History Of Cyprus
History of Cyprus At the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, this jewel of the Mediterranean has been one of the most desired countries since people started recording history. From Ancient Greeks and Romans to Crusaders and Ottomans, this island has experienced its fair share of colonization and conquests. The beauty of it all is an intricately connected culture that no other country can boast of and the legacy of the past times that can be seen on every corner of the island. To top it all off, the breathtaking nature of the island makes it a perfect holiday destination. It is no wonder the Goddess of Beauty and Love, Aphrodite herself chose this island as her birthplace. The oldest remains depict the settlements of the Neolithic period, some 9000 years ago. They are scattered all across the island, giving Cyprus a unique vibe. In 2500 BC, copper took the main stage as the most valuable commodity. The island was so abundant in copper that the people named this very country by its name (Cyprus is Greek for copper). Cyprus History It was copper itself that attracted the interest of many dominant powers of the region, the first being the Achaean Greeks in 1200 BC. They brought with them their Mycenaean culture, the traces of which can be seen in ivory carvings and vases illustrating different motives, from human figures and boats to bulls and chariots. After the Achaean Greeks, the Phoenicians, Assyrians and Egyptians subsequently seized control of the island, building roads and establishing infrastructure. When the Romans arrived, the island was already neatly divided in small city kingdoms with the main language being Hellenistic Greek. The Romans took it upon themselves to transform the island into a senatorial province. After the Romans, the island was on and off a part of Byzantine Empire, until Richard the Lion Heart conquered it in the name of England. After being sold to the Knights Templar, the island changed hands several times, from Franks to Lusignans and then to Ottoman Empire, until it was again in the possession of Britain in 1878. In 1960, Cyprus gained its independence. However, in 1974, after the invasion of the Turkish Army, it was divided in two communities, separated by a ‘Green Line’, i.e. the UN-buffer zone. In 2004, the south part of the island became an official member of the EU, with the Euro being its currency officially from 2008 and Greek and Turkish being the official languages. As the island is visited by millions of holiday makers each year, English is widely spoken all around Cyprus and is an official language in international business.
Cyprus Culture
Cyprus Culture One word that best describes the Cypriot culture has to be hospitality, the warm welcome they extend to every visitor. Hospitality is so etched in their DNA and their language that literally there is no difference between a guest and a stranger, i.e. the Greek word 'xenos' denotes both. Next to their hospitality, Cypriots are renowned for their lifestyle of ease, relaxation and stress-free environment. This does not come as a surprise knowing that they live on one of the most breathtaking islands in the world in the best weather, bathed in sun for over 300 days a year. This sense of ease and relaxation permeates every café, a hot spot for both social and business meetings. More often than not, the cafes are full of business people negotiating a deal over a cold drink, tourists enjoying a leisurely iced coffee (frappe) and local people in the streets and outside the coffee shops where the elderly Cypriot men can often be seen playing backgammon. For Cypriots life means nothing if there is no time to enjoy it. So, the pace of life is slow and gentle but it is far from being dull. Cypriot Culture Cypriots are also family oriented, more often than not spending hours over a meal surrounded by large groups of family and friends. They are also a highly religious nation (mostly Greek Orthodox), hence a great number of the festivals held in Cyprus are of a religious character, the most famous of them being Easter, i.e. Pascha. Easter in Cyprus is full of life, with a bonfire near a church, midnight service that welcomes any visitor and fireworks. The excitement can be felt in every person as they hold the unlit candles called ‘Lampada’. The candles are lit after the priest calls onto his congregation to take the light which never perishes. Families celebrate for three or more days, inviting their family to come and join them in the tapping of the hard boiled painted eggs, symbolising the breaking of Christ from his tomb. 40 days prior to Easter, there is a festival called Green Monday, which celebrates the beginning of 40-day lent. Many Cypriots go to the countryside for a vegetarian picnic and a competition in kite flying. Another religious festival is held on 6th January, Epiphany or Ta Fota. As the festival celebrates the baptism of Christ, many local men dive into the sea to fetch the cross which the priest has previously tossed. It is believed that whoever brings the cross back will have luck and good fortune all year round. Kataklysmos is a festival celebrated only in Cyprus. It lasts for 7 to 10 days, during which many swimming and boat competitions are held, as well as music and dance contests. The promenades are turned into fairs, with plenty of entertainment and traditional food stalls. People go about celebrating the ‘flood’ and Noah the Saviour. They also sprinkle each other with sea water as a symbol of the body - soul purification. Cyprus Music and Dancing Cypriot people love music and dancing. The music of Cyprus includes a variety of traditional, Western classical and Western popular genres. Cypriot traditional music is similar to the traditional music of Greece and includes dances like Sousta, Syrtos, Tatsia, Antikristos and Zeimbekiko. Both Greek and Turkish Cypriots use the violin as the main solo instrument, accompanied by the Lute for Greek Cypriots and the Oud for Turkish Cypriots. The Tamboutsia and the Pithiavli are also used. Cypriots celebrate a summer festival of music and performing arts in Larnaca. This annual festival provides outdoor, indoor concerts and a feast of entertainment at various town venues throughout the festival days in July. The festival serves up the performances of dance, theatre and music, film screenings and poetry by national and international talents, a fine example of true Cypriot culture.
