Lunch in Limassol Marina, Cyprus

The number of times I went to Limassol (Cyprus) in the middle of the week for lunch, without kids, is pretty close to zero.

Last Wednesday, the opportunity finally came when we had a day off from work due to bank holiday and it happened to be also my name-day. Name-day is something that not particularly well celebrated and many countries are not familiar with the concept either.

If you haven’t heard about it yet, it’s based on celebrating the fact that your name is in the calendar (each day has a different name allocated). Usually, you get a few congratulations messages (as everyone knows your name right??) and some chocolates if you’re lucky. Some names are more popular than others, and Lucia is one of the most commonly used in Slovakia, so everyone knows 13 December is Lucia’s day. In Sweden, the tradition goes even further and they celebrate Lucia’s day with little processions of kids dressed in white (as St Lucia) with flower crowns and candles.

13 December is also very special because it was my last day of work in London, just before I moved to Cyprus in January. It was an end of an era and life as I knew it. I remember the day like it was yesterday, we were sitting in a bar close to Monument station in central London and having goodbye drinks with my colleagues. That was 5 years ago (insert scared face emoji here). I must be getting old, but time is something that’s becoming a truly scary concept.

I think it usually happens after you have kids and you see your life passing in front of your eyes a bit faster than you’re willing to admit.

The best remedy for that is to celebrate every moment. Like a name-day. Grab a lunch, get some bubbly and enjoy the sunshine. The work, bills and messy house will be still there when you get back.

PS: If you’re looking for a great lunch place in Limassol Marina, I highly recommend Marina Breeze for their excellent food & stunning views. If you’re sticking for longer, Gin Fish is amazing for cocktails and seafood!