Cyprus wrap up

-
I couldn’t ask for a better way to bring in my 30th birthday than a trip to Cyprus. I always try to celebrate another year of life by doing something special and since 30 is a landmark birthday I wanted to do something big to commemorate the milestone! I didn’t know anything about this island but I fell in love and got excited about the different landscapes, a new favorite local wine called Commandaria and the ever-present reminder of their multifaceted history. Most of the people we encountered were friendly except for the few older rude ladies who gave Verse discerning looks. (Had they never seen a Rastafarian before and more importantly did they miss the day in school when they spoke about not staring at people?) All in all it was a wonderful trip and the next time I visit I have to go over to the Turkish side of the island. I must say a huge thank you to Verse for accompanying me and making the trip extra special!

Here are a few images that I took around Cyprus to wrap up a wonderful visit to this interesting country. Enjoy!

View from our hotel room in Lemesos
The old town in Lemesos 
All the old charming details in the town
The old town, Lemesos
The old town, Lemesos L: A fountain, M: Lemesos medieval Castle, R: A small prayer room tucked away in a small room on a side street
The old town, Lemesos L: Taking a seat at the fountain, R:Verse looks like he is in the Caribbean
Lots of nuts and dried fruits to choose from
Thanks for driving us around Verse! L: Getting directions R: On the move
On our way to Pafos
Out to dinner at Almond Tree- a restaurant recommended by the Lonely planet guidebook
St. George's Church and monument to Reverend Papakostas Leonida
Taking a five at the hotel in Pafos
Sunset in Pafos
An afternoon of exploring means trying out the local beer Keo
Beautiful landscape
Beautiful views along the highway
Mexican food in Cyprus- Yummy meal at Poco Loco complete with my fav Caiphirinhas
Poco Loco Mexican Cantina
Bye Cyprus!



Comments

  1. PantsMarch 22, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    I enjoyed Cyprus with you. Glad you had such a special 30th! Hope we ring in 31 just as fancy :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ariann MiekaMarch 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM

    Thanks for reading and commenting Pants! I know 31 is going to be a blast! Prosecco toasting time! :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 24, 2013 at 9:18 PM

    Wow I had a great time exploring Cyprus via these blogs and of course planning to go some day. The towns looked so clean and so full of history. Imagine if we took care of our buildings and were able to live surrounded by reminders of our wonderful past! Thank you and I am ready for the next adventure! - M

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Visit to an Orisha Yard

-
Image
The drumming, singing, and dancing were captivating. As I looked on I was totally engrossed in what I was witnessing and I felt like I was on a tour in another country when I was in fact only a stone’s throw away from Port of Spain! We were in Laventille to learn more about the Orisha religion for a project on East Port of Spain and the camera crew was dutifully filming three ladies who belong to the faith.   Several shrines of different colours were laid out in a row in one section within an open yard. They went to each shrine and told us about the deity they were built for, what offerings were usually given and a short sample of what songs might be sung in various ceremonies throughout the year. The singing was mesmerizing as their voices and the Yoruba derived lyrics they belted out pulsated a rhythmic vibration through the air. The ladies explain different aspects of the faith and answer questions The Yard with some of the shrines to the various Deities A tour of t
Read more

The massive cross on the hill

-
Image
The massive cross sits high on a hill and is visible from miles away. Verse and I were driving in the Troodos region , heading to the Kykkos monastery when we spotted the 25-metre cross looming above us. Intrigued, we had to veer off route and drive up the hill to find out more. Stavros Fithkias is a small modern chapel with amazing wall paintings. As is common in the majority of their churches these frescos were intricate, bright and tell the stories of the gospels. This chapel was built in the 80’s and is a common stop for pilgrims heading to the Kykkos monastery. Prior to our trip to Cyprus I had no idea what a huge role religion had in their culture and history. (I guess that’s because I knew very little about Cyprus at all, save for the fact that it was the hottest location in Europe at the time I wanted to travel). A whopping ten of their churches (found on the Greek side) are Unesco’s World Heritage sites making this island a must visit for all those interested
Read more

The Heineken Experience

-
Image
This was the first museum we visited, although the description says it’s technically not a museum but an ‘experience’. After a quick tram ride from our flat it was a lovely short stroll to the old Heineken brewery (which was easy to find, as there is no way you can miss the huge Heineken sign). The line to buy the tickets was pretty long but it moved swiftly. The cost to enter was €17 for adults but with a coupon found in a tourist attraction book we paid €15 for one ticket (yay for discounts). Along with your tickets you are given a green Heineken band that allows you to get two free drinks after the self-guided tour.  Slipping the band on our hands we had no idea what to expect and we were excited to get started on the experience! The Heineken brewery is well worth a visit even for non-drinking folks.  Being one of the most successful and internationally known beer brands, Heineken has such a deep-rooted history in Holland and the tour presents this and information about the
Read more