Share your experiences of Christmas in Paradise!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 14:00

Hi all

As this will be our first Christmas in our new home in N Cyprus maybe some of you would like to share your experiences of previous festive seasons spent here?

Things like what Christmassy stuff is easily found there and what should be brought over from UK. Also recommendations as to where to dine out over the Christmas period (not necessarily Christmas day).

Maybe a happy thread like this will give everyone a nice warm glow and stop some of the bickering that's been going on on this board lately!

(Troublemakers be warned - Santa knows who you are and will be taking notes!)

authentichoccie


Joined: 09/01/2008
Posts: 481

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 14:16

Christmas in Paradise usually means a power cut!!!

Most stuff can be found here or of course dare I say it but on the Dark side!!!

No panic about have you remembered anything and no disapointed kids coz Mum forgot to buy batteries as the shops are open as usual!!



I remember one year my Dad took great pleasure in texting everyone in the UK to tell them it was boxing Day and he was sat by the pool in short sleeves!!!!

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 14:28

Sorry, where is this paradise you mention?

SueEllen


Joined: 27/08/2008
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:04

Quarmby.

For me it has to be My Villa in Esentepe.

Sue Ellen.

Hopefully we get some Snow.

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:05

Quarmby I see from your profile you're retired and living in Girne. That to me would be Paradise! I'm sitting looking out of the window (in Lancashire) watching the rain blowing sideways in the biting cold wind and dreaming of the day I can feel the heat of the sun again. I know they say the grass is always greener etc but I really would swap your paradise for my hell just now! ha ha

Maggie

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:27

Maggie&Bernie.......



Like you this is our first christmas in our house...I know christmas here is not the same as the UK...but it is what you make it.



Me.... I've already started spraying the pine cones silver, the mulled wine is at hand and the iccile lights I bought from the UK will decorate the trellis at the front of the house.



No doubt the puppy will pull the christmas tree over and attempt to eat the baubles....should be fun.



Can't wait!!



And what would I like for christmas?...(apart from George Clooney gift wrapped would be nice!!).......



Peace and respect on this board would be an added bonus.

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:31

An all-day power cut ruined most expats' Christmas the year before last. And yes, you've guessed it. The authorities specifically planned the cut for Christmas Day. Best make sure your gennies are working...

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:33

hi puppylover , george clooney gift wrapped , now that would'nt be too difficult to arrange , he goes under the name of wackyjim , and he might reside quite near to you '

enjoy your day , simbas

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:40

Simbas....you are naughty!!



I want the "real" thing....I ask/plead/beg Santa every year.

Maybe I'm not being good enough...will have to try harder.



And if Santa is reading this....Please, please can I have George in my stocking........pleaseeeee!



By the way Simbas...how is the cat?

bigears


Joined: 14/03/2008
Posts: 62

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:44

Well last year there was no power cut!!! We had our first Christmas here in 6 years, we usually go back to our daughters, - to see the grandchildren and our son and his son too. We spent a very good day with our firends and her mother... If we had not been together with them we would have gone off in the car for a picnic, (of christmas dinner naturally)... The Turkey was fab, homemade stuffing, and all the other bits too, I made mince pies, christmas cake, and pud. - Just missed the grandchildren though opening the presents, and sitting in our bed having a cuddle to say thanks. Sue x

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 15:47

Santa is DEAD THERE IS NO SUCH ING AS CHRISTMAS and it is very offensive to see all the money spent on CrAP AND OVER INDULGENCE ..................

niftyduo


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:00

'Christmas wont be Christmas anymore without mince pies' said Littlenige sitting by the light of his candle in the middle of his huge freezing villa

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:01

Nige....



Are you having one of your " Bah humbug" days?



Now I know why I've never got George Clooney in my stocking.......Santa died and nobody told me.



On a more serious note..not everybody spends money on crap or over indulges....

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:24

Well I've got candles to light the place up and logs for the fire, & a gas cooker so bring on the power cuts!! Seriously though we had a power cut all day Christmas day here a few years back - now that WAS miserable! At least we can enjoy the sunshine with or without power - we have The Power of Love to keep us warm!

Cheer up Nige, it'll be over before ya know it!

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:28

Maggie & Bernie



Yes you are right but it will happen again next year the depressing thing is some people never learn.

Kitty Kat Jac


Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:30

Yes Nige cheer up a little, i will be serving your xmas dinner and if that doesnt put a smile on your face nothing will lol!!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:35

Funny how some people whom we think of as 'party animals' suddenly go all glum at the thought of a bit of holly!

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:37

Ho Ho Bl###y Ho



How does santa get his big at ass down a chimney any way .......



Only the same sort of person would believe some guy fed 5000 people on 2 loaves and 5 fish !!!!



Bet he has never been to A " free bufet" in trnc the vultchers would have had the fish o him quicker than he could say father forgive them.

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:39

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire................

dixie normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:44

As long as you do'nt spend christmas at the Paradise, your bound to be ripped off.