What Could You Do With an Extra 20% of Space? A while ago Antonis Loizou in the Cyprus Weekly drew attention to the fact that the government had introduced a new regulation allowing owners/buyers to increase their original building area by 20%. This is not as straightforward as it sounds, and coincidentally fellow Daxi contributor Sarah Hordle of Island Homes is covering it in detail in this month’s Property Close Up. Anyway, the point is that many of us have ‘uncovered’ areas which form part of the total building area but which are not particularly useful – if not downright useless - and have held off doing anything with them for fear of jeopardising our title deeds. And for us, this move brought forward the idea of turning the balcony off our landing into a longed-for ensuite bathroom. Because building in general and bathrooms in particular form a large part of our experience, we had prepared for this leap of faith by laying in the waste pipe plumbing some time ago. Possible positioning of waste pipes both internally and externally is the absolute number one consideration when planning a bathroom, and provision of hot and cold water from the standard Cyprus plumbing system the second. Having established all of this, we designed a timber framed, insulated room with a pitched pan tiled roof, making the bedroom window into a doorway and retaining the door off the landing as a floor length window. In hindsight (a wonderful thing) we should have knocked out the pilasters and rail of the balcony and started from scratch, rather than enclosing it as part of the structure. There were some knock-on effects, causing much head-scratching and loud mutterings. However it’s all about finding the best possible solution that will not cause another problem(!) Having quick-thinking professional builders and plumbers on site also helps when you accidentally drill through the air conditioning pipes laid diagonally across the balcony – a ‘no-no’ for pipes in the floor in the UK. Also worth bearing in mind is that if you buy tiles over 60cm in length/width, you will either need a mega-expensive tile cutter or know where to find one if you have a lot of cutting to do. Well, it was blood, sweat and tears and a learning curve – but it’s a beautiful room, and makes such a difference when friends and family come over to visit. Not to mention that it will increase the value of the house by a good deal more than it cost, so all in all, a pretty sound investment. If you’d like to see the story in pictures, check out Projects on: www.houzz.com/pro/corinne326883/cyprus-living-spaces Kindly Written by Corinne Twining - Interior Designer. For more information on this or to find out more about the interior design services Corinne offers, call: 99326883 or visit www.facebook.com/cypruslivingspaces/ Find me on Houzz UK. A great site for interior design research, https://goo.gl/m5p4s8 Email: design@cypruslivingspaces.com 46
The Giant Agave
Compost Corner
We have all seen the giant Agave growing here in Cyprus, they can grow very quickly and sometimes we plant them in places where they can be a nuisance. A neighbour planted his right next to his front door and before he knew it he had blocked the whole doorway.
Question: Are there any plants that are able to eat humans? (Thanks to Andrew Turton from Frenaros for this question)
It can be quite a useful plant; Agave Nectar is found in many of our health food products as a sweetener. Mexicans used to boil the sap to produce a sweetener known as Miel de Agave but its most common use is fermenting the sugar into an alcoholic beverage called Tequila. When you see an Agave plant sending up the most enormous flower, sadly this means the plant is going to die. Even if you cut the flower down it will not make any difference to the outcome, it is the plants natural life cycle however, it will have set off many young plants, called pups around its base which can be transplanted. As an Agave becomes mature they can be quite dangerous, they have sharp spikes on the ends of their leaves, moving them is difficult and they can be harmful to pets and young children. Agave flowers are listed in the botanical book of records for having the tallest flower stems. Some have been recorded at 30 feet tall with millions of flowers.
Answer: No, the only plants that do this are in films or on TV but there are some plants that do eat meat. The largest plant that is carnivorous is called the picture plant (nepenthes) it grows in the rain forests of South East Asia and it has a vine up to 50 feet in length. Some species have been known to digest whole rats but most trap insects. The unsuspected insects are tempted in and sadly get eaten alive. A small variety of picture plant is the Venus Fly Trap; children are amazed when they see them catch flies and small insects. They can be very useful on a kitchen window ledge! Thanks to Ginny Malloy of the Potting Shed for supplying us with this information. In addition to supplying plants, succulents & cacti, they also deliver fresh bouquets of flowers around the Famagusta region. Tel: 96532138. Visit: www.agapanthusflowershop.com. If you have any gardening related questions, please e-mail your requests to: info@daximagazine.com.
