Karpaz Peninsula

A weekend getaway and a chance to pitch our tent. The far eastern peninsula where the wild Cyprus donkeys roam. Rolling green hills and golden sand beaches encompass the landscape. It is truly any nature lovers dream location. The island weather passes quickly, and we mostly enjoyed the warm winter sunshine and the amazing scenery. It's a tough place to get to, which probably makes it even more special, and so we are thankful and appreciative for being able to make the journey.






Agios Philon Basilica









sunset



sunrise from our tent








Our campspot, the best nights sleep on the island!












friendly baby turkies



the wild donkeys of Karpaz


...maybe not so wild...


sour puss



Golden Beach







cloud mimics mountain



WANTED
He goes by the name Dervis and is extremely friendly and welcoming.
Last seen in Girne.



Yep, they drive on the left side in Cyprus.


"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain

West coast

A lovely day of exploration leads to fabulous finds. To Lefke and the Ancient City of Soli through backroads, villages and countryside. The west coast of northern Cyprus is lush and green, where palm and banana trees grow. It's as if we are no longer in Europe, and definitely not in winter. A truely magical beauty.



around the sight of Aphrodite's temple

















Murat's grandma, possibly the sweetest lady in the world.














traditional mudbrick houses

Girne/Kyrenia

These names are interchangable depending on who you talk to and where their loyalties lie. The history and many conflicts over the territories that now encompass the Northern and Southern parts of Cyprus are far too much to discuss in our blog here. With that being said, many places now hold two names, one being Greek, the other Turkish. This is where we've called 'home' for the past month or so. Just waiting for the water to warm a little more. Never thought we'd be able to comfortably swim in the sea by the beginning of March, but as the days progressively warm, the chances look good.








Kyrenia Harbor




Not many sand beaches in Girne, but we found a few patches.












Unfortunately much of the coastline is covered in this way. If not by glass, then by plastic. Serves as constant reminders to pack out everything, and leave nothing behind but your boot prints.








Boat trip day. We were very lucky to have seen the Kyrenia harbor and seaside upclose and enjoy an afternoon on the water.




Toru enjoying the atmosphere.




Kurt in the engine room.








Captain on route to sunshine.




Escaping stormy skys, but enjoying calm waters.




Catch of the day.
Helped a spear fisherman who appeared to be stranded.




Kyrenia Castle












Bellapais, otherwise known as the Abbey of Peace. It is regarded as the most beautiful example of Gothic art in the Near East.