The Tree of Idleness

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 15:26

Just reading Bitter Lemons, Can any Bella Paix residents tell me does any one know if the tree still exist and Lawrences house and any other land marks or characters.

orangekazzie



Joined: 31/07/2007
Posts: 1091

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 15:28

Tree of Idleness is a restaurant with a huge tree outside. Not sure if it is the original tree but would imagine it was.

Karen

lovingcyprus


Joined: 02/03/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 15:53

Lawrence Durrell's house does still exist

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 15:56

Thanks Karen and Peter, can you see the house or are they sick of sight see'rs.



Sounds like the tree, book only from the 50's.

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 16:24

James,

Were did you get the book from,

Paul.

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 16:53

Hi mate I actually bought it from Larnaca airport, last time out. Lots of copies on ebay and I wouldn't think you'd have a problems in Waterstones or WH Smiths. I've been meaning to read it for a while. Some of its a bit heavy going for me but mostly its really interesting to hear Greeks and Turks living together in Kyrenia etc, And you see the part we English have played in the whole mess.

This sounds like a book review from one of the sunday supplements!

Definatly worth a read.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 17:00

I have a copy given to me in 2007. Think it was bought on Amazon

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 18:24

Hi James - our villa is in Bellapais and both the house and the tree are very much in existence. The Tree of Idleness could be one of two Mulberries - one on the corner of the restaurant of the same name, the other across the road over another cafe in front of the abbey.

Durrell's house is in one of the small streets behind the restaurants (going uphill). It is a yellow villa (village house) a large plaque on the side of it.

Try an Efes under the tree of idleness in the summer - its true what he wrote

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 18:42

Fantastic - we should form a "Tree of idleness appreciation society" have regular meetings over a few Efes and Ouzo's (just for balance of course!)



Anyone up for joining?

Perry


Joined: 27/01/2007
Posts: 413

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 18:49

Signing up right now !!

- Have you been up to Bellapais yourself yet ?

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 19:45

Yes, lovely place but I think it means a lot more when you hear about its characters and history.

Will go on my next visit.

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 20:10

Best not James uncle Erkan always tells me off when i have a drink.

Jachin



Joined: 05/02/2008
Posts: 99

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 20:26

JamesB

Don't you mean Efes and Raki !!

ianwfs


Joined: 08/01/2008
Posts: 563

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 20:27

The house was open last year for tours (Roughly August and September). They were open daily except Sunday at 11.15 for a tour lasting about 1 hr. The cost was £5.



Not heard yet if they plan to open this year. Perhapss somebody living in the village can enlighten us.



Ian

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 20:53

have had many a drink under the tree of idleness { well not quite under but quite close } i was told that is the original tree

regards simbas

JamesB


Joined: 07/02/2007
Posts: 450

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 21:54

I'd pay a fiver to have a look round - bring the book to life a bit. I think the village was mainly lived in by Greek Cypriots so I'd toast an Ouzo for them and an Efes or Raki for the Turkish Cypriots and hope (maybe foolishly) they might live together again one day.

dodger



Joined: 29/07/2007
Posts: 1895

Message Posted:
18/02/2008 22:02

Nice sentiments James,if only.

Lanrick


Joined: 21/01/2008
Posts: 135

Message Posted:
19/02/2008 02:44

The original tree is the one the Tree of Idleness Restaurant is built around. We visited Laurance Durrels house on our October trip and were shown around by the owners sister and her husband. We spent some time learning about Bitter Lemons and had tea in the garden. The house is up a steep hill but the views from the roof are worth the climb. On the way back down stop for a Raki and an Efes by the abbey.

AbbyG


Joined: 26/11/2007
Posts: 113

Message Posted:
19/02/2008 15:27

My interest has been aroused, will have to get hold of this book so I know what you are all talking about. Will try and get a copy at Larnaca airport.

Abby