47
48
SALES - RENTALS - DEEDS - MORTGAGES - LEGALITY - ADVICE
Extending Your Property – Facts At the end of 2016 the government announced new planning laws, aimed at regularising illegalities and making it easier for homeowners to make necessary changes to their buildings. Until December 2019 any homeowner is able to apply for permission to increase the built area of their property by 20% (against the original building permit size) or a maximum of 60m. In practice this means that you are able to increase even a small building for example of 80m covered area to a total of 140m if you have sufficient space to do so. In order to take advantage of this it is necessary to make an application through the town planning department and you will need architectural drawings of the proposed or existing changes. Even if you do not have title deeds for your property you are able to apply and you do not need the co-operation or consent of the Developer. I personally have just started the process and the drawings are in progress. After consultation with three local architects I have chosen the original architect of my house as they already have access to the original plans and permits etc. The procedure will cost several thousand Euros although there are various levels of service offered. I have chosen a middle package which will initially deliver a new planning permit and ultimately a final approval certificate for my house in its new form. To find out who was the original architect you need to check your existing plans and their name and telephone number will be on the right hand side. It is my opinion that, when making changes to your property, it is necessary to follow the correct procedures. In our business, when selling a house that is different from the original plans, it can cause problems, in many cases resulting in a cancelled sale. Whilst the initial investment is significant, the value of your home is vastly increased when taking advantage of the extra building density and usually by far more than the cost of the build. This is a very welcome move and we expect to see many applications submitted over the next 30 months. If any of our readers have already been through the process we would love to hear your stories! Thanks to Island Homes for contributing this article. To find out more about island Homes call: (+357) 23 811870. Email: info@islandhomescyprus.com or sarah@islandhomescyprus.com. Visit: www.islandhomescyprus.com or see advert opposite. 50
52
53
Communal Property Advice While there are many benefits to owning a property in a communal building, development or resort, there are also additional concerns. Your fellow owners and neighbours become part of your investment, almost as if they were indirect partners. They can negatively affect your investment as much as a bad business partner can affect a business. This is why it’s essential when purchasing property with communal facilities that you properly understand the unique aspects relating to communal property ownership. If you missed it, in last month’s article I discussed how to answer one of the most common objections: “I will only pay my communal fees when the committee do XYZ”. In this article I will discuss the core question. What is Communal Property? This issue: What Is Considered Communal Property? While you may think this is an obvious question to answer, it is surprisingly common to find people and committees who are not fully aware of what is and is not the responsibility of the committee to repair, maintain etc. In this article, it’s my aim to clearly lay out what is, and is not part of the communal ownership, and where to find the references in the regulations to confirm this or present it to the unit owners. Communal Property is also known as ‘jointly owned property’ or the ‘common areas’. When you purchase an apartment in a building there will be areas of the building that are shared by every individual apartment owner. The building roof, foundations, main walls (which support the jointly owned property), lifts, corridors, and any space intended to serve all or some of the owners (such as gardens, pools, carparks etc) are also considered communal. Under the law in Cyprus, this portion of the building is not just shared by these individual owners, they are physically owned by the individual owners. The share of the communal property you own is based on your property value (not property size which is a common misunderstanding). So, if your property value is twice your neighbours you own twice as much of that elevator, pool etc. Further details: This is shown on 38I, 38T (III) & Table A of The Regulations. It is no different for Villas on developments with shared facilities such as private roads, sewerage treatment, street lighting etc. If these form part of the property and are shared by multiple owners it is considered communal property. The maintenance, repair, insurance of this Communal Property is the responsibility of the unit owners. The thing that confuses the situation for many is that the amount each owner is responsible to pay is based on the m2 size of their property 38I, 38T (III) & Table B, not the ownership share Table A. The distinction between ownership, voting rights and % of expenses set out in the regulation is important to understand as this can cause a number of serious problems if a mistake is made and someone was to challenge the legality of the committee, and AGM or use it as part of a defence for non-payment of communal fees. 54
Do you have any questions you would like answered about the above article, or looking for FREE expert advice on the many aspects of Communal Property Ownership? Visit the online resource with advice and information on all aspects of Apartment and Communal property ownership www.CyprusCommunalGuide.com or email advice@CyprusCommunalGuide.com Want to view the complete set of regulations? A high resolution, indexed copy of the Property Regulations can be downloaded at www.Download-IPA.com or on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06WLPZG35/ Author: Russell Flick, www.CyprusCommunalGuide.com/ www.RussellFlick.com This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. ©2017 Russell Flick. All Rights Reserved.
