Paphos Digest
July/июль www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com
Published By Fitzgerald Marketing Solomos Court 74 Apostolos Pavlou Ave Kato Paphos Cyprus 8046 Tel: +357 26 930345 Fax: + 357 26 930929 e: contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.com web: www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com Cover Photo: Elea Estates Ascot Ladies Day
Why Fitzgerald's? We aim to bring you the BEST VALUE properties in Paphos and now they are even better value... * A Safe Investment * No VAT charge to pay * Fully equipped * You can move in NOW Most of our properties either have the Title Deed issued, available or are in the final stages of Land Registry approval. Fitzgerald Marketing only list properties that are safe to buy and have a full record of any encumbrances on each property.
Featured Property
Peyia Luxury in Park-like setting. Perfectly positioned in the popular and picturesque Peyia Village, this charming home offers an ideal environment for the consummate entertainer. Reference: 1264 (See page 8) We continue to advertise our world class website on the famous British property website ‘Rightmove’, the Cyprus Mail, Essential Paphos magazine and the Russian magazine ‘My Island’ (Moi Ostrov) attracting sellers as well as buyers. We are seeing consolidation of prices at current realistic levels. As more people wake up to the fact that this is a wonderful opportunity to buy villas, prices will increase however prices for apartments will continue to be soft because there is a big oversupply of these types of properties.
Cyprus in the 'News' Composing monthly newsletters can be daunting at times but with Cyprus taking centre stage in world affairs, we do not know where to begin, since there is so much ‘news’ in the air. The caption “Cyprus applies for the EU bailout” is unpalatable news as you can imagine, but it is also says a lot about the Cyprus population’s malaise in spotting a short term ‘fix’ that in the end leads nowhere. Cyprus has the largest public sector employment in the whole of Europe, who regularly earn more than one and half times the free market level rate, without paying social insurance contributions, and with full job security, etc, etc.
Daryl Fitzgerald
The state of our public finances was laid bare before the latest news however. Russian money came to the rescue earlier in the year but, unfortunately, most of it went to pay for the bloated public service. €700million inherited from the previous government also found its way out of the state coffers too. Now it looks that the end is nigh, come the 1st of July, considering the fervent search for funds. Cyprus holds so much promise for all its citizens but holding the private sector hostage is not the strategy for national success. The esteemed President states the ‘he’ decides what has to be done on the economy on the one hand, and on the other, takes no responsibility for any of ‘his’ policies. This was aptly demonstrated, in his, now famous, interview of 1st of June, 2012, a month before Cyprus takes the Presidency of the EU, where the President pointed out that his last three economy ministers ‘did not know what they were doing’ and that the EU urgent directives to address the Cyprus finances as ‘not applicable to Cyprus’. Undoubtedly, in the annals of history someone may ask why Cyprus’s progressive generations are sold on the same arguments, lame party leadership, old political rationalization and acceptance of ‘liaise faire’ governance driven by vested interests for the last half a century. It will make for interesting reading / analysis. For now though, we all look in dismay as the much needed fiscal discipline rather than being rigorously applied, continues the national sport of avoidance. With the EU bailout all but inevitable, Cyprus is fervently juggling its options from the EU Rescue Fund (with all the strings attached to reform) and/or the bilateral loans from Russia and China. The interest from both Russia and China is high as is the interest of its citizens to secure property investments in Cyprus.
