Race day

I completed a 5K this morning.  In October, I massively injured my foot during an AISC staff competition.  I couldn't put any weight on it for a few weeks, and started to (carefully) work out again in December.  I'm still not back to 100%, but am happy that I can finish a 5K (mostly walking, but that gave me time to take a lot of pictures of the course).

The start/finish line, right next to the castle

and the 5Ks are off!

Cyprus flag, Greek flag, gorgeous lighthouse in the background

nice view for the last 2 kilometers

My friend Laramie running like a Greek goddess at the finish line

I finished!  And even ran for a bit.  I owe my finish to the Killers, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beck, Oasis, and Madonna.  Upon returning home, I got into the hottest bath I could stand, and it helped.  I might be a little gimpy tomorrow,  but I did it.

Lovely Paphos

Paphos is on the southern side of the island.  Some friends and I spent the weekend there- partially to see the city, partially to visit the mosaics, partially to run the Paphos Logicom Races (5K for me, 10K for another, and 1/2 marathon for two others).   Here are some of the sights:

daisies

Paphos Harbor

an Ottoman castle, used to for centuries to store salt

same castle, different view

Poppies in the spring- this looks like a Klimt painting to me

the Paphos seafront

55th anniversary of Kuwaiti Independence

The sons of the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cyprus attend AISC.  I teach one of them in my World History class.  All of his teachers, as well as some other AISC staff, were invited to a big party celebrating independence.  The food was outstanding (roast lamb, spiced rice, hummus, falafel- mmmmm), and there were even goodie bags handed out upon departure.

AISC staff Christina, Panthelis, Aristea, Laura (back), Katerina and Anastasia (front

I learned tonight that a (optional) red headscarf signifies that
the wearer has completed his pilgrimage to Mecca

The Kuwati ambassador to Cyprus and Cypriot official
 giving speeches to celebrate independence and to strongly remind
us all that Kuwait is fighting against radical extremism and violence

No alcohol was served, but there were a myriad of juices and sodas available

Of course there were some mullahs at the event, as
well as some Greek Orthodox priests

Happy Independence Day Kuwait!

Valentino Charalambous ceramics

Some friends and I visited the ceramics exhibit of Valentino Charalambous.  He grew up in Cyprus, and spent years studying ceramics in Baghdad.  The work was gorgeous and colorful.

Afternoon in Kyrenia

With a valid passport, you can drive to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.  There are a lot of great historical sights.  Some friends and I went there for a day trip on Saturday.  We enjoyed the 13th century Venetian architecture, as well as a tasty lunch and a little bit of souvenir shopping.

guard tower

not bad for 15th century architecture

with two Turkish flags flying above the Venetian castle

under the heat lamp- smart kitty

Wherein I visited Rome to hit the tourist attractions before 2015 ended

Fountain Trevi

the Pantheon

San Luigi de Francesca church, where a great children's choir was performing

the very famous Carravaggio painting in San Luigi- "The Inspiration of St Matthew"

Beautiful marble work in Plaza Navarro, with random child to the left

In the amazing little wine bar, enjoying some amazing Italian wine and cheese

The Vatican (but I didn't go inside, b/c it wasn't worth two hours in line to get pushed by other tourists through St Peters)

The River Tiber by night

famous Piedmontese bridge- Constantine dreamed that God wanted him to win, so had all of his soldiers paint crosses on their shield.  They won, and he and all of his soldiers converted to Christianity, somewhere around 330 CE.  

For New Years Eve 2015, we had a wonderful 4 course Italian dinner, followed by hours of fireworks set off by everyone in the neighborhood.  I could lie on the couch and see the neighbor's handiwork.  

Christmas lights in Vienna

Votivskirche

floating cylinders

Chandeliers of light

the Rathaus

huge heart lights decorating a tree

What are these?  I don't know, but they were sure pretty.  Vienna wins at the Christmas lights in public spaces.