57
RECIPES - FOOD - DRINKS - INGREDIENTS - TIPS
Chicken Salad With Cashews and Curried Mayonnaise Hi Di Hi campers & Daxi readers, Summer is here at last & a nice simple chicken salad fused with Asian taste & a glass of a nice crisp Chardonnay on the veranda is what Summer is all about. Enjoy, maybe a glass or two more of the Chardonnay.. Ingredients: Serves 4. 3 breast of chicken 2 tablspn olive oil Coarse salt Black pepper For The Sauce: 1 ½ cups mayonnaise 1/3 cup of dry white wine (maybe you can spare a little of the Chardonnay if you haven’t finished the bottle). ¼ cup mango chutney 3 tabspn curry powder (I used Madras) 2 celery stalks diced small 2 spring onions cut small ¼ cup raisins 1 cup cashew nuts salted Method: Rub the olive oil on the chicken breast & season with the salt & pepper. Cook in the oven on a medium heat for about 35 mins or until chicken is just cooked or you can grill them. Leave to cool. Then make the sauce. Combine the mayo, wine & chutney with the curry powder & blend. Add the celery, onions & raisins & when the chicken is cooled, dice it into small cubes & add to the mayo mix. Place in the fridge for a couple of hours to leave all the flavours to come together. Before serving add the cashew nuts & mix in. I always put my cashew in the oven for a few mins to make them crunchy then leave to cool. Serve on a bed of mixed leaf salad. Get that bottle of Chardonnay and sit on your veranda, you deserve it.
58
59
Ok… So the ‘DOG EATING A SLUG OR SNAIL ‘SCARE’ is officially on again. It all started with a lot of people seeing an alarming and frightening advert in an English magazine (not Daxi) about dogs dying because they had swallowed a snail or slug. To be honest, I had never heard of a dog dying from this before! But it seems that I haven’t been doing my homework properly because I found out that there actually is a life-threatening lungworm called Angiostrongylus Vasorum. As unbelievable as it seems, it is actually carried by slugs and snails. I then did some research and came across a company who provide a vaccine for dogs as a precaution for this disease but unfortunately it is not available in Cyprus at the moment. I then asked them what components are found in their vaccine against A.V. and it turns out that the vaccine we do in Cyprus, Caniquantel, to prevent ‘Echinokokos’ has the correct components needed to keep your dog healthy of all internal parasites including Lungworm A.V. Up until a few months ago Caniquantel came only in the form of an injectable vaccine. Now you can get the exact same thing in the form of a tablet and it is cheaper and more importantly, less painful for your pet. If your pet has had this treatment, then in your dog’s health book you will find a blue sticker with the word Caniquantel written on it. I would also like to inform Daxi readers that it is the law in Cyprus to have your dog treated with Caniquantel every six months. This is because Echinokoko can be passed on to humans through a dog’s saliva. What amazes me is that most Cypriot people knowing this, still eat snails as a delicacy!
Gina is the Veterinary Nurse at Saint Modesto’s Animal Hotel & Veterinary Clinic in Deryneia. Tel: 23824321. Ask Gina Write in with your pet related questions to Gina our resident Veterinary Nurse. Send your questions to: info@thedaxigroup.com 60
For more information or to book go to: www.icawc.org
61
62
63
LAW - FINANCES - YOUR RIGHTS - INVESTMENTS - ADVICE - GUIDANCE
Basic Aspects of Cyprus Employment Law 1. Does the employer have any obligations by the start of a new employment? According to the law, (The provision of Information to the Employee by the Employer on the Conditions Applicable to the Contract or Employment Relationship Law) the employer is obliged to inform the employee in writing, within one month after the beginning of the employment, of the basic terms applicable to his contract of employment or employment relationship. 2. What are the basic terms of an employment contract or relationship? The basic terms of an employment contract or employment relationship, that the employer is obliged to inform the employee in writing, are the following: • The place of his work. • His duties, his grade or category of work, as well as the content and object of his work. • The starting date of the contract or the employment relationship and its probable duration, in the case of employment on a fixed term. • The duration of paid leave, to which the employee is entitled, as well as the method and time in which it may be taken. • The probation period, if any. • All types of remuneration to which the employee may be entitled and the time schedule for their payments. • The duration of his daily or weekly work. • Mention of any collective agreements which govern the terms of the employment. 3. Is there a minimum salary? In general, the salary is negotiated between the employer and the employee. However the Ministerial Council has set the minimum salary for certain occupations, it is best to check this based on the specific occupation. 4. Can an employer fire an employee without any notice? If yes, in which cases? The employer has the right to terminate the employment of an employee without any notice, where the employee's conduct is such as to justify his dismissal without notice, e.g.: • Gross misconduct by the employee in the course of his duties, • Commission by the employee in the course of his duties of a criminal offence without the agreement, expressed or implied, of his employer, • Immoral behaviour by the employee in the course of his duties and • Serious or repeated contravention or disregard by the employee of work or other rules in relation to his employment. Where the employer does not exercise his right to dismissal without notice within reasonable time from which one of the above events occurred, the termination of employment is deemed to be unjustified. Written By Antonis Paschalides & Co LLC. Telephone: (+357) 22 661 661 Email: info@paschalides.com, www.paschalides.com
64
65
66
67
s Cypru tions & Attrac ions Excurs
Attractions And Excursions
Attractions and Cultural Excursions Aside from the main commercial tourist attractions such as the Water Parks and Theme Parks of Cyprus there is so much more to see, do and explore. You might suggest that Cyprus is renowned for its archaeological sites and landmarks, which tell the story of its turbulent past and of course you would be right but Cyprus is not limited to just this. Cyprus constitutes a destination where visitors can choose from a wide range of cultural activities, enjoy strolls in the island’s varied natural scenery and experience undoubtedly unique moments of agrotourism.
