Friday 27 May: FAMAGUSTA

After an ample buffet breakfast on the terrace we cycle into the old walled town of Famagusta (Gazimagusa). We scramble up onto the walls and enjoy the views before exploring the dungeons, cellars and moat of the Land Gate, the largest bastion. There are some gruesome stories of gory bloodshed during the prolonged battle between the Venetians and the invading Ottoman Turks during the siege of Famagusta in 1571. It was the sheer power of the walls that allegedly enabled them to hold out for 10 whole months. We are hot and sweating in the heat so enjoy a refreshing orange juice in the main street (also making use of the facilities experiencing Mick's Famagusta effect!) We then discover churches, palaces, towers, mosques and ancient ruins at almost every corner. The most memorable being the St Nicholas Cathedral converted into the Lala Mustafa Pasa Mosque. The main facade has been likened to Reims Cathedral but inside it has been stripped of any Christian features. The alter is bare, the stained glass has been removed and the floor is carpeted with Turkish carpet and there is a minbar instead of a pulpit. All very incongruous.

Back to the beach for some rest and reading before another storm arrives. We escape the rain in the Wellness Centre and warm up in the sauna before reading on the balcony and beginning our preparations for our return journey.