The fire service on Friday had to evacuate a three-storey apartment building in Limassol after a fire broke out in one of the flats.

No serious injuries were reported although two people with breathing problems were hospitalized as a precaution.

The fire broke out about 15 minutes before eight in a flat on the second floor of the building on General Makriyiannis Street.

Three engines arrived on the scene and firefighters along with police officers helped people evacuate their flats.

The flames were put out around 30 minutes later but extensive damage was caused to the apartment. Two other flats were affected by the smoke.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

The total amount of cannabis found in a container in Ypsonas on Monday was 104 kilos, the Limassol court heard on Tuesday during a hearing where two of six men arrested for the case were remanded for eight days.

The other men, two Greek Cypriots aged 49 and 42 and two Nigerians aged 36 and 30, were arrested on Monday afternoon when they were unloading the containers at a location under the jurisdiction of the British bases. They were remanded on Tuesday for seven days in SBA police custody.

According to the case investigator, the necessary procedures will be followed to ensure that the four suspects arrested on the spot are handed over to the Cyprus police by the bases authorities.

The two men arrested later on Monday evening by the Limassol drug squad are a man from Bosnia Herzegovina, 48, who is believed to have brought the drugs into the country, and a Greek Cypriot company owner, 39.

The container that arrived a few days ago had been placed under surveillance by the drug squad who alerted the bases’ police after it was delivered to an address in Ypsonas.

The authorities acted on a tip-off saying that a Bosnian would import a large amount of drugs in three containers coming from Canada. According to police spokesman Andreas Angelides, following the information members of the drug squad found 373 packages with the drugs in specially designed boxes.
This is one of the largest cannabis hauls ever, Angelides said, which will be carefully investigated. He didn’t rule out the possibility of other arrests.

Special attention will be paid to the procedures which were followed when the containers were imported and procedures followed in general when such containers arrive at the port.

Claims made by the detained suspects are going to be evaluated, and police will look into the specially designed boxes and the packaging of the drugs.

As well as searching the wider area, investigations outside Cyprus will also be pursued. It needs to be established which route the container travelled, through which countries it passed, and which people were involved.

In recent years significant amounts of cannabis have been seized, the police spokesman added. In 2015, 226 kilos were confiscated, in 2016 170 kilos, in 2017 150 kilos, last year 318 kilos and this year up to now 127. In the first two months of 2019, police also seized 30 kilos of cocaine.

“We are continuing with all our efforts to protect our citizens, especially our young people,” he said.

Limassol municipality on Wednesday defended a plan to create more parking spaces in a part of the city centre, saying it was not compromising sustainable mobility as suggested by the Technical Chamber Etek.

In an announcement, the municipality said it had already shown its support in its works for sustainable mobility and the statement from Etek “does not reflect the reality”.

It referred to “a tendency to misinform and attempt to create false impressions” as regards plans to create more parking spaces on Andreas Themistocleous Street by saying the move was contrary to the principles of sustainable urban mobility.

“We want to believe that the content of the announcement is the result of incomplete and non-objective information from Etek officials,” the municipality said.

No one from the chamber had approached the municipality to be informed about the thoughts, plans and possible actions the municipality was planning on sustainable mobility actions and policies.

The municipality said it fully supports the creation of Limassol’s Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, a study that is expected to be completed in the next three months, and stated that this support was practical as the municipality was part of the Study Monitoring Committee.

“Through this involvement we have been given the opportunity to express our views and to put forward our suggestions regarding the various provisions and policies expected to emerge from the plan,” the announcement added.

Acknowledging however that different approaches may exist in some respects, it did not mean the municipality did not support the implementation of the measures and benefits that would arise from the plan.

“Limassol has already demonstrated with its projects that it fully supports sustainable mobility, indicating that all new road projects in the municipality are designed on the basis of sustainable mobility and on all co-financed projects and urban regeneration the same principles apply,” it added.

Regarding the Andreas Themistocleous parking, it said this was an area “that today serves to a large extent the needs of the city centre and it was the intention of the municipality to optimise the area, not to expand it or even to cut even one tree”. Also, no serious construction will be done that will change the area.

It said the current situation in the city centre, the re-opening of the municipal market and the attempt to attract permanent residents to the area, “require some temporary measures to help in this direction.”

