Today was a bittersweet last day. I can’t believe our two-week adventure has come to an end. This has been such a rewarding journey, and I will deeply miss Cyprus and these people. We had a casual but wonderful last day visiting St. Mina’s Monastery and the Lefkara Village. The monastery had a beautiful arch with a cross as you entered the gardens. The flowers and trees were gorgeous too, and some of the trees are native to Cyprus. When you enter the monastery, you are immersed into a beautiful gold picture with so many dazzling portraits framing the walls. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Every monastery and church we have been to has just gotten better and better. Speaking of which, when we went to Lefkara Village, we journied to The Church of the Holy Cross. This was a great last church to go to because it took the cake for me. We could not take pictures, so I am going to write down everything I remember seeing. Once again there were gold portraits on the front of what I believe was saints. The ceiling was the best part. It was painted to look like the sky with stars on it and religious figures painted above. There is a hidden crypt in which wood from the True Cross is believed to be kept. That is actually crazy, and I cannot believe I got to be so close to it. What a privilege this day has been. We had free time for lunch and shopping in Lefkara as well. I had a top 3 meal of the trip which was Cyprus pizza with halloumi cheese, lountza, and bacon. This was such a great, peaceful last day. I am ready to go home and see my family and friends, but I am sad to leave this picturesque island that has welcomed me with open arms.
