On Thursday every where felt much fresher and less humid. We had errands to do in Girne and jobs around home.

Les and Joe have been renting the bungalow next door to us while their bungalow was finished. They are a great couple who are following their dream on a really strict budget and if anything could go wrong it has happened to them. Having sold their home in UK they have been living out here for some while in rented accommodation. They have been supplementing their income with various cleaning and maintenance jobs and doing it very successfully. Since we arrived, they have been our neighbours and we have been made aware of their difficult dealings with their English Estate Agent. Having paid all that their contract requested, said "gentleman" requested a further £4K in extras which they were not expecting! Having dealt with that they have accepted the keys to their bungalow knowing they will have no electricity or mains water for some time! The Agent provided a generator which they duly secured to the walls of the house as best they could (Chains, padlocks, etc) and within 36hrs it had been stolen! This all happened 24 hours before they were going back to UK for a short break, hoping to come back and move in, so unlucky! We took them out for a meal at the Silver Grill to cheer them up before they left.

On Friday we decided to tackle the problem of our car importation document that had been given to us at the port for an initial 4 weeks. We knew we were entitled to more than this and while I was at Girne market on Wednesday, Jeff had gone into the nearby Police Station to enquire how to extend it. "Go back to the port and see the Chief man" was the answer - "you should get 4 months"! Jeff was sceptical, but we would try.
Girne Port chief man said we should go and talk to Customs in Lefkosa (Nicosa). I vaguely remembered where they were from my importation of furniture experiences last year. We found them and what's more, a very helpful lady Customs Officer. But it seems that whatever transaction you are trying to achieve it is necessary to go to the main Police Station first for what is known as the "In and Out Form". A record of all your comings and goings in Northern Cyprus. OK, so we eventually found the Police Station, very helpful - yes, this office, that form, oh yes you need a 4 YTL stamp from the Post Office, no sorry, we don't have them here. Off we go again, searching for a Post Office, not too difficult as it turned out and we bought several, cos' you never know. Back to the Police, complete the request and then back to Customs. !............. yes, they can extend the authorisation period for up to 1 year if we like, but Boss man is not in till next week to sign the form and did Jeff have authority for me! NO, we thought we were just getting an extension of importation but it turned out to be authority to drive the car in NC!! So it seems that early next week we need to get an "in an out" form for me and then back to nice lady in customs and hopefully legality to drive for a year!