“Any possible interventions will be temporary and certainly reversible so that when the Sustainable Mobility Plan is fully implemented, then this space can also be a key link in the sustainable transport chain,” the municipality said.

It added that it was not its intention to seek confrontation with any organised group, “especially with the Etek”, which is the scientific and technical adviser to the state.

“On the contrary what we seek is cooperation in solving the serious problems faced by cities and local authorities in general,” it added.

“In this context, it would be useful in the future, prior to the issue of announcements on important issues concerning our municipality, to have contacts with the competent officers or with the Mayor himself.”

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

Ouzeraki, a little stone tavern in Erimi is just a little bit quirkier than most – situated along a narrow, cobbled road that runs parallel to the main road, this little eatery filled with Cypriot artefacts and decor is easily missed during the day. However, at night, a host of fairy lights strung across the ceiling and windows might appear to be forgotten Christmas decorations but serve as decoration to indicate the place is open for business, helped by a neon blue sign along the wall.

Inside, the dark wooden tables adorned with traditional blue and white chequered tablecloths are squashed in, hopeful to fit 50 but realistically only servicing about 30 at a time. A large flat screen graces one wall, a line of tables the other, and a small bar more for decoration than actual use, lines the other. In the centre of the room is a cosy wood oven stove which generates a surprising amount of heat. Toilets are another matter. Very clean and nice, but as they are located outside and down a flight of steps, not so great for the immobile.

It was a Saturday night when we popped in – no reservation – and there were about five or six tables occupied, a fifty-fifty split between foreigners and locals, although we got the impression the foreigners had visited many, many times before. The locals watching football on TV with the volume turned down had clearly made themselves at home. No matter to us: we were not interested in the match, but we were starving!

Menus consisting predominantly of traditional dishes were duly handed to us and while we were perusing them, the neighbouring table received their order. Wow! Gigantic plates and portions! We tried to subtly steal a glance, but we needn’t have worried. The owner, dressed in a long apron and wearing a huge smile, enthusiastically whisked their dishes while their cutlery was still mid-air and brought them to OUR table, showcasing each dish and its value, obviously very proud. Seeing the amused looks on the faces of the other customers, we gathered they were used to it. By the time the third plate had been brought in front of us, we couldn’t stop giggling.

Their order consisted of a very appetising charred pork kebab, salad and chips on one plate and a gorgeous array of seafood on another, so we decided to take two dishes to share between the three of us in order not to over-order.

In fact, the seafood plate looked so good, we opted for that: a large octopus tentacle grilled nicely, a couple of mussels with a mustard sauce, some fresh calamari (much nicer than the frozen calamari rings so often served), a large fillet of white fish, some crab claws, and a couple of very tasty prawns, accompanied by salad and chips meant we all got what we wanted!

To accompany our seafood platter extraordinaire, we chose a Greek salad for which the menu listed three price categories: €3, €5 or €7. Advised not to take the €7 one by the waitress as it was “very, very large”, we opted for the 5 euro one and were really impressed. It was a huge serving – more than enough for all of us – and included cabbage, lettuce, a little carrot, onion, green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers and feta.

We also ordered tzatziki with pitta, and the pitta, which had been warmed, was replenished every time it ran out for the duration of the meal.
The food was fabulous – and more than enough, so much so, we have ordered delivery (it is free to surrounding areas), and eaten in, several times since. Attentive staff fluttered in and out of the kitchen, keen for us to enjoy our experience, while the owner rushed in and out of the restaurant with delivery orders snug within massive polystyrene containers.

When it came to dessert, confusion ensued as a bowl of oversized mandarins which we didn’t order, came to our table, along with three plates each sporting a sliver of cake. It turns out, because they have no dessert menu, it’s included! The fruit (seasonal) and the cake (one choice ordered daily from a bakery) are offered for free. A really nice way to end the meal.

Very down-to-earth with glowing reviews online, this place deserves at least one visit in your lifetime….

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Cyprus cuisine
WHERE Ouzeraki Tavern, Nikou Georgiou 10, Erimi, Limassol
WHEN Monday-Saturday: 12pm-10.30pm, Sunday: private parties only
CONTACT 25-107381, 99-020332, 99-960581, www.ouzerakitavern.com
PRICE Avg meal: €10-12, cash only

For the third consecutive year Kenyan athletes dominated the Limassol marathon with winners in both the men’s and women’s main events.

