HISTORY ETHNOGRAPHY NATURE WINE-MAKING SITE MAP
Selected and rare materials, excerpts and observations from ancient, medieval and contemporary authors, travelers and researchers about Cyprus.
 
 
 
 
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MALLOCK W.
In an enchanted island
page 206

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PERIL AND PLEASURE sharply round a horrible corner, we found ourselves confronted by a straggling procession of camels. The high-couraged leader shied across the road ; the idiotic camel-driver shouted and brandished his long pole, and danced about madly like a cross between a child and a devil. The groom jumped down, and rushed to the leader's head, and treated the camel-driver to what I trusted was a volley of oaths. The camels defiled past, and presently we were on our way again. ' Capital ! ' said Mr. St. John. ' Did you notice what luck we had ? If we had not happened to be on the wrong side of the road, ten to one that fool with his pole would have sent us bundling over. Now,' he continued, ' we're almost down on the level. From here—you see—I will spin you into Kyrenia in no time.' To my great relief the road was from this point ad-mirable. A gentle incline led to a long straight avenue, bordered with olive trees ; and the fields on either side looked like a succession of fruit gardens. At the end of the avenue was the court house with a sycamore tree in front of it, under which were a number of people waiting for the doors to be opened. I trust our arrival created a deep sensation amongst them. If it did not the fault was, I must say, wholly theirs Here Scotty was awaiting me ; and leaving Mr St. John to a morning of official duties, I wandered off in the direction of the sea and of the castle. My way took me past a ruined church and a mosque, and brought me to a wall overlooking the town and

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