Admittedly, before coming on this dig, I had no idea what was in store for me. I vaguely knew Cyprus was an island, and it was somewhere in the Mediterranean. When I tried to picture it on a map in my mind, I kept picturing Crete, which I knew was wrong, but that’s as far as I got. Before I left Australia, I knew I had to do some research on the island, Paphos and the dig site, just so I knew what I was walking into. I still have not done this.
In this entry I will not be discussing the dig’s progress, as I’m sure everyone else will. I will instead offer my observations of a country of which I had absolutely no preconceptions of, and hopefully impart some knowledge along the way.
Here are some basic things I have noticed about Cyprus that I was either not expecting, or are just plain interesting.
1. Cyprus has mountains.
More than this, it has a ski resort.
In this entry I will not be discussing the dig’s progress, as I’m sure everyone else will. I will instead offer my observations of a country of which I had absolutely no preconceptions of, and hopefully impart some knowledge along the way.
Here are some basic things I have noticed about Cyprus that I was either not expecting, or are just plain interesting.
1. Cyprus has mountains.
More than this, it has a ski resort.
The Picture does not do it justice. Although I can’t say that it really has anything to live up to anyway. There was no snow there when I visited, but the small ski town in the troodos was actually quite pleasant. You will get car sick, and a little scared, driving up the winding bends for hours and dodging cars that can’t stay in their own lane.
Which brings me to my next point:
2. Cyprus road rules are defined by the size of your car.
There are no clearly marked lines anywhere. Which is just as well, because people would ignore them. Well that’s not entirely true, there do exist traffic lights in some built up areas, but generally its best to have good reflexes and pay attention on the roads if you are in one of the smaller cars.
3. There are no sharks in the Mediterranean.
Actually there are no fish either. We saw a turtle though. This makes for some great snorkeling, especially with the crystal clear water and abundance of underwater sights ranging from sea caves to ancient shipwrecks. The weather is always good too, and there is usually little in the way of big swell.
Which brings me to my next point:
2. Cyprus road rules are defined by the size of your car.
There are no clearly marked lines anywhere. Which is just as well, because people would ignore them. Well that’s not entirely true, there do exist traffic lights in some built up areas, but generally its best to have good reflexes and pay attention on the roads if you are in one of the smaller cars.
3. There are no sharks in the Mediterranean.
Actually there are no fish either. We saw a turtle though. This makes for some great snorkeling, especially with the crystal clear water and abundance of underwater sights ranging from sea caves to ancient shipwrecks. The weather is always good too, and there is usually little in the way of big swell.
The Scenery isn’t too bad either.
4. Stray cats are everywhere.
Pretty self-explanatory. EVERYWHERE.
5. Drinks are cheap.
So is food. You can get a good English breakfast anywhere for as little as €2. Drinks range from the €2-€5 mark, depending on your preferences.
4. Stray cats are everywhere.
Pretty self-explanatory. EVERYWHERE.
5. Drinks are cheap.
So is food. You can get a good English breakfast anywhere for as little as €2. Drinks range from the €2-€5 mark, depending on your preferences.
6. What is copyright?
7. The monks in Kykkos paint ceilings and build model boats.
8. The History of Cyprus is amazing.
It is as long and complicated as the archaeology it left behind. Currently split in two, the island has had many different civilizations occupy it, too many to count. Touching on the subject of archaeology, the excavations are amazing. There is plenty to see and not too much disappointment for history buffs.
It is as long and complicated as the archaeology it left behind. Currently split in two, the island has had many different civilizations occupy it, too many to count. Touching on the subject of archaeology, the excavations are amazing. There is plenty to see and not too much disappointment for history buffs.
1. The sunsets are beautiful.
Especially in Paphos. The sun sets over the ocean, but also over endless backdrops of ancient sites or spectacular views.
Especially in Paphos. The sun sets over the ocean, but also over endless backdrops of ancient sites or spectacular views.
I was going to try and make it up to 10 points about Cyprus, but I ran out of ideas.
The island really is a beautiful place. In parts it looks desolate and dry, but drive less than an hour in any direction and you could end up on the coast or in the lush green mountains. The weather is good, the history is rich, and the people are friendly. Definitely a recommendation of mine for a travel destination, be the reasons culture or pleasure.
To end, I have included some photos which I have taken in my time here, including a patchwork panorama shot I took to try and convey the mountain bends in photo (using my iphone, all I had on me at the time).
Enjoy!
Harry P.
The island really is a beautiful place. In parts it looks desolate and dry, but drive less than an hour in any direction and you could end up on the coast or in the lush green mountains. The weather is good, the history is rich, and the people are friendly. Definitely a recommendation of mine for a travel destination, be the reasons culture or pleasure.
To end, I have included some photos which I have taken in my time here, including a patchwork panorama shot I took to try and convey the mountain bends in photo (using my iphone, all I had on me at the time).
Enjoy!
Harry P.
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