Fitzgerald specializes in properties with Title Deeds and loans are still available. However, nowadays the loan-to-value ratio has come down from 70% of the sale price to 50-55-60% depending on the buyer. At Fitzgerald’s, 30% of demand came from Russian buyers this year and interest from Russians is growing. The high end property investments attract Russian as well as high end investors from the Arab world trying to escape the turmoil in their region. The investment appeal in Cyprus property is also growing from China and the €300,000 investment threshold to allow investors to secure a permanent status visa is very appealing to Chinese and other non EU nationals. In the medium and long term, I firmly believe Cyprus has a rosy future. The large natural gas reserves will bring much needed investment. The sun and the sea, the lifestyle and the fascinating history hold huge tourist appeal in Cyprus as does investment in Cyprus real estate. Even in the tragedy of present events, property investors are coming to Cyprus encouraged by the once-in-the-lifetime opportunity to secure outstanding quality properties at fabulous prices. As a keen observer of the Cyprus Property market with over 20 years experience, Fitzgerald’s know the market and know about property marketing. At Fitzgerald’s we have expanded our workforce to cope with the constant flow of enquiries and interest in properties we market. If you hear that property investment is dead, don’t believe it…. with the Title Deeds in a savvy investor’s pocket, it’s an investment well made and there is no better opportunity than now!
Vacancy Part-time position on a self-employed basis After 7 years with us, our bookkeeper is retiring and so we need to find a suitable replacement. If you are an experienced bookkeeper with an accountancy background in the UK, then contact us. Using an Excel based system, you will be responsible for keeping the accountancy records up-to-date, bank reconciliations, calculating and submitting VAT returns and liasing with the external accountants where necessary. You need to have a flexible working attitude and an abundance of common sense plus a willingness to “muck-in”. You must be honest, trustworthy and discreet. This is a part-time position and NOT suitable for someone who just wants a job! Please send your CV to anna@fitzgeraldcyprus.com
Daryl and Anna visit Shanghai Taking a welcome break from the busy schedule in Paphos our destination was vibrant Shanghai. The distinctly European architectural heritage of Shanghai has survived the test of time and carries a distinctive Chinese ‘twist’ which makes the city particularly fascinating, not to mention a photographer’s ‘dream come true’. Although the sightseeing was on the agenda we were there to attend our daughter Mingqian’s graduation ceremony. The university’s sprawling campus was formally a vast convent with fabulous gardens and grand buildings and much of it is preserved and makes for a wonderful learning sanctuary. Mingqian studied extensively in UK, and did research in Germany as well, during which time she met our son Terry and they now live happily in Shanghai. Mingqian was awarded her Doctorate of International Law with High Distinction, a very pleasant surprise and a fitting valediction of her great talent. Not surprising she has been offered a post as a lecturer with the East China University. We were delighted to meet the President of the university, a keen historian, who had much to say about Mingqian’s achievement. To commemorate the occasion we presented him with a wonderful edition of Cyprus history through stamps. Young Daryl, came from Rotterdam for the occasion (where he fervently is seeking a post with an architectural firm for a year prior to his doing his Masters with London’s UCL) . Our daughter Andrea unfortunately had to work in London where she is carving a career as a professional photographer and was sorely missed by all, not least for her photographic skills. We are looking forward to the next Graduation ceremony which will be Anna’s for her Masters of Real Estate at Neapolis University in Paphos in 2013.
RAF Band Concert This year, The Band of The Royal Air Force College at Cranwell performed the annual concert. The Band includes RAF Swing Wing, the Big Band of the Band of The RAF College, (a lot of bands there)!!!!!!! Their varied programme included an arrangement of James Bond themes, a group of female band members singing a la Andrews Sisters, finishing with the normal “last night of the Proms” singalong. Organised and sponsored by The District Grand Lodge of Cyprus, around 1500 people bought tickets and sat around the Castle square by the harbour. This is the biggest charity fund-raiser of the year for the Grand Lodge and proceeds are distributed this year between the Cancer Support Group, Paphos and other charities.
The weather was perfect – a cloudless sky, warm even after the sun went down and not too humid – and for two and an half hours, we sat enthralled with the music. Of course it helped to have bought a beer or a glass of wine at the refreshment tent. Just one small gripe about the people who didn’t pay for tickets, but sat at the end of the Castle area listening and watching for free – next year, why not pay €10 for a ticket, it’s all for charity.