D.N

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:51

he's on the mend thanks puppylover

Aslan


Joined: 23/06/2008
Posts: 757

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 16:51

For a real Christmas tree go to the Forestry Commission

For a freeby go to the Dome for drinks and pick ups courtesy of the Mayor of Girne

For Christmas Foods (homemade) try Shelly and Ken at Lambousa Satuday market

For Decorations any of the local shops supply

New Years Eve a few drinks in the harbour then up to the Belediye for the live music and the firework display.

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 17:18

That's the spirit Aslan! a nice positive post that helps us newcomers! How refreshing!



Maggie

brandy sour


Joined: 09/04/2008
Posts: 310

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 17:45

Littlenige

Have you got your Bar Humbug hat yet witchfinder has instead of red&white these are black&white with Bar humbug in the middle you will have to get someone to make one for you.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 17:46

I hear my head like other parts is a tad to large for this head wear.



Thankyou

harita


Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 1343

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:05

Maggie&Bernie wrote :-

I'm sitting looking out of the window (in Lancashire) watching the rain blowing sideways ...

Where in Lancashire ... If you can see the Pennines it is going to rain. if you can't it is raining...

We spent our first Christmas in Egypt ... It rained, thundered & lightened for about three weeks in Oct/Nov 2006, booked the hol... Glad we did 30 hrs+ power cut ... Couldn't have cooked the turkey..

Last year stayed here great...

Mr Pound has plenty of Christmassy things..

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:07

Nige....Ever thought about putting a bit of mistletoe on your thong!!!!

(the rear of it that is!!!)

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:10

now who's naughty ?

regards , simbas

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:27

meeeee!!



Glad to know kitty is ok Simbas.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:37

Malpass last year - Rubbish !



Would never consider Christmas there again..

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:39

puppylover SAID...........



Nige....Ever thought about putting a bit of mistletoe on your thong!!!!



i REFER YOU TO MESSAGE 20 ON http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/7095.asp





lol

wackyjim



Joined: 04/06/2007
Posts: 760

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 18:47

Puppylover



Hey......I am the real deal!!!!!!!

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 19:14

oh god forbid nige ,

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 20:04

Pike "An all-day power cut ruined most expats' Christmas the year before last. And yes, you've guessed it. The authorities specifically planned the cut for Christmas Day. Best make sure your gennies are working... "



We did have a two hour cut... I think it was only to shut some people up...



I wonder who? ha ha



We do know some people faired worse than us but the cut was not a deliberate attempt to scupper everyone's Christmas... although this was a widely reported rumour at the time and now it is impossible for the authorities to put the lie to this.



I do believe it was the cumulative effect of thousands of ovens being put on simultaneously for 8 hours plus which put a serious strain on the generating capacity of the old station... which has since been augmented by the new generator... and much as you'd like to think we need generators, last year was fine...



Doesn't stop you spreading rumour though... Facts my arse... ha ha ha....

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 22:54

Wackyjim...I'm sure you are the real deal....but if you were the real George....you'd be in with a chance!!



Have a good evening!!

puppylover



Joined: 05/05/2008
Posts: 1427

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 22:58

Nige...msg 31



What can I say?



Have a good evening.

brandy sour


Joined: 09/04/2008
Posts: 310

Message Posted:
11/11/2008 23:23

Its the way of live in NC give us all some thing to moan about.

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 13:58

Hi Harita (msg 26)

North West lancs actually but I crossed the penines last night to visit a friend in Yorkshire - no better there! rain, hail, wind. Have to admit it's slightly more pleasant today...but for how long?

Just want to get my Christmas stuff all sorted at this end and head off back to the sun as soon as!

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 15:00

Suzanne,



Touch-wood... We hardly get any these days... they use to be a regular occurrence when old kit in need of replacement was the main cause... Also they hade to take down the electricity to replace the wiring which was another by-product of this problem.

PtePike



Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 2334

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 18:32

Groucho: "Touch-wood... We hardly get any these days..."



Sorry to hear that, old boy. I'm told that iodine and pumpkin seeds can help seniors with that problem.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 22:03

Ha di ha di ha ha ha!



What do you do with the iodine... paint the town red?



Keep it up Pike...

w26kay



Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 23:26

Groucho, a 17 hour power cut on Christmas Day 2006 where I was just outside Nicosia. Great fun that was! IMHO this was directly attributable to the huge number of "festive" or Bayram lights twinkling away, between the large Lefkosia roundabout on the dual carriageway stretched to Hamitkoy on the way to the Airport, that incidentally were still lit, when the majority of homes were not. Great prioritisation by the authorities on that day? I expect the motorists were happy though with all the pretty lights??!!



I don't think it had anything to do with ovens. That stretch of road, at that particular time, could have rivalled Oxford Street. It was ridiculous.

w26kay



Joined: 14/10/2007
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 23:35

It was the first year I ever had a cheese and tomato sandwich and crisps, for my Christmas Lunch. I will not be repeating the experience in this, or any other year. Therefore Christmas in TRNC is certainly off my wish list of places to visit.





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