In the third fastest time ever recorded at the event, Kenya’s Abel Rop Kibet won the 13th opap Limassol marathon in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 40 seconds, four minutes slower than his personal best.

“It was a great experience. I like Limassol and Cyprus and I will certainly be back next year, Kibet said, adding that “it was a bit hot but I enjoyed it”.

The winning Kenyan runner in the women’s race was Ruth Matebo Chemisto with a time of 2:43:28.

The best placed Cypriot runner was Charalambos Ioannou with a time of 2.38.04. The best placed Cypriot woman was Stella Christoforou, who came sixth before collapsing at the finish.

The marathon itself also broke records with 15,000 runner taking part in addition to the 10,000 that took part on Saturday in the 5k corporate race and the junior event.

On Sunday, four races were staged along the seafront: the marathon, the half marathon, the 10k and the 5k, in which around 2,000 foreigners took part from 58 countries.

For the fourth year in a row, the marathon supported the Karaiskakeion Organisation. Next year’s event will be held on March 14 and 15.

Album 1

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

Pink elephants and sparkles aren’t what you’d normally find in a bar, yet that’s what it’s all about at Nand’s Bar in Episkopi. Owned and run by Steve and Dave, the bar is named after and dedicated to the memory of Steve’s enthusiastic, fun-loving wife Nand, who died not so long ago. Her extensive involvement in local and expat community life focussed on ensuring everyone felt included and there was always a place to go. Nand’s bar continues in that spirit – and with the place buzzing with activity on even a Monday night, clearly it’s working!

From the outside, it’s a deceptive place… very unassuming with untraditional décor. Upon entering, it looks quite small and cosy: there is a billiard table to one side, in winter, a patio heater running on full – lovely and warm – some rattan chairs and simple tables. On the walls are LOTS of posters advertising a host of activities. Step inside the next section of the bar and it opens up a little. Clever puns grace the walls in large cursive writing and a panel showcasing the signature cocktail The Pink Nanda ensures that everywhere you go Nand is a part of it. Clusters of cushioned tall white stools huddle around large chunks of wood tables jutting out from the walls around the edge of the room provide more of a bar look, and a dart board and TV screens cover the stock-standard entertainment needs.

But it doesn’t stop there. Past the homely bar, the toilets, and fully renovated kitchen with all the bells and whistles (for a new menu to include chicken tandoori skewers and homemade pies), is the way to the magical Nandland. It’s a Wow! moment for down a small flight of steps (access for physically-challenged people is via a ramp at the side) is a huge area which can fit 200 people easily, complete with stage and bar! And it is here that the events advertised take place. Everything from Queen tributes to comedy functions for just €5-10 a ticket, as well as private parties and charity events (the upcoming Lions event raising money for children with cancer on April 21 is next on the cards), happens here, the higher calibre of entertainment provided as they are working with an actual events management company.

We go back into the bar, where there are a couple of lagers and a bitter on tap and healthy array of spirits behind the bar. Most of the drinks are a very affordable €3, daytime meals and snacks a fiver and dinner under a tenner. They even offer a doggy breakfast in addition to the standard English breakfast of a morning!

The owners explain that they want Nand’s bar to offer fair prices, a welcoming atmosphere and above all, lots of activities. Their current schedule includes Casino Nights on Sundays, Quiz on Mondays, Free Modern Jive lessons on Wednesdays 6-7pm, Curry night Thursdays, DJ Humf from BFBS on Fridays, and live music and karaoke as advertised. There is mention of a 16 member ukulele band too!

Nand’s Bar

Where: 14 Road n34 (just down the road from Lyssi Market), Episkopi, Limassol

When: weekdays 12pm-12am, weekends 9am-2am

Contact: 95-124160

Transport Minister Vasiliki Anastassiadou said on Friday she would meet with representatives of public transport companies in a bid to avert the strike measures announced for next week, as Limassol’s Emel bus drivers announced they would also go on an indefinite strike following the Nicosia and Larnaca companies.

Emel employees announced on Friday, they would go an indefinite strike on April 2 just as their colleagues working in Nicosia’s Osel and Larnaca’s Zenon.

