Cyprus- Limassol and Nicosia

Yesterday afternoon we got back to the ship about 20 minutes before it sailed. We were tired and almost over-stuffed with the delicious food we had created. We made out way to our home at 865 and collapsed. Jim was immediately napping in the chair and then the bed. We decided we were done for the day, so we munched on the cheese delivered by Ketut and decided to order room service and watch a movie. Getting lazier by the minute. Had BLT’s, watched “Mama Mia” and waved good-by to Greece.

 Today we are on the island of Cyprus in the city of Limassol (Lemesos), a large coastal resort and the second largest city in Cyprus with a population of about 228,000 people.  The QEII is docked beside us in this commercial port area. It is much larger than our Voyager.

QEII in port of Limassol, Cyprus

Freedom Monument

Limassol was built between two ancient cities, Amathus and Kourion, so during Byzantine rule it was know as Neapolis (new town). The English King Richard the Lionhearted during his 3^rd crusade destroyed Amathus in 1191 and it is believed that Limassol was built just after that time.  However the town of Limassol has been inhabited since very early times. Graves found here date from 2000BC and others date from the 8^th and 4^th centuries BC. A constant parade of different nations claimed control of Cyprus throughout the centuries-Aceramans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Macedonians, Phoenicians, Lebanese, Persians, Romans, Turks, Italians, British and Greek.

Reproduction of home at Archeological Site

According to a Synod that took place in 451, the local bishop as well as the bishops of Amathus was involved in the foundation of the city. For a period of about three centuries- 1192-1489- Limassol enjoyed remarkable prosperity. Its great number of Latin bishops characterized Cyprus. This lasted until the occupation of Cyprus by the Ottomans in 1570 AD.

The settling down of merchants in Cyprus and particularly Limassol in the 13^th century led to the financial welfare of its inhabitants. Its harbor as a center of transportation and commerce, contributed greatly to its financial and cultural development.

This is out first day of securing a mini-van though the cruise ship and going wherever we like- within reason and the half-day rental time will permit.

The population of Cyprus is about 900,000 people but it is really higher since some nationalities do not get counted in a census. The rough breakdown, according to Tony our guide, is 84% Greek, 11% Turkish and the 4-5,000 Armenians, 4-5000 Maroonites, fewer than 1000 Latins- Italians . There are two official languages- reek and Turkish. English is also taught in the schools.

In 1924 the British took over and were responsible for the constitution. This document created the two official languages and two religions. In the elections the President must be a Christian and only the Christians can vote. The Vice President must be Turkish and only the Turks get to vote for Vice President. Seems the Attorney General has more power than the President because the AG can “change the laws.” Tony told lots of stories of the financial abuse of the sitting presidents through the years- much of which is connected to the current financial crisis that Cyprus is experiencing today. A person with money in The Bank of Cyprus has had the government take away 54% of all money over 100,000 Euros and will also only let them use 20% of the remaining 100,000 Euros.

The flag of Cyprus was designed by a Cypriot and is displayed over official government buildings. All communities can fly the flag of their country, which seems to contribute to a constant state of upheaval and worry. The national anthem is Greek.

We first drove to Nicosia, the capital for over 1000 years, which was about an hour away from Limassol. It has a rich history that can be traced back to the Bronze Age. The home of the Archbishop is an imposing structure in the middle of a regular residential neighborhood. The garage was filled with luxury American and German cars. It, like many other houses in the area, was constructed from a yellow stone that comes from local quarries.

20 Million Euro House-97% glass

The city is divided into Cyprus and North Cyprus (the Turkish section) and the capital has a Green Line sections indicating the divided areas. There is a “no man’s land. As Tony described it moving back and forth in the sections was terribly complicated so I wasn’t sure why anyone would want to do that unless you had friends or family living there.

There was a neat reproduction of an archeological site that could easily be visited. The original was way up on a hill with many steps. As we headed back toward Limassol we drove through areas of archeological digs just out in the open. It was truly one of those areas were, “If those stones could talk” the stories they could tell of life throughout the ages.

Finally we saw an unbelievable neighborhood overlooking the sea. The homes were valued at 7-8 million Euros. We even saw an almost all glass house on the market for 20 million Euros.

Hearing Tony talk and seeing the various areas you can understand better how interconnected the countries and people of the Middle East are. Conquerors come and go, rules are made and changed, wars are fought, marriages happen and life continues to roll along.

It was a great day of touring. John the driver was great and Tony, once she figured out what we wanted to see and learn was terrific.