These are a few pictures from Cyprus. We started in Paphos. There were a bunch of ancient grave sites by our hotel that we had to explore when we got there. This is Easter when we remember the Savior's rise from the tomb. Paphos is full of this kind of grave sites from the early Christian period.

 From the bottom of the tomb, you can look up the stairs cut from stone to see the light. I think this picture represents the hope we have to ascend above the mortal aspects of life and into the light.

This is an Odeon or Greek theater. Here we have a lighthouse in the background and  Marilynn with her back to us. (I never let her know when I will take a picture) 

This is the Harbor at Old Paphos. I was surprised to see that Captain Nemo comes here to rest and recuperate. I am not sure what lies 20,000 leagues under the see from here...

This area is know as the Tombs of the Kings--also near Paphos. These tombs are cut out of the stone and very impressive. However, they say the people buried here were not kings, but just wealthy people. There are ancient things all around here. 

We thought this was both attractive and symbolic. Among the ruins of the past clings a fragile, but attractive flower. Life, death, and beautiful renewed life. 

 Here we have Marilynn down in the tombs. This place would make a good set for an Indiana Jones sequel.

 These markers were placed in front of the graves. I don't know the whole story but they remind me of the Egyptian sunrise and sunset hieroglyphs. Think "transformation", "hprw", and "it came to pass". They also resemble the Minoan "horns of consecration".  Check with Uncle Ron.

 Here is David standing at the entrance to one of the tombs. Note the carving above the door that has been preserved for centuries.

 Some may recall that the Apostle Paul and Barnabas began their first Mission in Cyprus. They left from Paphos. This stone pillar is called the Pillar of Paul. Here the apostle was tied to the pillar and beaten for preaching the gospel.

This poor guy is a red snapper. However, he has snapped his last snap. He became our dinner one evening in Paphos. 

One last look at the Harbor in Paphos where Paul began his first mission. 

 This is the beach in Limassol, Cyprus. Although the banks had all been closed when we were there, the real reason the beach was empty is that the tourist season has not quite begun.

 Here you see Marilynn on the pier in Larnaca, Cyprus. You can see the beach, the medieval castle/fortress and a Muslim Minaret.

 Here we are having Sunday dinner with the Christensen's. They are great senior missionaries that invite the missionaries, some members, and friends to their apartment for a meal. There were two people waiting for baptism when we started. By the time we left, another investigator had committed to baptism. They all are good friends and had a good time.

 While Frankfurt is still trying to switch from winter to spring, Cyprus is like the Garden of Eden. This is the parking lot in Nicosia, Cyprus. It is a beautiful land and it is so sad that they have such a problem with the government and banks.

This is a photo of our room in Paphos. It had Roman artwork everywhere. It was exciting to see--but the bed was awful! 

 This is an action mosaic from the Paphos Roman ruins. These floors are quite decorative and it is amazing that they date back to just after the time of Christ.

 This is the Church of Lazerus in Larnaca, Cyprus. The story is that after Lazerus was raised from the dead by Jesus, Lazerus fled from Judea to Cyprus to avoid being slain by the Jews that did not like have a living witness walking around. However, although there is a tomb beneath this Church, Lazerus is no longer here. He was sold to a church in France so they could have a relic.