| | Chillin' with the chillins |
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ΚΥΠΡΟΣ
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| Wall Street |
We are lined up here -- not for the firing squad, and not for the bus -- but to add interest to this wall.
Street scene in the mountain village of Silikou
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| Roman Thru Paphos |
Cyprus
has been conquered by most of the empires in the region -- Phoenicians,
Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Ottomans, Venetians, Lusignan Kings, and the
Tourists from Devonshire. All but the last left ruins. In Paphos we
visited the Roman Mosaics, a huge complex stretching to the sea on the
west side of this ancient city. 
The brown and white arcs form a maze
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These mosaics are sections from floors of several large mansions. Combined with the wall murals that have also
been found, these places must have been stunning.
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| Diggin' Paphos |
Also in Paphos are the ancient Tombs of the Kings. The interred weren't
really kings, just the upper crust of Paphos who ended up buried in the
lower crust of Paphos at this necropolis over looking the sea. It's a
huge area where enterprising morticians scraped out underground
chambers in the soft limestone to make grave caves. 
Some of the catacombs were elegant with courtyards and columns.
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| Larnaka |
On the SE coast of Cyprus is the city of Larnaka. It has two famous
sons. The first was Zeno, the philosopher, but he left Larnaka early
for Athens. Though now he is only recognized by a very small bust in
the middle of a busy intersection, he'd certainly be Stoic about it.
The second was an adopted son,Lazarus, who moved to Larnaka after
having been famously brought back to life by Jesus. This church, which
he founded, remains the center of Larnaka's religious life. 
The
main part of the church was built in the 9th century with the belfry
added in the 16th century. A lot has been added to the interior, too,
although the ancient stone work is still very visible. 
Around the corner, the candles for the church continue to be handmade.
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| On the Road |
Much
of southern Cyprus is mountainous. Here there are many small villages
that look as though they just spill randomly down the mountain sides.
The roads through them are steep, winding, barely one lane, and also
used as sidewalks and parking lots. Driving through them is scenic and
exciting. 
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This is Kakopetria, one of our favorite villages.
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| | Every village has a church and a coffee shop, but Avdimou also has cheese! Dave and Megan have been making cheese back
in Chicago, so this sign caused a quick turn into town. The halloumi was excellent! And you can have some too
-- from this little Cypriot business Whole Foods gets its halloumi!
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| Three Squares |
We made every effort to try as many of the local Cypriot foods as possible. Here is a small sample of some of our favorites
with their Cypriot names if we know them. More photos on request, of course.
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Afelia -- Marida
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Village Salad -- Grilled Octopus
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Papoutsakia -- Galatabouriko
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We all had a wonderful time, and hope one day to tour Cyprus again together. Or, as the Cypriots say,
| Wherever you find me, wherever I find you, Friday we’ll meet in Nicosia. |
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