Yesterday was Cyprus Independence Day and my husband’s friends wanted to go to a mountain picnic site to make “souvla” (Greek BBQ) I found it very interesting that there are what I call BBQ huts where everyone sets up their “focu” (grill/cooker). The men all huddle in the hut cooking while the women set up the tables and watch the kids. When the food is finished the kids are at one table, the women at a different table and the men at yet another table. There wasn’t much interaction amongst the families. Once everyone ate and about a half hour later they all packed up to go home. My husband, daughter and me stayed at the picnic site enjoying the mountain air and the sound of a small creek near our picnic table.

One of the things I found very interesting was that no one made mention that it was Independence Day. No one wore t-shirts with flags or anything that could indicate the type of holiday it was. I know that when we celebrated the 4th of July in the USA you really felt it was a special day and you could see patriotism in so many different ways. Also when we had gatherings in the USA families conversed as a whole, after people ate they would chat play games and just enjoy each other’s company. Gatherings with friends in the states I feel were more meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.

#Cyprus #Souvla #TrodosMountains  #CyprusIndependenceDay #CypriotLife #vsmirren 

This past year has been such a challenging year in so many aspects yet rewarding in so many others. I've had the opportunity to travel with my family to Cyprus, Hungary, Italy, Scotland and the U.K. We have seen so many beautiful places and created special long lasting memories. I've also had the chance to spend time with my husbands Cypriot friends and family. I can't honestly say that all my experiences have been good ones but they all have been learning opportunities.

Since I was going through a rough patch my daughter one day said "Mom just blog about whatever you like from travel to cooking. Writing makes you happy so just write." It took me a while to take her advice but here I am starting fresh with a new outlook on life. I decided to make drastic changes in my life and for once I'm going to focus on me and the things I like. I've stopped caring if my husbands Cypriot friends and family like me. I know many of them don't and they have been very cruel throughout these past 25 years. I've developed a thicker skin, learned to let go and this process has been liberating.

I will be working on this site and at the same time I will be working on some other books I have in the pipeline.