Swedish archaeologist Alfred Westholm wrote of activities he took on, inspired by the nature of Cyprus:
I must also tell you about another activity. In collaboration with Vivi I am designing the pattern for an enormous tea-tablecloth, which she sews while Martin has instruction in writing and so forth. The cloth, which is worked with raised embroidery, is intended to be a unique masterpiece. Among many other things there is a square field in the middle with 16 characteristic Cypriote sea creatures, surrounded by 8 corresponding land animals, with the firmament in the middle. I am naturally very interested. On Saturdays Martin is free after lunch. The two of us usually go off then walking in the mountains. It is rather interesting to see how his normally slightly shy little soul becomes changed, already after the first bend in the road. I have succeeded in winning his entire childish trust and all the way until we arrive home again, the most profound discourses flow forth unobstructed. He is most of all interested in analysing notions of morality. His soul is white and blank, ignorant of every kind of evil in the world, the beauty of nature, the flowers and the trees impress his upright but pliable mind. He is like his mother in more ways than one. His great intelligence is striking, as is his tendency to isolate himself. I therefore set great store by having won his heart.