Agrotourism in Cyprus The beautiful, picturesque and traditional villages that can be found scattered all over the island have contributed to the vastly developing sector of agrotourism in the past few years. There are more than 100 agrotourism lodgings in 46 different Cypriot villages. All the available lodgings can be used as a very good base for exploring the island. These carefully restored buildings combine the island’s traditional character with modern comforts. They are ideal for plant biologists, bird watchers, mountaineers, cyclists and all nature lovers in general.
s Cypru tions & Attrac ions Excurs
Attractions And Excursions
Flora and Fauna While Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean scenery with lemon and olive trees in abundance. Cyprus also plays host to some 1908 different species, subspecies, varieties and hybrid of plants. The scenery along Troodos, the largest mountainous region on the island, changes continuously and offers a vast array of different visual experiences. The Troodos mountain region, which covers two-thirds of the island’s total area and whose peaks reach some 1951 metres, is home to great forests and to rich flora and fauna.
Churches, Monasteries and Museums Several churches and monasteries, constituting landmarks of Byzantine art, are located all across the Troodos region. Ten churches have also been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list, mainly due their interior frescos, which signify exquisite examples of byzantine and post-Byzantine monument painting. Cyprus has many museums dedicated to sharing the history and culture of Cyprus through the ages. The South East coast has its fair share of fabulous displays of the true beauty and history of the island. We have listed and highlighted some of the main examples of this below and overleaf.
Museums In Famagusta Region
Museums in Larnaca Region
Marine Life Museum, Ayia Napa Tel: 23 72 34 09
Byzantine Museum of Agios Lazaros Church, Larnaca Tel: 24 65 24 98
‘Thalassa’ Municipal Museum Of The Sea, Ayia Napa Aims to promote awareness of the marine heritage of Cyprus from prehistoric times to the present. Tel: 23 81 63 66 Folkloric Museum, Dherynia A beautiful old house which serves as a picturesque venue for civil marriages as well as housing exhibits of the life of past generations. Tel: 23 74 03 53 Meletion Historical Museum, Sotira Tel: 23 74 33 11
Municipal Museum Of Natural History, Larnaca Displays of rare insects, birds and animals of Cyprus. Fatsa Wax Museum, Skarinou Village Houses over 220 wax images depicting the main historical events that took place in Cyprus and provides real life impressions of the day to day life on the island at that time. Tel: 24 62 10 48 Medieval Museum, Larnaca Fort, Larnaca Built in 1625 this fort was used as a prison in the first years of its British rule. Now it houses the District Medieval Museum and the Municipal Cultural Centre. Tel: 24 30 45 76
s Cypru tions & Attrac ions Excurs
Ancient Monuments and Sites Hala Sultan Tekke - Salt Lake 5km West of Larnaca Built in 1816 over the tomb of Umm Haram, allegedly a relative of the Phrophet Mohammed, who died on this spot in 649 during the first Arab raids.
Kition - Archaeological Site Larnaca District One of the most important ancient city kingdoms with architectural remains dating bak to 13th Century BC. Around 1200 BC it was rebuilt by the Mycenaean Greeks. Excavations have revealed cyclopean walls made of giant blocks of stone and a complex of five temples.
Choirokoitia - Neolithic Settlement 32km from Larnaca This site has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage official list since 1998. It is the site of a Neolithic settlement found in a better state of preservation than most others from this period. This site provides precious information regarding the spread of Neolithic culture throughout the region. Tel: 24 32 27 10
Byzantine Monasteries Ayia Napa Monastery Ayia Napa This charming Medieval Monastery dedicated to ‘Our Lady of the Forest’ stands in the middle of Ayia Napa surrounded by high walls. It’s 16th Century church is partly underground and cut into the rock. The ancient Sycamore tree in front of the South gate is believed to be over 600 years old.
