TRAVEL

 

CYPRUS

Larnaca, Nicosia, and Paphos

This summer I was fortunate enough to accompany my boyfriend on a trip to Cyprus which, many do not realize, is it's own country. Located between the Greek Islands and Istanbul, Cyprus has been divided between the Greeks-south end- and the Turkish- north end. We were lucky enough to meet a friend of mine who had been studying in Nicosia, Cyprus on a Fulbright Scholarship for 9 months. Although the lavish hotels and poolside views were quite comfortable in Larnaca and Paphos, we were up for a little adventure and decided to join my friend across the "border" to Nicosia, Cyprus. In order to do so, you must get a "day pass" and be sure not to let them stamp your actual passport because technically, only the Turkish see the north end of Cyprus under their own republic. I had been warned not to cross the border but, I couldn't resist. We had a self-made tour guide in my friend and we crossed with ease. Nicosia is extremely beautiful and amazingly is still intact with many of the original buildings. As seen in the top right, this building was once a hotel and stable for many visitors but now has been transformed into a market. Definitely try the local beer and food no matter if you understand the language or what you're ordering, it is worth it!