The employees of Osel and Zenon announced on Thursday they  would go on an indefinite strike from April 2 due to the fact they have not been paid their March wages yet which is a violation of collective agreements as well as the code of industrial relations.

Emel employees said due to the fact that the company told them it could not restore their salaries to pre-crisis levels and that it was difficult to even pay current salaries and other benefits, citing viability problems.

Anastassiadou said on Friday she would have meetings with the companies to find a way to avert the strikes.  “We will deal with the matter,” she said.

The island’s four public transport companies, including Paphos bus company Osypa have been staging strikes on and off since late last year over non-payment of wages on time, and their demands to have benefits that were cut during the 2013 financial crisis restored.

The situation is linked with the decision by the transport ministry last year to claim back money it overpaid in the past to all six public bus companies, cutting the monthly subsidies which the companies in turn use to pay their employees.

Anastassiadou had said at the time the cuts would be made until all the money was recovered. The existing contracts between the companies and the government will expire in July 2020. The money should be returned by the time the contracts end, the minister had said.

The bus companies said after this decision that the slashed subsidy would lead them to the closure of services.

The Animal Party on Friday said that a special op is to take place Sunday morning in cooperation with local authorities and the police to catch a pack of dogs in the Limassol area with the help of a drone and a tranquiliser gun.

The party said that after three weeks of unsuccessful attempts to catch a pack of dogs that have attacked other animals, called a meeting on Friday with the participation of the community leaders of Pyrgos, Parekklisia, Ayios Tychonas and Moni, the police and the head of the Limassol district’s vet services.

The party’s leader, Kyriacos Kyriacou told the Cyprus Mail the dogs had attacked cats so far.  “There are concerns they might also attack humans,” he said.

The group, adopting the idea of the community leader of Pyrgos, decided to organise an operation on Sunday morning to catch the dogs with the help of a drone to locate them and a tranquiliser gun to subdue them, and invite volunteers to assist.

A vet from Paphos offered to help with his tranquiliser gun as the local authorities in question don’t have one.

The Animal Party said in an announcement that the community leaders had agreed to its proposal to purchase a tranquilser gun or a net gun to be able to deal with similar cases.

The party however, stressed that “it is about time the state assumes its responsibilities because this problem as regards abandoned dogs cannot go on indefinitely.” Local authorities, the party said, are called to apply the law on dogs but at the same time they lack the necessary tools for the capture of abandoned dogs.

The four community leaders called for help from volunteers who would like to assist in the operation.  Volunteers must show up at 10 am on Sunday at the entrance of Parklane hotel in Limassol from where the search will begin.

A section of Limassol’s Alexandria street, from the junction with Franklin Roosevelt avenue to the beach, will be closed from Wednesday for four months in both directions due to road works, the municipality announced on Tuesday.

The works will extend the Garyllis linear park with the aim to create “an organic connection with the seafront along Pallados, Dimokratias and Alexandria streets”.

The plan is to create a cycling route, widen the pavements and upgrade the sewage system.

The public is asked to be patient and comply with road signs and instructions by traffic police.

The project is co-financed by the EU regional development fund under the programme ‘Competitiveness and sustainable development’ for 2014-2020.

Limassol bus drivers and their unions will take their strike to Nicosia on Thursday, the third day of the indefinite strike which started on Tuesday morning.

Unions Sek and Peo announced the Emel bus employees will gather outside the transport and labour ministries to protest on Thursday morning.

They have called for a meeting with the transport minister at 10.30am and with the labour minister at 11.30am to discuss the reasons which prompted the strike, which are that their March salaries have not been paid and workers have still not received outstanding sums from benefit cuts in place since 2014 due to the financial crisis.

Bus strikes have been on and off across the island since late last year over non-payment of wages on time. In each case, the strikes were soon called off after the intervention of the transport ministry which mediated for bridging the differences between striking employees and bus companies.

Nicosia and Larnaca bus companies, which had initially planned to strike as well this week, called the work stoppages off following assurances by their respective companies that salaries will be paid by next Tuesday and outstanding contributions to the provident fund will be settled during the next few days.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry expressed its deep regrets regarding the decision of Emel employees to proceed with the indefinite strike measures, and requested that they return to the table so that possible solutions can be discussed with the aim of restoring transport services to the public.

