We are lucky enough to have our Larnaca property offices right in the middle of town but unlucky enough not to have our own allocated parking space. Consequently every morning starts off with us trying to outwit the other tenants in our street just to get parked. All sorts of cones, chairs, plant pots and large metal structures are stratigically placed all along Victoros Hugo street to stop any intruders from leaving their wheels in somebody elses space even though technically none of us have “a space”. Should you dare to try the consequenses are not unlike the sign above!! You have been warned! I have witnessed otherwise sane, sensible loving individuals who would give you their last piece of souvlaki washed down with an amiable glass of Zivinir absolutely lose the plot when it comes to parking wars. And whats worse is that I am sucumbing to the same mentality although my technique is slightly different…I just stop the car in the middle of the road and cry. One thing that Cypriot men can’t cope with is a woman crying and out they run to magic me up a space.

On Tuesday evening I went to a friends house for her birthday bbq. Having worked late I was the last to arrive and the only parking space available was outside my friends next door neighbours house. Well you’ve never seen the like. Out she came in her nighty (it was 7 O’clock you understand) and in a voice straight out of Coranation Street she proceeded to shout, scream jump up and down in order to get me to move. I took great delight in smiling sweetly and saying “You’re ever so rude aren’t you? There’s no need to to be so horrible and rude you know.”  This had the desired effect of taking the wind right out of her sails and her scuttling back into her castle. Ha ha. As it happpened a parking space on the other side of the road did become available so for the sake of world peace I did repark the car picturing her behind her curtains thinking she had won. Oh no she hadn’t, as after the food was consumed and the wine continued to flow out came the guitars and a good old fashioned and very load sing-a-long ensued. Don’t think lovely neighbour got much sleep that night But what fun we all had. All together now………..

So if you’re thinking of buying a property in Cyprus make absolutely sure it comes with parking and your life in the sun will be all the sweeter. Bye for now and have a good weekend one and all.