Attractions And Excursions
Stavrovouni Monastery 40km from Larnaca Perched on a rocky peak Stavrovouni means Mountain of the Cross. According to tradition it was founded in the 4th Century by St. Helena, Mother of Constantine The Great, who left a fragment of the Holy Cross at the Monastery. The brotherhood is extremely devout, keeping vows as strict as those of the Mount Athos brotherhood in Greece. Women are not allowed to visit the Monastery.
Cultural Centres and Art Galleries Cultural Centre of Occupied Famagusta Dherynia. Tel: 23 74 08 60 Larnaca Municipal Centre and Gallery Larnaca Seafront Promenade. Tel: 24065 88 48 Five old Larnaca customs warehouses, built in the colonial style (1881), have been renovated and converted into the Larnaca Municipal Cultural Centre. It houses the Municipal Gallery and the only Palaeontology Museum in Cyprus.
Historical Churches Agia Marina Church - Dherynia - 15th Century Virgin Mary Church - Dherynia - 17th Century Agios Georgios - Dherynia - 17th Century Agios Andronikos Church - Frenaros - 12th Century Archangelos Michail Church - Frenaros - 12th Century Agios Andronikos Church - Liopetri - 15th Century Virgin Mary Church - Liopetri - 16th Century Agios Mamas Church - Sotira - 16th Century Metamorfosis tou Sotiros Church - Sotira - 13th - 16th Century Virgin Mary Church - Paralimni - 13th - 18th Century Agios Lazaros Church - Larnaca - 17th Century Angeloktisti Church - Kiti, Larnaca - 11th Century
s Cypru tions & Attrac ions Excurs
Cyprus Nature Whilst we all love the beach here in Cyprus why not take some time out of your holiday to explore a little further inland and behold the natural beauty Cyprus has to offer. Cape Greko The National Forest Park of Cape Greko lies between Ayia Napa and Paralimni. This area of unique natural beauty will satisfy a wide range of interest including swimming, diving, paragliding, fishing, rowing, cycling, riding, climbing, air sports and hiking. There are eight nature trails in the Cape Greko - Paralimni area including: Thalassines Spilies - Sea Caves (Circular) Starting point: Ayia Napa - Cape Greko Road, 6km East of Ayia Napa. Length: 3.6km, Walking Time : 2 Hours This walk along the coast can be steep and craggy at times. Profitis Elias - Konnos Beach Starting Point: The little church of Prophet Elijah. Access from Cape Greko - Paralimni Road. The trail leads to Konnos Beach Length: 8.5km, Walking Time: 3 Hours Konnos - Spilia Kyklopa (Cyclops Cave) Starting Point: Konnos Beach Length: 2.4km, Walking Time: 1 Hour
Picnic Sites Agioi Anargyroi National Forest Park Cape Greko. 8km from Ayia Napa to Protaras on the right side of the road.
Attractions And Excursions
Kornos, Larnaca 2km from Kornos to Kofinou village on the right side of the road. (Lefkosia - Lemesos highway exit 11).
Natural Beauty Spots Potamos Liopetriou - A Fishing Shelter of Old 16km West of Ayia Napa. This picturesque fishing shelter on the coast is one of a kind in Cyprus. Although it is called ‘Potamos’ ie river, it is actually an inlet of the sea 600 metres long and 10-25 metres wide. Like all estuaries, the inflow of fresh rainwater and seawater creates an exceptional natural habitat. Larnaca Salt Lake - Home to the Flamingo Larnaca Salt Lake is a complex network of four salt lakes of different sizes to the west of the city of Larnaca. The largest is lake Aliki, followed by lake Orphani, lake Soros and lake Spiro. The lake attracts 85 species of water birds with estimated populations between 20,000–38,000. Among them are 2,000–12,000 flamingoes who spend the winter months here.
Green Dams Achna Reservoir - 25km North East of Larnaca Dipotamos Reservoir - 30 min drive East of Kato Lefkara Lefkara Reservoir - Near Lefkara village 40km West of Larnaca. Kalavasos Reservoir - 40km North East of Lemesos. Aradippou Reservoir - 8km North West of Larnaca.