In an announcement later the same day, the confederation of parents’ organisations of public primary and secondary school students called for an end to the use of schoolchildren who rely on the buses to get to school as leverage to serve the interests of the parties involved in the strike.

The biggest blow is to students soon to graduate, who will next month be taking the national examinations, the parents said, adding that the parties involved in the strike should “avoid any measures which will affect these exams and by extension the future of our children”.

The ‘A Technical School’ in Limassol was evacuated Monday morning after a bomb threat was phoned in that turned out to be a hoax.

A little after nine o’clock in the morning, Limassol police, after a phone call to the school, evacuated the building, which is directly located opposite Limassol police HQ.

Officers deployed sniffer dogs inside and outside the school but found nothing. Police are not excluding a prank by some students as the call was made from a phone booth outside the school, and a similar call had been made last Friday.

Anticipation, satisfaction, euphoria (coupled at times with frustration or disappointment) were all sentiments expressed by participants at the International Bridge Festival held in Limassol these past few days.  Organised by the Cyprus Bridge Federation, the annual event was held from the 5^th to 9^th April at the Royal Apollonia Hotel in Limassol where keen bridge players tested their skills of deduction, maths, logic, and memory (and endurance) at this fascinating Mind Game.  Participants were numerous – 128 entrants – and came from as far away as the USA, China, Norway, Egypt, Lebanon, Russia, Monaco, Greece, Israel, UK, Romania, and Ukraine to compete in a three-day tournament of pairs, followed by a two-day team competition.

In the pairs event, first place was won by Alexander Draghicescu and Constantin Stancescu from Romania.  In second place was Ioannis Exarhos and Constantinos Kassandros from Greece, and third place was won by Peter Van Der Gaast and Emile Schols from the Netherlands.  In the team event – played by 4 team members – the winners were: First place – Philippos Frangos, Frosso Tillyris, Georgios Kolettis and George Georghiades of Cyprus; Second place – Huaiya Fan, Panos Makris, Rena Lordos and Rona Baroudi of Cyprus; and Third place – Talia Lebel, Motti Gelbard, Livne Doron and Yoseph Aladjem of Irael.

At the end of the festival, all players enjoyed a complimentary dinner at the Londa Beach Hotel where cash prizes and trophies were distributed to the winners of the event.  Mental exhaustion was forgotten, spirits were high around the dinner tables, and much laughter and conviviality were visible.  For some, bridge was still foremost in their minds and discussions centred around the frustration of a wrongly played card or the joy of a skilfully played hand.  But this was always coupled with the social pleasure of joining current friends and meeting new ones who shared their passion for bridge.

The Cyprus Bridge Festival is an annual event held normally in the Spring.  This year the weather was good and the centrally-located hotel allowed guests to visit Limassol and enjoy its seaside attractions.  We welcome the growing number of bridge players from foreign countries and look forward to their continued participation in this event.  For those in Cyprus who play bridge or are curious about the game and might wish to learn, bridge lovers encourage you to join our group of dedicated players and to increase the dwindling number of players in Cyprus

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

At a time when restaurants, bars and café come and go, it’s good to see that some things just stay the same or rather improve with age. Case in point: Franx Bar and Restaurant located just opposite the Mediterranean Hotel on the seafront road in Limassol.
Proudly family-run, this bar/restaurant epitomises “comfortable”. It’s not just the warm welcome, the personal service or the homely décor, but the casual atmosphere, the choice of music (a lot of great classics in there), and undeniably delicious flavours wafting in from the kitchen that confirm that Franx is a great choice for a stop, with or without kids!

On this occasion, it is a catch-up with a friend. I am starving and she is mildly peckish. We choose a large, booth-style table at the back, bypassing the more jovial bar section at the front (flat screens abound for when there is football) in favour of a quieter space, with very inviting satin-covered cushions. Looking around, black and white photographs of famous entertainers grace the walls; a tribute to the “greats” and tastefully done. Upstairs, it turns out there is also a pool table.
We order wine by the glass, which comes in a tiny bottle. I opt for a Chilean red and my friend, a local sweet white, both of which impress us and only serve to enhance our meal experience.

