So much to do but so little time! (part 1)

Ok so Its almost been a month since my last post and Im already half way through my trip. It seems like the days are flying by now. Internet connection isn't amazing here and I havnt really had time to sit and type so Im making up for it in this long post. Had an amazing time here so far, mom, sis and brother just left here on Monday and so the apartment feels so empty. We did so much in the 10 days that they were here.....

First we went to the Camel park round the corner. I love it there! The place is run by Arabs and it reminded me of the stories I read of the Prophet (PBUH) when he went on his trading trips and how it must have felt to travel long distances by camel. 

This place made me feel more connected to Islamic History than alot of books I read. Bonus   : )

Third day into their visit and we went to two different beaches, first we went to this touristy beach in Larnaca town which my brother loved  

.........and then the local one to collect stones which mom loved

The best decision Ive made since being here is to take up horse riding.

My teacher is South African and new to Cyprus too but
she's highly qualified which if fab for me!

Definitely going to keep it up when Im home   : ) 

We also went to the Hala Sultan Tekke or the Mosque of Umm Haram
which is conveniently only 5 minutes drive from my apartment. Heres a bit of history for you...... 

It is a Muslim shrine at Alykes, Cyprus—near Larnaca.  

Hala Sultan Tekke complex is composed of a mosque, mausoleum, minaret, cemetery, and living quarters for men and women

The present-day complex, open to all and not
belonging to a single religious movement,
lies in a serene setting on the shores of the Larnaca Salt Lake,
which appears to be an important site also in prehistory.
Hala Sultan Tekke is a listed Ancient Monument.

Most accounts establish a connection between the site and the death of
Umm Haram during the first Arab raids on Cyprus under the Caliph Muawiyah between 647 and 649, which were later
pursued throughout the Umayyad and the Abbasid periods.
According to these accounts, Umm Haram, being of very old age,
had fallen from her mule and had died during a siege of Larnaca.
She was later buried where she died

Obviously the information is from wiki so do your own research if you want to know more!

Either way the place is absolutely stunning and so well maintained. I found it to be the most peaceful mosque Ive visited so far here in Cyprus  : )

this is whats left of the settlement which is now protected.

This the famous salt lake, if you look in the background youll see the Hala Sultan Tekke. 

The mosque is surrounded by this amazing view

So much to do but so little time! (Part 2)

While the family were here we crossed the border to the
turkish cypriot side and spent the day there. 

There were plenty of market stalls and places to eat.
loved all the handmade objects

We visited the Selimiye Mosque/ Saint Sophia cathedral
which is the largest and oldest surviving gothic church in Cyprus. Built as the gothic Cathedral of St. Sophia, it was converted to the Selimiye Mosque by the Ottomans in the 16th century.

This was directly outside the mosque, it has taps and seats
all round so that people can do wudhu (ablution) before praying 

 i love experiencing the different cultural aspects of the faith.
 felt so different yet familiar at the same time

The mosques here are so different to the ones in the UK.
So much more majestic with their high ceilings and tons of sunlight 

Couldn't pass on the opportunity to watch the whirling dervish
performance. have to admit it was intense! The guy looked possessed
as he whirled around and around. But very friendly which was nice 

My sister thought shed give the whirling a try before the performer arrived.
Yeah she's a dope lol

I have no idea how he managed not to throw up after 30 minutes of whirling.........

Lots of yummy food which no-one but me liked!
Apparently it was bland which is how I like my food but my family are typical Asians,
nothing taste nice if its not mouth burning spicy

Found another lovely little mosque before we left.
Heard the cal to prayer as were walked down the market
street towards the building where the speakers blasted the
beautiful words calling for everyone to pray. My brother said it
was his favourite mosque that he prayed in   : )

Missing my childhood.................

Started work on Monday, I woke up at 5am to get
 ready, had a bowl of cereal and then left at 6am.
Got to Nicosia with no problems
but asked some friendly locals for directions to the school. 

     

Summer school starts in 5 weeks, well be going swimming 3 days a week
 and going out 2 days a week for an
excursion around Nicosia. Cant wait! 

Spent break time getting in touch with my inner child which didn't take too much effort! The girls dragged me on the playground to play extreme skipping and I just couldn't help myself!

This is the classroom that Ill be working in, takes me back to when I was 6! Crayons, glitter, and tiny little chairs that are ideal for my height   ; ) 

Listened to a couple of the kids read,
Its weird being the teacher and not
the student 

You know you've made it when you get access to the staff room! I kind of felt like I was on a different planet. I felt all grown up sitting there gossiping away with a cup of tea....     : O

I helped the kids decorate the wall with mosaic effect sea creatures,
had fun messing with the glitter and glue.  

I miss my iphone but this trusty phone will have to see me through the next few months. So far so good. 

Meatttttttttttttt!!!! My first time eating meat in 2 weeks! Theres no halal food places in Larnaca and just so happened to go past 'Shaam', an Arabic take away place in Nicosia. Treated myself to a mixed Shwarma. Now Im realllly happy   : )

I thought I would play the tourist part today and visit Nicosia town after school.
You wouldn't believe how much Cypriots love their drinks, there were cafes on every corner. Had a lovely stroll through Nicosia town shopping in the heat.

On route back to Tersefanou. Had an amazing first week at the school. Met
some amazing teachers and pupils. Love the fact that I have a halal food
place to visit whenever I decide to have a day off from my junk food detox   : )