Today we went on a long drive into the mountains in the west and the wine-growing area of Cyprus.

This was a very picturesque route as we climbed the road, first stopping at Kalopanayiotis, a small village built on a steep hillside. There we visited an old Greek Orthodox church which had interior paintings on its walls which dated from the Middle Ages. This photo is of a priest taken in the courtyard of this church.

14-05-21-1 We then wound our way up further into the mountains, stopping in Pedoulas for lunch and a refreshing Keo (Cypriot beer). This is a photo of one of the villages along this road, Moutoullas.

14-05-21-2 From here we climbed close to the summit of Troodos Mountain, the highest point in Cyprus, at an altitude of 1953 metres. Here the temperature had cooled significantly, with dark clouds moving in from the west. We heard the rumbling of thunder , and shortly thereafter were pelted with hail, and then rain. As this storm front was subsiding, we stopped at a winery to taste their wines. Of course, we also purchased a bottle.

This photo is of the village of Omodos, in the wine-growing region.

14-5-21-3 We then carried on to Pafos (also spelled Paphos) where we visited the excavations of a forty room ancient palace where we were able to view its mosaic floors. We then strolled along the waterfront and had gelatto. On the way home we stopped at the Rock at Aphrodite's birthplace (seen in this next photo) where Daphne had her daily swim.

14-05-21-4 Thanks to Daphne and Ted for another great tour. We have the best guides in Cyprus!