C O M M U N I T Y
-
C H A R I T Y
-
P E O P L E
-
E V E N T S
Boy on the Bridge Recently I went to see a film which I had been eagerly awaiting. ‘Boy on the Bridge’ is a film in the Greek language with English subtitles and it is a story of a young boy living in a Cypriot village. The young lad goes through the various trials and tribulations of growing up and his life, as you would expect, centres around his family – especially his cousins. Socrates has a favourite pastime – setting off homemade fireworks and tormenting local villagers! This is the true story of a boy whose idyllic life in a Mediterranean village is disrupted by a crime that claims his innocence. What happens to Socrates, the boy and to his family and friends in a few days is tragic and heart-stopping. There is a twist in the tale too, which makes one want to see the whole film again – the sign of a good plot! The story is taken from the novel ‘Land of The Golden Apple’ by Eve Makis (I had the good fortune to interview Eve a few months ago for Daxi Magazine) and she had mentioned the film then. The film has won various accolades: 2016 29th European Cinema Panorama Film Festival – Best Film Award 2016 17th Festival Du Grain A Demoudre – Best Film Young Jury Cinephile Award 2017 Hellenic Film Academy – Nominated for Best First Time Director Award This enigmatic film, directed by Petros Charalambous and produced by Marios Piperides is well worth seeing, especially for those of us lucky enough to live in Cyprus. Written by Helen Barrett Daxi Community Writer
72
73
Keep Right On Till The End Of The Road One Wednesday morning a couple of years back or so, found me driving down the motorway heading for the weekly market at Ayia Thekla. The sun was shining as always, God was in his heaven, Adele was at number one and mom had made apple pie for tea. Life was good. What followed shows how quickly your whole life can be turned around in the blink of an eye. I noticed brake lights flickering on the road ahead and could not understand why. I found out soon enough. A large dark coloured saloon was heading our way on the wrong side of the motorway. I managed to keep well to the nearside as he passed my offside at 100 mph. The offending driver, an Orthodox priest with a long and overflowing Zeus like beard, was gripping his steering wheel and staring ahead with the icy determination of the Grim Reaper himself. Safe in the knowledge my moment of potential nemesis had now passed, I glanced in my rear view mirror. The vehicles following me were frantically flashing their headlights at him. Alas, he could not be deterred. He was determined to make it all the way to that Ayia Napa roundabout come hell or high water. No doubt the good Father had probably never heard of the song by the late Sir Harry Lauder ‘Keep right on till the end of the road’. Had he ever done so, and judging by his behavior that day, I’m sure he would have greatly approved the song’s lyrics and sentiment. But there again, should you truly believe you have friends in high places; then I guess it was not so much of a big deal for him after all. by Clive Gardner
All the Difference in The World Every Sunday morning I take a light jog around a park near my home. There’s a lake located in one corner of the park. Each time I jog by this lake, I see the same elderly woman sitting at the water’s edge with a small metal cage sitting beside her. This past Sunday my curiosity got the best of me, so I stopped jogging and walked over to her. As I got closer, I realized that the metal cage was in fact a small trap. There were three turtles, unharmed, slowly walking around the base of the trap. She had a fourth turtle in her lap that she was carefully scrubbing with a spongy brush. “Hello,” I said. “I see you here every Sunday morning. If you don’t mind my nosiness, I’d love to know what you’re doing with these turtles.” She smiled. “I’m cleaning off their shells,” she replied. “Anything on a turtle’s shell, like algae or scum, reduces the turtle’s ability to absorb heat and impedes its ability to swim. It can also corrode and weaken the shell over time.” “Wow! That’s really nice of you!” I exclaimed. She went on: “I spend a couple of hours each Sunday morning, relaxing by this lake and helping these little guys out. It’s my own strange way of making a difference.” “But don’t most freshwater turtles live their whole lives with algae and scum hanging from their shells?” I asked. “Yep, sadly, they do,” she replied. I scratched my head. “Well then, don’t you think your time could be better spent? I mean, I think your efforts are kind and all, but there are fresh water turtles living in lakes all around the world. And 99% of these turtles don’t have kind people like you to help them clean off their shells. So, no offense… but how exactly are your localized efforts here truly making a difference?” The woman giggled aloud. She then looked down at the turtle in her lap, scrubbed off the last piece of algae from its shell, and said, “Sweetie, if this little guy could talk, he’d tell you I just made all the difference in the world.” Author Unknown
Every month we will feature the best creative writing and poems sent in by our readers. Contributions should be submitted no later than the 5th of the month prior to print. Max 400 words. Send your contributions to: info@thedaxigroup.com either in a word document or the body of an email. Don’t forget to include your name and where you live. 74
75
BUSINESS AND SERVICES
BUSINESS FOR SALE
WINDOW MAINTENANCE - THROUGHOUT EASTERN
Children’s Equipment Hire company
CYPRUS
For sale, includes all stock, web site and domain name, this is
Window Blinds, Fly Screens, Glass Replacement. Window &
a business with plenty of potential, for further details
Patio Security Locks, Home Maintenance Service.
