A Pleasant Surprise

Visiting Kato Drys

Kato Drys Village

Setting off for the mountains recently, despite the misty sky that was visibly hanging over Troödos, I wondered if I had made the right decision. I duly turned off for Kato Drys after a steep ascent on the mountain road, and when the quaint village nestled in the hillside came into view, I knew I had.

Kato Drys ('Lower Oak'), with a current population of 130, dates back to the Byzantine era. Many of the stone buildings have been beautifully restored, decorated with colourful shutters and plants on the window sills and doorsteps. Local café and guest-house staff greet tourists warmly, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

I found myself in a beautiful garden area with arches and colourful flowers. The large artichoke flower pictured below was attracting numerous buzzing bees while birds chirped joyfully among the trees.

This was the garden of the Bee & Embroidery Museum*. The owner, Mrs Theodora Korniotou, kindly invited me to visit the various rooms containing embroidery (lefkaritika) dating back to 1880 and displays depicting life in past centuries. There are over 1000 exhibits in the 6 rooms of the 300-year-old house that belonged to Mrs Theodora's great-grandfather, Kyriakos Tsamillis.

I sampled their delicious honey, which I highly recommend along with their other natural products in the museum shop (olive oil, skin products, soap, and almond, carob, and grape products).

While walking around this ancient, peaceful village, I marvelled at God's goodness and presence revealed in the harmony of nature. The moments spent in the museum's garden refreshed my soul.

I come to the garden alone,

While the dew is still on the roses;

And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,

The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,

And He tells me I am His own,

And the joy we share as we tarry there,

None other has ever known.

C. Austin Miles

Take time out in the beautiful surroundings of the Troödos mountains and enjoy the local warmth and hospitality of Cyprus.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

James 4:8

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*Museum opening hours Wed - Sun 10.00 - 15.00