Lawrence Durrell’s book Bitter Lemons, contains many descriptions of Bellapais village where he lived and spent most of his time. In the book, Durrell mentions the Tree of Idleness…
“...but I must warn you, if you intend to try and work, not to sit under the tree of idleness. You have heard of it? It's shadow incapacitates one for serious work. By tradition the inhabitants of Bellapaix are regarded as the laziest on the island. They are all landed men, coffee drinkers and card players...”
There under the shade of the tree Durrell spent long hours with his friends drinking cold beers and discussing politics. The tree was a meeting place not only for the inhabitants of the village but also for all foreign visitors who frequented the place.
pht_SR_059 > Selwyn Roberts, Interior of a bar, Gelatine Silver Print, 9x12.5 cm, ca. 1958
© Costas and Rita Severis Foundation
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