The menu is quite substantial and caters to the full range of customers who might stop by. Apart from an English breakfast which runs for most of the day (till 4pm!), there is a range of salads, jacket potatoes, finger foods and platters for sharing, as well as a healthy array of burgers, grilled meats, pizzas, Mexican dips, pasta, fish/seafood dishes and local specialties. Kids are also catered for with their own menu and all vegetarian dishes (there are a good few) are marked clearly with a “V”.

We lament just missing out on the set menu (from 4-8pm) which is just €13.50 for a 3-course meal including tea or coffee! However, after much deliberation, I opt for the homemade tomato soup and some garlic bread. It’s a larger serve than I expect and filled with sweet, plump tomatoes, it has a slightly pulpy texture. It’s light yet flavoursome with a swirl of cream as a garnish. The garlic bread? Definitely worth going back for! It’s a large bap comprising a heavier dough, toasted on both sides, and inside spread with a melted, parsley-green tinged butter that squelches a light garlic flavour with every bite. Mmm.

Back at the table, dinner arrives and it’s a “wow!” moment. My friend has chosen the Garlic Chicken Fillet and I, the fillet steak (medium-rare) with, to be difficult, both sauces on offer: a piquant peppercorn, red wine and gravy sauce as well as the rich creamy garlic mushroom sauce, which arrive exactly as described. The garnishes of dill leaves with vegetable roses on oversized wavy rectangular plates are quite striking, and complement the substantial piece of meat sitting at the centre of each plate. The accompanying colourful and generous serve of vegetables (slightly overdone broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn mini-cobs) are plated separately along with baked potatoes, though we could have chosen chips or rice instead if we preferred.

Intrigued as to how my steak has turned out, my first action is to slice it clean in half, virtually expecting it to be either under or over-cooked. Ordering a medium-rare steak is like playing roulette: you never know what you’re going to get! I couldn’t be more wrong: it was perfect! It’s difficult to convey the joy of eating a good steak cooked well: juicy, tender, soft, tasty. Yes, a true joy for the palate. My friend is equally delighted with her well-cooked chicken fillet and manages to devour the entire plate mopping up the sauce with an extra bread roll! We have ordered onion rings and happily chomp away on those in addition to everything else. They too, are very crisp and tasty and good value for money.

Too full for dessert or even coffee, we had hoped to follow up dinner with some drinks at the cocktail bar, but instead trudge off home, pleasantly full and make a date in our diaries to do it all over again.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY International
WHERE Franx Bar & Restaurant, Amathountos Avenue, Limassol
CONTACT 25 325050, www.franxbar.com
WHEN Daily 10am – 2am
HOW MUCH €7 for starters, €15 for mains, €16 for wines

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

With the Christmas gluttony behind us, Easter temptation ahead of us and summer trying its best to break through the winter chill, there’s never been a better time to embrace a healthier lifestyle! Cue a visit to Green Life, located in the Limassol court district.

It’s a small shop, but cute, with some table and chairs outside. The ceiling is enviably high and the décor of thick ropes with suspended lightbulbs together with the bright green paintjob is modern and unobtrusive. A large fridge bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables leaves no doubt as to the contents of the menu items. On the main wall, juice and smoothie blend names are painted together with images of ingredients underneath, cleverly avoiding both language barriers and confusion.

I’m out of my comfort zone: do I opt for a badly-needed Slimming juice blend (pineapple, kiwi, green apple), a potentially-helpful Liver Cleanse (grapefruit, orange, apple, lemon with optional turmeric) or a super-healthy Detox (apple, celery, spinach, kale and optional matcha)?

Advice is to go for the super-popular Immune Boost (apple, carrot, orange, ginger and optional turmeric) and I’m pleasantly surprised at how light and tasty it is, despite no ice (ginger is warming, and most people prefer it that way, I’m told). I feel healthier already and I like it much more than the warm water and lemon I’ve been advised by friends to drink to achieve the same.

Next up is Berry Bliss with raspberry, strawberry, apple and yoghurt. This, I love! It’s cold, tangy, sweet, and very berry – perfect for summer!

Finally, there is the Chocolate Milkshake made with a choice of whole milk, coconut milk or almond milk, together with raw cacao (apparently VERY good for the brain) – honey, vanilla and banana. I must give it due credit: it doesn’t taste healthy at all – it tastes delicious and I’m shocked!

