www.theblisspages.com - travel: Cyprus
www.theblisspages.com - travel: CyprusI have been lucky to visit Cyprus a few times and on each occasion was able to cross the border to visit the northern side - the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - as well as the Greek-Cypriot Republic of Cyprus.
The devastation caused by the bitter fighting in 1974 was only too evident, with bullet holes visible in many walls.
I went to some lovely restaurants, with one in particular remaining in my mind - though I can't recall its name. It was outdoors, and had great food and an interesting wine list, which I sampled extensively during my visit.
I recall my trip through the normally-closed checkpoint, the green line. This was not passable to tourists, but as my host had diplomatic status, we were able to drive across it. There were two border crossings and a region of no-mans-land between them.
After we crossed the border, the nature of the land changed. The Moslem influence was everywhere, in the architecture and in the clothing of the inhabitants. We visited some ruined buildings on the coast, and then had a drink in the beautiful port of Kyrenia. I thought Kyrenia lovely and the people friendly and welcoming.
:
: © Mike Bliss 2008