The Road to Pissouri

2017 was a year of sunshine, storms, and unforgettable adventures in Pissouri. Join us as we relive record-breaking heatwaves, surprise August rain, crystal-clear swims, and music-filled nights under the stars.From welcoming family from Sweden and exploring the Troodos mountains, to sailing Cyprus’ dazzling coastline, celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, and even a special trip back to the UK to become proud godparents — it was a year packed with laughter, travel, and community.Tune in for stories that celebrate the simple joys and beautiful moments of life in Cyprus. We even found time for a visit to The Middle East and South Africa.

Buckle up as we take a nostalgic ride back to 2016 – a year packed with unforgettable adventures and plenty of laughs. From Wales’ stunning run in the European Championships (and a bit of friendly ribbing from English friends) to Caribbean island-hopping with speedboats, waterfalls, and white-sand beaches, it was a year that never stood still. Back home in Pissouri, there were karaoke-filled afternoons, Cuban-themed nights under the stars, mountain escapes to the Troodos, family visits, and festive fun that carried us right through Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Join us as we relive the highlights, share the stories behind the photos, and celebrate the moments that made 2016 one for the books.”

Join us for another sun-drenched, laughter-filled year on The Road to Pissouri. In these two vibrant chapters, 2015 unfolds with its usual blend of adventure, celebration, and unexpected twists.From bursting water mains and muddy racecourses to seaside weddings and birthday cakes in football stadiums, life in Cyprus is anything but quiet. You'll meet old friends, welcome new faces, and tag along on day trips to harbours, mountain villages, chocolate festivals (some sweeter than others), and even the race track in Nicosia.There are rooftop parties, seaside dinners, rock ‘n’ roll shows, starlit concerts, surprise storms, and heartfelt moments with family—both near and far. Whether it's celebrating new life in South Wales or dancing the night away under the stars in Pissouri village square, every moment is shared with warmth, humour, and a love for good company.So grab a drink, settle in, and enjoy the next chapter in this unique journey through everyday life, extraordinary friendships, and the simple joy of making memories on The Road to Pissouri.

In this vibrant Episode of The Road to Pissouri, 2014 springs to life with all the charm, chaos, and character of a year well lived. Follow our narrator on a journey that spans continents, seasons, and unforgettable moments—from the flooded streets of Surrey to the icy avenues of New York City, and on to the sun-soaked Caribbean aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.Back in Cyprus, life never slows. There are beach boot camps with the infamous Pissouri Nutters, dramatic runs through mud and fire, sizzling barbecues under the stars, and unforgettable nights of music and dancing in the village amphitheatre. You’ll join the fun at bustling tavernas, get swept away by tribute acts that would make Freddie Mercury and Barry White proud, and even catch a few strawberries with local horses along the way.The second half of the year turns the dial up with surprise fashion shows, starlit beach parties, winery tours, and a magical wedding celebration that includes Greek dancing and a soul-stirring performance by the Military Wives Choir. From Thessaloniki’s historic streets to wild go-kart races, sunset cruises, and early Christmas feasts, every page is packed with friendship, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief.Narrated with warmth, humour, and a twinkle in the eye, these chapters are a heart warming snapshot of community, adventure, and the joy of simply making memories—wherever the road may lead.

Join us for a sun-soaked, laughter-filled journey through life in Cyprus in 2013. In The Road to Pissouri, we follow the highs and lows of island living—from hypnotists and hillside hikes to economic crises and drag queens with better legs than most of us.We kick off with petrol strikes, snow in the mountains, and birthday surprises (complete with violins). We move through community spirit in the face of financial turmoil, celebrate weddings and anniversaries, and dance our way through rock ’n’ roll nights and Morris dancing mayhem.We also brings the heat—both from Cyprus' fiery summer and the international headlines, as global events ripple through this peaceful paradise. There’s also spice (from Indian food), sparkle (courtesy of Miss Debonair), and sentiment (a Welsh wedding to remember). From karaoke nights to earthquake tremors, this is a slice of expat life told with warmth, wit, and plenty of souvla.

From cultural celebrations under a full moon in Pissouri to heartfelt vow renewals by the sea, the first half of 2012 is filled with warmth, laughter, and connection. Friends gather for magical evenings of music and marriage, beachside receptions sparkle with dancing and chocolate fountains, and family reunions in Coral Bay bring heartfelt moments by the pool.A romantic anniversary trip to Crete adds a dose of adventure, with scenic bike rides, seafood feasts, and ancient hilltop forts framing a sun-drenched escape through Greece's northwest coastline.As the year winds on, celebrations ramp up. October launches the build-up to Steve’s milestone birthday, including a secret-filled surprise party and a lads’ weekend in Larnaca. Family visits, weddings, Halloween parties, quizzes, and tribute shows bring the village to life. A surprise UK trip delivers double-surprises for a 30th birthday, while back in Cyprus, rugby victories, Christmas markets, and musical tributes fill December with joy. The year closes with dives in crystal-clear waters and a sparkling New Year’s Eve bash, capping off a year rich with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Step into a vibrant Mediterranean tapestry in the first half of 2011, where each month brings a fresh adventure under the Cypriot sun. Follow Steve and our narrator as they hike coastal paths and forest trails, sled down Mount Olympus, and toast birthdays in northern Cyprus taverns.From snowball fights in Troodos to sizzling souvla at spring festivals, life in Pissouri is anything but quiet. We witness the joys of community—BBQs, quizzes, and themed parties—blending seamlessly with dramatic moments like earthquakes, fierce storms, and even a snake or two on the trail. Whether it’s stumbling upon abandoned villages, crashing into snowbanks like giddy children, or gathering for dancing in the square, this is Cyprus in its full, quirky, and unforgettable glory.

