THE SEA??? I went to a local hairdresser here and she demolished my hair....I find I'm terribly sensitive about how I'm looking and aging, so to have my hair butchered has not helped, but, this does lead to my next question:
Question #3:
JUST HOW POWERFUL ARE GENETICS???
I remember how my Mom refused to have her picture taken in the morning. And on those occasions where we brandished a camera, she always deflected it. Does this ring any familiar bells with anyone else??
One beautiful morning in Cyprus, Gary thought he'd capture the glory of morning and brandished a camera in my face....the result?? A carbon copy of all the pictures of my Mom deflecting the eye of the camera. Wanna see it?? Are ya sure?? Really, truly ready??
Honest??
keep scrolling down
prepare yourself.....
 |
weird, huh?? It's my Mom!! and this is me!! Every time Gary and I travel we have the opportunity to meet people, experience other cultures, and step outside our comfort zone, which leads to grand adventures and greater understandings...thank you for sharing our "eeeks" and plans and shocks of recognition! |
Oh, Pat, I'm so glad you're blogging again. I've missed that part of you since...hmmm, last summer.
ReplyDeleteYour questions are all worthy of my attention.
When I think of Corsica, I think of dangerous driving, but at least it's on the "right" side of the road. Every time I left that most beautiful island, I thanked my luck stars to be alive. So I can truly visualize your you and Gary eeeeking. You're definitely NOT wimps-the instinct for survival is one of the best attributes of our species!I also must say that, if you hadn't said that deflect-the-camera photo was your Mom I would have sworn it was of you!
Hugs, Lynne
Great picture of you and the "interesting guy". The picture of "your mom" would be perfect too if your hand wasn't in it. Clearly, Gary's got a great eye for photography. Keep the adventures (and eeks) coming!
ReplyDelete