We’re always trying to think of cool things to do for the kids. My solutions such as going for a run or visiting a pile of rocks masquerading as ruins or looking at another castle/church/museum for some reason don’t always get that enthusiastic a response. Veronica, however, tends to come up with experiences that get a whole lot more traction.
After a false start with a potential visit to a Camel Park, she suggested that the girls have a pottery lesson at Emira Pottery in Larnaca town. A quick consultation and we were booked in for the next day. Here we met Michael, or Michalis Michael to give him his full name, who hit it off with the girls straight away.
After a quick donning of robes they were ready to rip into it.
Getting all the silliness out of our systems before the real work begins
What followed thankfully wasn’t a rendition of the scenes from the movie Ghost, but instead a hands on experience form a master clay pottery maker. Michael was a guy who obviously loved his craft and thoroughly enjoyed sharing this love with others.
Time to get serious
A real hands on experience
As the photos hopefully show below there was genuine rapport between the master and his young charges. These sorts of things are what you always hope happens when you go travelling, but aren’t always achieved.
A private joke between Annabelle and Michael
Emmy with her tactile nature just loved the squishiness
Slowly but surely the masterpieces began to take shape.
If you think my iPhone 4S is ancient, check out Michael’s buddy on the phone in the background
Starting to look good
Until eventually, remarkably, they’d managed to create something that looked like it could have some practical use.
Auguste Rodin eat your heart out
Apparently a drinking bowl for Oscie when we get back to NZ
Having completed their pottery pieces in just under an hour, there was time for a quick John Key-like high five before considering whether we wanted to paint the finished product or go for the lacquered effect.
Opa!
We ended up deciding to go for painted pieces which requires a period of five or so days for the clay to dry and set properly. This means we’ll be revisiting on our way back from Paphos to Protaras.
Emira Pottery is open most of the year between 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm Saturdays are closed on Sundays. Bookings are required in order to make your own pottery piece. The cost was 11 Euro for each child and is highly recommended. Michael’s website is at: www.emirapotery.com.cy.
Our girls assure us that both parents are their favourite. I’m not sure if it has anything to do with the activities we plan, but apparently Mum’s first favourite and Dad’s second.