In these next lively chapters of The Road to Pissouri, Rob continues his light-hearted and warmly nostalgic journey through expat life in Cyprus. From windswept hiking trails and ancient monasteries to fancy-dress birthday parties and seaside adventures, this is a celebration of friendship, community, and finding joy in the everyday.Travel with Rob and friends to the remote village of Kampos with its Alpine charm, dive into the crystal-clear waters off Latchi, toast with champagne (sometimes explosively), and hike the dramatic cliffs of Cape Aspro.You’ll join in a school disco party, sing your heart out at karaoke, and even meet a rifle-toting character named “Rambo” on Christmas Eve.As the seasons shift, so too do the stories—from sun-soaked hikes and beach barbecues to powerful electrical storms, festive village gatherings, and a heartwarming Christmas finale shared among close friends.This is more than just a travel diary—it’s a vivid slice of expat life, told with humour, heart, and a true sense of community.

In this rich continuation of The Road to Pissouri, our story picks up in early 2009 with a swirl of birthdays, roaring log fires, and the clang of Theo’s cowbell echoing through the village bar. As the year unfolds, we journey from traditional meze dinners in Pissouri to dazzling cityscapes in Hong Kong and sunlit drives along Australia's Gold Coast. Back home, Cyprus offers its own kind of magic—community feasts, wine-fueled road trips, and spirited events like the inaugural darts tournament and a stirring D-Day concert at the village amphitheater.But the year doesn't slow down. In the second half, we saddle up with Cowboy John at a joyful village wedding, drink firewater in Pachna, and head to the UK for family karaoke nights and reunions. As the festive season arrives, bonfires light the beach skies, choirs echo through the village square, and Christmas unfolds with Champagne breakfasts and sea swims. From moonlit storms to sunny hikes through vineyards, every scene is laced with warmth, humor, and the simple pleasures of island life.These chapters are a celebration of friendship, tradition, and finding joy in the unexpected. Whether it's Zivania with raisins or mulled wine under carols, this is Cyprus as it’s lived—and loved.

Join Rob and Mandy for a vibrant and heartfelt journey through their eventful year on the sun-drenched island of Cyprus. In this chapter, the story unfolds from the quiet beauty of a snow-covered Troodos to the sunlit cliffs of Cape Aspro, where spring flowers bloom and community spirit thrives.From birthday dinners at coastal tavernas to charity cycling adventures and village Easter games, 2008 is a tapestry of laughter, food, friendship, and the rhythms of Mediterranean life. The couple also venture beyond Cyprus, with Rob’s spirited return to Cardiff for the FA Cup final and Mandy’s visit back to Birmingham. Upon returning, they dive back into village festivities with outdoor concerts, football tournaments, wine tastings, and traditional feasts.As winter arrives, the tempo doesn’t slow. There are evenings at the circus, alfresco meals by the Limassol port, golf lessons at Aphrodite Hills, and even a Thanksgiving buffet in the mountains. December brings Christmas warmth and chaos—from plunges into icy pools to belly laughs over charades and festive rivalry during the Old Firm football match. The year comes to a close with karaoke-fueled fun at a New Year’s Eve gathering, capping off another remarkable chapter in their Cypriot adventure.This chapter is a love letter to friendship, celebration, and the simple joy of a life lived under blue skies on the road to Pissouri.

In this lively chapter, Rob and Mandy celebrate their wedding anniversary with a journey across the newly opened border into Northern Cyprus, exploring the historic harbour town of Kyrenia and the haunting beauty of Bellapais Abbey. Back in the South, the couple host their first visitors from the UK, introducing them to local village traditions and a wild Cyprus Night in Pissouri Square. From Guy Fawkes fireworks at the British base to a chaotic (and hilarious) Christmas fancy dress party, the chapter is filled with memorable moments—including a curry-spill incident and a surprise visit from “Lily Savage.” As the festive season arrives, family reunites in the sun-drenched village of Pissouri, culminating in a joyful Christmas Day at the beach and a peaceful New Year’s Eve with friends. A warm, funny, and heartwarming close to their first year in Cyprus.

In this episode, we reflect on our final winter in Cyprus, exploring mountain villages, celebrating the holidays, and confirming that life on the island could be more than just a dream. From festive evenings in Pissouri to day trips through Limassol and Nicosia, we experienced both the charm and chill of Cypriot winters. But all good things must be earned — so we returned to a snowy South Wales to sell our home and begin preparations for a permanent move.There were emotional farewells, joyful dinners with friends and family, and more than a few last-minute challenges as we packed up our lives into boxes. With goodbyes said and the shipping container loaded (with a hidden stash of Welsh beer, of course), the next chapter of our lives in Pissouri was finally within reach.

In this opening episode, Rob introduces us to his life in the quiet Welsh village of Wenvoe in 2005 — a place of routine, familiarity, and grey skies. But beneath the surface, a long-held dream is stirring: the desire for a slower, sunnier life in the Mediterranean. As he and his wife Mandy share a quiet winter evening by the fire, a single conversation sets everything in motion. This is the moment where the dream becomes a plan — and the journey truly begins.And a first Visit to Cyprus beckons.