CYPRUS

I have always been a world traveller from the early 1980s having inherited my wandering lust from my father. I was and have been amazed by my discoveries. My travels have very informative and educational experience.

Having lived in the Middle East for almost 30 years and considering it my second home, we landed on the shores of Cyprus in the mid 2006 thanks to my banker husband’s employment. It ended when he retired from banking in 2015 but stayed in Cyprus for another couple of years when we decided to go bank to the U.K.

Nicosia is the capital city and the business centre of Cyprus which is an Island nation situated in the Eastern Mediterranean. Nicosia remains the only city in the world that is divided in two. The Northern part occupied by the Turkish Cypriot and the Southern part controlled by the Greek Cypriot.

Because of its strategic location, Cyprus had been occupied by various powers including Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian and Greek empires. The Arabs, the French and the Venetians controlled the country for short periods of time followed by the Ottoman rule for over centuries. When Alexander the Great died, it was acquired by the Roman Republic.

After gaining independence in 1960, The first president was Archbishop Makarios III. However, the 1974 coup contributed to the division into Greek and Turkish factions.

With the emanation of countless invasions in the country, the people accepted, absorbed and assimilated the traits and traditions of its colonizers while still being loyal to their own cultures and traditions.

Surrounding Nicosia, are the major towns and seaside resort areas; they are Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Agia Napa in the Greek area of the South with Famagusta and Kyrenia to the North which are controlled by the Turkish Cypriots. There is no problem crossing the demilitarized zone that divide the two, tourists just need to show their passport to the NATO guards. In fact, they are very popular to the tourists, they found the tavernas and bars are cheaper than the ones located in the South of Nicosia.

I don’t consider Cyprus a cheap holiday destination but it can offer safe and security as well as a restful holiday. I remember roaming around Nicosia alone at around 2 o’clock in the early morning and never felt threatened, afraid or worried. There were a lot of youngsters and revellers walking and drinking at the same time.

There are a lot of historical landmarks and buildings with guided tours that one may enjoy exploring. Each town and Village have rich culture, tradition and history that one may interested to see and experience. The climate is moderate even during the summer months. It must be noted though that the temperature during the day might increased to 26 degrees Centigrade and will go down to 6 degrees Centigrade during night time. Have the common sense to bring a shawl or a blazer on your night outs.

Cypriots are fun loving people and enjoy various cafes and bistro restaurants and so because of this, I concluded that Cyprus is a coffee culture nation, although bars and restaurants are in abundance all over the country.

Cypriots are family-oriented people also. It is not unusual to discover that more often than not, the off springs are either living above or beside their parents’ abodes. The houses are either two or three floors as these are designated or reserved to their children, once married or have settled down.

Food is also an important factor in entertaining family and friends. It is common to see street barbecues going on and being offered to be eaten to anyone who was just passing by. No invitation required. That proves the friendliness of the Cypriot people.

Enjoy Cyprus. I hope to see you around.