I haven't updated in a while, but as always my only excuse is that I was too busy. Still am, actually. Too much travel (and I hate planes!) and a lot of work, and the last thing I want to see in the evening is a computer, so I hope you'll forgive me.

So what happened since you heard from me last?

1. I went to Iran. For work.

Now, Iran is a strange country. I went to Tehran expecting to see the beauty of Persia, instead I saw the shabbiest capital city ever and nothing remotely beautiful in terms of architecture (therefore, Nicosia is promoted to second to last in my list). But there were gorgeous trees! Big green trees everywhere, and I took countless pictures of trees and flowers and little rivers that flow through the city. Then I bought a tourist book of Iran and realised I was in the wrong place! All the beautiful things are not in Tehran! Tough, the office is in Tehran and so I couldn't go anywhere else. I drove up the mountain though and it was nice, fresh air and couples holding hands.

I had to wear a scarf and a long jacket (they call it manteau). What a pain in the a**!! I don't know how women manage, honestly. I would never be able to live there. I didn't master a knack of getting the scarf to actually stay on my head and it was beyond annoying. I wore an abaya instead of a long jacket, so that I could remove it in the office and stay in my normal office clothes. Thankfully, I didn't have to cover up at work!

So many people have had nose jobs in Iran! I saw so many walking around with bandages on their noses, and then a colleague told me it's seen as a status symbol, and some wear bandages even if they didn't have a nose job. I really don't know what to say to that... People en masse are not strikingly attractive in Tehran, perhaps it's because I am not into Persian beauty, but most women have perfect noses which quite often appear too small for their faces. But oh well, who am I to judge? The people were amazingly kind and friendly and I felt safe and comfortable with people throughout my stay there. I will have to go again, and while I am not looking forward to horrible turbulence during the flight which is typical to that area, and having to cover up, I will go with pleasure, knowing I'll be in a good company, and oh my, did I mention food?? Food was divine :)

2. I went to Cyprus. For holidays.

Had to cut them short though, as I got a message from work asking me to come back... And I did. Cyprus is the same, maybe a little more traffic and more foreign faces everywhere. Too dark or too blond to be locals. Funny enough, just about 10 years ago the only foreigners in Cyprus were students and tourists on the beaches. Now they are everywhere, working, living and visiting for many reasons other than the (mostly lousy) beaches.

While in Cyprus, I managed to catch up with some friends I hadn't seen for more than 10 years. It was nice. There are some people that no matter how long you stay apart, when you finally meet you can just pick up where you left off and carry on as if all these years didn't happen. It was a good feeling.

3. I went to the UK. For friend's wedding.

Gave my best friend away in marriage :) The bride was gorgeous, and the groom was awesome. The wedding was in Devon, and it rained non stop and was extremely cold, but the day of the wedding the clouds cleared, the sun came out and we had the most amazing day. We stayed in Salcombe, a pretty town by the sea, and the wedding was in Kitley House, near Yealmpton, about 45 min drive away. I took loads of pics and will share some soon.

4. I was busy. With work.

It takes so much of my time it's not even funny anymore. But you know what? I love it :)

5. I am off to Egypt (again) next week, more work. After that I have another bunch of trips lined up for June so I am afraid I won't be able to update much. I am mostly hanging out on my hilarious forum because there I can just read the updates and it doesn't take much time to post stupid one-liners.

I wish you all a great summer!

=^..^=