| | Well, we're almost to the end of our trip!
It would be great to stay in Cyprus forever, but it is also good to go home and see my Mom and Dad again (even if they don't let me have Loukoumades for dinner)
The next day went to see an archeological site:
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Lefkosia |
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Politiko - Tamassos Royal Tombs |
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Politiko village, 17 km (10 miles), Southwest of Lefkosia
Tel: 357 22 62 26 19
Tuesday-Friday: 09:00-15:00
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00-15:00
Monday: Closed
Entrance fees: C£0,75 |
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Tamassos was a rich city-kingdom in ancient Cyprus renown for its copper mines. Excavations have brought to light the Royal Tombs and copper workshops associated with Aphrodite-Astarte. |
Here are Maria and Anna with Maria's Cousins, Antigoni and Andreas:
Then we went to see a Monastery. It has and Icon of the Virgin Mary that was written by St. Luke himself:
We weren't allowed to take any pictures inside, but the Church was beautiful, and so were the Monastery grounds. Here is a picture of the outside, notice that they use terraces for gardening, too:
After that, we went out for dinner in a great little restaurant up in the mountains. We had a dinner of mezedhes - that's where they bring out a whole lot of little dishes of food for everyone to try - bread, meat, olives, dips, veggies - all sorts of yummy food. You get to eat a little bit of everything.
See these gourds hanging from the ceiling? When they get dry and yellow, like the one hanging against the wall, they will cut off the top use it for a pitcher to serve beverages (it will be hollow when it is dry)
Then, we went late at night to see the hideout of another soldier who died in the war for independence from Britain. Here is a memorial to him:
Here is the inside of his hideout. You can't tell in this picture, but it was pretty small - about 1/4 as big as your bedroom. I think it would have been a little scary for him to be in there at night by himself when he knew people were looking for him. He must have been very brave.
The last night there, Tasos' sister had a big New Year's party for the whole family. New Year's Day is more of a family holiday in Cyprus than it is in America. And, remember, Agios Vasilios brings presents!
On New Year's Day, we went to Church. We went to a Church where Tasos' Dad was a Chanter when Tasos was a kid. Since New Year's Day is also St. Basil's Day, there was a big procession around the Church at the end of the service, to honor St. Basil.
After that, it was a long, long trip home. We were very tired, but we had a wonderful time!
Here are some facts about Cyprus
(most of the facts on this site are from the official Cyprus Tourism Site - you can look there if you want to learn more http://www.visitcyprus.org.cy/ )
Population
Demography
Population (de jure): 818.200 (End 2003)
79,1%: Greek Cypriots (646.900)
10,7%: Turkish Cypriots (87.800)
10,2%: Foreign residents (83.500)
Geography
Island Contours
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Its 9,251 square kilometres (3,572 square miles) encompass citrus and olive groves, pine forested mountains, and some of Europe's cleanest beaches. Also the easternmost island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is approximately 105kilometres (60 miles) west of Syria, 75kilometres (47 miles) south of Turkey and 380kilometres (200 miles) north of Egypt. The nearest Greek point is the Greek island of Rhodes which is 380kilometres (200miles) to the west. The island has a mild, typically Mediterranean climate, with abundant sunshine even in winter and little rainfall. Prominent geographic features include the Troodos massif that occupies most of the southwestern part of the country, the Pentadaktylos range in the north around Kyrenia and the Messaoria Plain in between them. It is here that the capital city, Lefkosia, is located.
The elongated Karpasia Peninsula occupies the northeastern part of Cyprus, while the southeastern point terminates in Cape Gkreco. The southern coast is where the major towns of Larnaka and Lemesos are located. Pafos and the Akamas Peninsula are on the far western edge.
The latitude of Cyprus is 34° 33'-35° 34' North, and its longitude 32° 16'-34° 37' East.
Note: Prior to the Turkish invasion (July-August 1974) the two communities lived together in roughly the same proportions (4 Greek Cypriots : 1Turkish Cypriot) in all six administrative districts of the island. Since the invasion, about 57 000 Turkish Cypriots emigrated, with the result that today they constitute only 10,7% of the population compared to 18% before July 1974.
Population of Main Towns
(End 2003)
Lefkosia (Nicosia): 213.500 (part of Lefkosia in the Government controlled area)
Lemesos (Limassol): 167.800
Larnaka: 74.700
Pafos: 49.700
Religion Today
 Perhaps because Cyprus has seen so many empires and cultural influences ebb and flow over the centuries, the country enjoys an exceedingly high level of freedom of worship. While the majority of Cypriots are Greek Orthodox Christian (85%), other religious faiths are represented on the island as well, including Armenians, Maronites, Roman Catholics, Latins and Muslims. |
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Languages
Greek and Turkish are the main languages. English is widely spoken. French and German are also spoken within the tourism Industry.
I really think you'd love Cyprus if you ever get a Chance to go there! 
Your flat friend, -Stanley |