TEL: John 99009104
TEL: David on 99059920 or www.window-maintenance-cy.com
WANTED FATCATZ MOBILITY SHOP Advice, Sales and Rentals of Disability Equipment. Certified
Bay Tree Kennels are in need of kennel cleaning help and
First Aid Courses. Also, Giant Games For Weddings and
general assistance please.
Parties For Hire. 31 Elefterias, (opposite SNOB) Dherynia.
Also needed, cat and dog food, old newspapers, dustbin bags,
Open 10-1 and 4-6 Weekdays, Wednesdays pm Closed.
detergents, disinfectants, large brooms etc.
TEL: 99297750
Tel: Oroklini 99548462
CHIROPODIST - FULLY QUALIFIED -THROUGHOUT EASTERN CYPRUS
EMPLOYMENT
Mandy Psaras MSSCh. MBChA. - Treatment of corns, callus, fungal Infections, Ingrown nail, Orthotics, Verrucae. Diabetic
ACCOUNTANT REQUIRED
Footcare, Footcare Products & Free Advice.
Freedom Dolls Initiative are looking for an accountant that
TEL: 99401903 or e-mail: chiropodycyprus@gmail.com
would be willing to do all accounts voluntary until funding is received.
HOLIHIRE RENTALS
Contact Nicola 96354632
For Hire – Mobility Scooters, Wheelchairs & Disability Equipment. Large Range Of Children’s Equipment,
HAIRDRESSER WANTED
Pushchairs, Cots, High Chairs, Walkers, Sterilisers etc.
To join our team at Beauty by Liz in Protaras.
Camp Beds and More.
Please call Liz on 96491480 or call into the Salon
Tel: 99076507. Delivery and Collection Available.
PROPERTY FOR RENT Meet Up Club – Paralimni Area HOUSE FOR RENT In Nicosia, Dasoupoli Area by the Police Head Quarter, 5
If you’re on your own, do you want to meet some likeminded
Andrea Xaralampidi Street. 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Toilets, Living -
people for pleasant and social gatherings, at various
Dining Room, Laundry Room, Kitchen, Garage. Full size Plot, Equipped and Furnished. €1100 per month. TEL.: Andreas 99304539
restaurants and outings. Any age or nationality welcome. Phone or text: 99225498
FOR RENT BRAND NEW TWO BEDROOMS APTM 50m from Malama Kapparis Paralimni, for the Summer Season Fully Furnished, Full Air Condition TEL 99 360 556
• Business & Service Adverts ONLY €75 inc. VAT for 3 months • Free Adverts to be no more than 30 words • Sorry no Property For Sale Adverts All Free Ads Must Be Renewed Each Month No Later than The 12th
76
77
Basic Greek Words And Phrases
Learn to Speak Basic Greek Words and Phrases
The language spoke in Cyprus is Greek. Knowing a few words or phrases of essential Greek always comes in handy and local people always appreciate any effort to speak the language even if it is just ‘Hello’ or ‘Thank you’. Here are a few key words and phrases to help you along your way. The English word is shown in bold with the Greek word underneath and the pronunciation / phonetic beneath that. The capital letters denote the sound where the emphasis or accent should be made.
Good Morning Kalimera kah-lee-MEHR-rah
Sorry Signomi seegh-NO-mee
Where Is…? Pou ine? POO EE-neh
Good Afternoon / Evening Kalispera kah-lees-PEH-rah
Yes Ne neh
I Want… Thelo THEH-loh
No Ohi OH-hee
How Much Is It? Poso kani poh-soh KAH-nee
What's Your Name? Pos se lene? POHS seh LEH-neh
Left Aristera ah-rees-teh-RAH
My Name Is… Me lene… meh LEH-neh…
Right Dexia thek-see-AH
Do You Speak English? Milas Anglika? mee-LAHS Ang-lee-KAH?
Open Aniktos ah-neek-TOHS
I Don't Understand Den Katalaveno then' kah-tah-lag-VEH-no
Closed Klistos Klees-TOHS
Good Night Kalinikta kah-lee-NEEK-tah Goodbye / Hello Yassou (informal) YAH-sue Yasas (formal or plural) YA-sas How Are You? Ti kanis? tee-KAH-nis Well / Good Poli kala po-LEE kah-LAH Thank You Efkharisto eff-kah-rees-TOH
Can You Help Me? Borite na me voy thee se te? bo-REE-teh na me voy-THEE-se-te?
You're Welcome / Please Parakalo pah-rah-kah-LOH
What Time Is It? Ti ora ine? tee OH-rah EE-neh
Key Words and Phrases English - Good Morning Greek - Kalimera Pronunciation kah-lee-MEHR-rah