Perusing the menu, I notice I could have added goji berries, bee pollen powder, blueberry & Lucuma or many more toppings to my order. Also listed are smoothie bowls and some rich non-dairy, non-refined-sugar, vegan, homemade energy bars and plant-based protein bars, just one of which – the peanut salted caramel one, in case you’re curious – carries me through the morning and well into the afternoon!

Suddenly being healthy doesn’t seem so hard after all… anyone free tomorrow morning?

Green Life Natural Food & Beverage Bar

Where: Anastasi Shoukri, Shop 8, Themis Tower (opposite Starbucks), Limassol

When: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday and public holidays closed.

Contact: 77778586, Facebook: Greenlifecyprus

How much: Coffee: €2-3, juice/smoothie: €4-5

The Limassol tourist development company (Etal) began works on the old town’s Ayios Andre-as street on Tuesday, with various development projects planned for the historic road.

The street is a hub in the old town, and is lined with cafés and shops.

At the start of the road, near the mediaeval castle, a sign has been placed that reads 1882, the year the road was created.

Etal has added flower boxes, bins, and shadings along the road.

The company said next they plan to add an electronic information point on the road, where it connects with the seaside.

Head of the company Tony Antoniou said “We hope that tourists will find a upgraded centre.”

A 72-year-old man with underlying health issues has died from type A flu in Limassol, it was announced on Wednesday.

The man was being treated at Limassol hospital’s intensive care unit.

He is the eighth person to die from type A flu since December.

In a statement the health ministry said flu activity remained heightened between February 8 and 13 though at a lower intensity than the previous weeks.

Since December 1 last year, health authorities recorded 47 serious incidents with eight deaths and 11 still hospitalised.

“Although the situation requires people to be vigilant, there is no need for panic considering that falling ill with the flu did not mean a person would end up in hospital in serious condition,” the ministry said.

The flu affects thousands of people during this time and the great majority goes through a relatively mild illness at home with medicines, plenty of fluids and rest.

The ministry said people with intense symptoms like protracted fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, drowsiness, strong headache, and exhaustion must visit their doctor.

Emphasis should be given to prevention because it is the only way to stop the flu wave effectively.

The fire service on Wednesday had to evacuate an apartment building in central Limassol after a fire broke out in a car parked in its basement.

The building’s around 60 residents were moved to safety with an elderly woman taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

The fire in a car belonging to a 40-year-old Iranian man was reported at 7.25pm, police said.

Firefighters rushed to the scene on Stasinou Street and put out the blaze which had spread to two other vehicles parked in the basement.

It was later determined that the fire had been caused by a short circuit. However, during the investigation, officers found that four small apartments had been built in the basement, which were occupied at the time of the fire.

The fire service and the municipality were investigating whether the dwellings were legal, police said.

Part of the Paphos to Limassol road near Pissouri will remain closed during the weekend police said, due to rock slides.

Crews from the public works department are working to restore the problem and the work is expected to completed by Monday, police said.

During works, part of the motorway near the Pissouri exit up to the Avdimou exit will remain closed throughout the weekend.

Traffic will be channelled through the Pissouri exit to the old Paphos to Limassol road.

Motorists are urged to be alert, drive at low speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and abide by traffic signs.

A fire erupted in a three-storey building in Limassol’s Ayios Spyridonas area on Thursday morning from an overloaded multi-plug adapter but no one was injured.

The fire service responded to the 4.50am call by sending three engines with fire fighters managing to put out the flames one hour later.

The building hosts shops on the ground floor, and apartments on the other floors.

According to the fire service, the fire broke out from the kitchen of an apartment on the first floor inhabited by an elderly woman with her daughter and grand-daughter. The flat incurred extensive damage.

The daughter and grand-daughter managed to flee the burning apartment before the arrival of the fire service by jumping out of the window and onto the top of a van.

The grandmother, unable to perform the same escape waited in the apartment for the firefighters who fitted her with breathing apparatus before leading her to a safe area.

Two more persons living on the second floor, whose apartment had filled with smoke, were also rescued by firefighters.

The elderly woman was transferred to the Limassol general hospital as a precaution.

The electromechanical service determined that the blaze broke out due to overheating of a multi-plug adapter, which was overloaded.