I enjoy travelling.The cultures of the lands interest me, and I always enjoy exploring the islands.
My favorite has to be Cyprus. I have now visited this beautiful island twice. Firstly to Limassol with my husband and youngest daughter a few years ago, and then again, last year with my older daughter, and my grandchildren to Paphos.
Cyprus is in the mediterranean, and is the 3rd largest of the islands, about 35/40 miles from Turkey.
During the year 1974 the island became divided, and there are borders at Nicosia . I visited the area of Nicosia on a coach trip, and It was here that I was able to view the total distruction of such a pretty island. Standing on a small platform looking out towards what had once been a whole town area. Rubble everywhere, a ghost town. Using binoculars, in the distance you could just about make out the abandoned cars, looking like they came from about the 60's era. The luxury hotels now in ruins.
Because of this war the airport had to be changed and the ones at Paphos and Larnaca then became the main airports. I have landed at both of these airports, and can say that I have had no trouble in finding my luggage, or reps.
The people in the airports are very helpful, and do mostly speak english. Travel information can be picked up from here also. Although crowded at times, you will experience an easy route through to your pick up coach for your hotel.The scenery is breathtaking. Mountain ranges called the Troodos (Many of the wines come from here for the wine festival) these have twisted snake type roads leading up some quite narrow landscaped areas.The people of the villages sell there wines at limassol during the first two weeks of september, at the municipal gardens. Costs appx £1.50 per day, and you can sample all the wines free from 4 bars, from the hours of 8pm-10pm before purchase. You can drink as many samples as you want!The main wineries are keo,etko,sodap and loel. Keo being the local beer brand sold.
Next the many villages. The one called lefkara is the one that I head for as I love beautiful lace and embroidery,also jewellery.In this village you have the local woman sitting in the doorways, busy with there tools, doing amazing works of lace goods, or busy with the silk threads interwoven into pictures on tableclothes, blouses etc.The jewellery outstanding gold and silver, handmade items with intricate details.
Onto the resorts of the islands.The variety differs from pure golden sands to pebbles, according to which side of the island you travel to. The water in all the areas is clear, and you can see the small fish swimming around. The sandy beaches being nearer to the Ayia Napa side. Transport is easy and not too expensive. Food is delicious. Tavannas selling meze meals are a must try for anyone, and with between 10 and 30 mixed dishes there is plenty to go around. The portions are not small!Water can be drunk but does not suit all. I found I still had an upset tum if I drunk it, so preferred the bottled.Money side? well in the exchange rates you do tend to lose about 30p in the pound, but the meals etc are not very expensive average £3/£5 cypriot pounds.
As I said at the beginning Yes I am guilty, as I have brought the lace items, the wine and the jewellery and can not wait to go back to the island again. ....................
YOU ARE ASKING WHY I FIND IT GUILTY. WELL I LIKE THE WINES TOO MUCH, AND TEND TO OVER DO IT, SO GET VERY GIGGLY, AND THEN WELL HUBBIES THERE. THE LACY G-STRINGS I PURCHASED EARLIER, AND THE REST IS FOR YOUR IMAGINATION....LOL...
Great op. I felt like I was back there as I read some of the descriptions. I go three times a year to see my fella - he is in the british army there - and in December this year we are travelling around the island with a cruise over to Egypt. I can't wait - they just better give him his leave! :) Thanks Paula
clanmac4 30.03.2001 13:07
If you are guilty for loving Cyprus so am I! Thanks for reminding me about the place. Dave
aitchison21 27.03.2001 20:59
I was wondering why you were feeling so guilty about this, but now I see. Wine=drunk+husband=????, the fog has lifted. Good op. :-) Steve
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: an island with a vast history that indulges the best of the mediterannean in one area Disadvantages: The excessive heat in the summer months.
Constantino 06.09.2003 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of General: Cyprus
very helpful by (93%):
helpful by (7%):