Lynda is retiring!!! After more than 7 years, I’ve finally decided to retire and do all the things I planned to do when we first moved to Cyprus in 2005 (and never got round to doing)! Over the years I’ve met thousands of people who’ve come to the office to buy or sell or just popped in for a chat and made good friends with quite a few of them. So many in fact that work is interfering with my social life!!!!! From the original half day a week, as the business has grown, so has my time spent working. It’s never really felt like work and accountancy became a very small part. Viewings, valuations, taking photos, writing property descriptions - all of which have added strings to my bow and have made the work so enjoyable. I expect a part of me will miss the work and I will have to learn not to talk to my husband on a Saturday afternoon when the rugby is on tv! I will also miss my colleagues and especially Anna and Daryl, however I got a promise from them that I will still be invited to the Christmas “Do” and other events. So, we are looking for my replacement and further down the newsletter is the advertisement for the position. Have a look and if you think you might fit the bill, contact us.
'The Office' Being a family business we have one office centrally situated close to and in walking distance of both the Harbour and the Tomb of the kings Road. From the harbour walk up towards the Begonia Garden centre at the traffic lights and we are on the left just before the “Wishing Tree”. Coming from the Tomb of the kings turn right at the traffic lights (or cut through by the Roman Hotel) and we are a short way down on the right just after the “Wishing Tree”. Office hours are 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you are working and only have your lunch break to come and see us, you are welcome!
Featured Property
Peyia Style Villa Park-like setting entertainer.Perfectly positioned in the popular and picturesque Peyia village, this charming home offers an ideal environment for the consummate entertainer. You have the luxury of a generous 800sqm plot, landscaped to offer varied garden themes and distinctive entertainment zones.Central to Mediterranean lifestyle is the joy of outdoor living and here you’ll entertain in surroundings that are utterly romantic with an ambiance of Arabian Nights to complete this ideal setting. Illuminated by floor lights, the timber walkways meander across the thoughtfully landscaped low maintenance garden. Strategically placed spotlights highlight a wide variety of feature trees and shrubs and numerous candle lanterns (many a permanent fixture throughout the garden) softly diffuse the evening air. Set against the background of a sparkling swimming pool, an impressive gazebo with voluminous drapes catching the breeze and cushion scattered divans……it’s
tantalisingly inviting! Adjacent to the kitchen, a custom designed outdoor dining deck is surrounded by fragrant and aromatic shrubs. The villa stands slightly apart and features its own charm. You are greeted by precisely sculptured topiary to one side and a voluminous fig tree on the other. A small lobby opens to an interestingly laid out open–plan living area with angular supporting columns, exposed beams, strategically suspended designer lighting and wide windows. The interior design combines the colours, textures and shapes that masterfully blend the whole to comfortable, stylish and leisurely comfort for its occupants. Fashionable splash-backs, downlights, black granite workspace, top quality appliances and a massive American fridge…it’s a ‘can do’ kitchen for a modern hostess requiring a high level of functionality yet projecting a minimalist air. The three bedrooms are simply brilliant. The master bedroom comes with a cutting edge lighting system (including down lights over the built-in wardrobes), and an ultra modern wet room en-suite. The balcony (shared by the master bedroom and 2nd bedroom) offers fabulous panoramic views over the countryside and the vast stretch of your garden. This is a property for a privileged lifestyle. Here you’ll enjoy a level of privacy, peace of mind and seclusion that underpins this unique lifestyle. It’s a relaxation haven for you, your friends and family. A rare offering. Ref: 1264
Art in Paphos With Paphos for vying for the European Capital of Culture in 2017 the municipality is keen to promote art and culture in its many forms. Recently Elham Razani an Iranian artist who has taken up residency in Paphos had an exhibition of her works which was opened by the Mayor of Paphos Savvas Vergas.
Elham with Savvas Vergas
Elham is a professional Fine Artist with over 15 years of painting experience, she was born and raised in Iran and attended school there where she received an Arts diploma. She explained that art, particularly painting, has always played a key role in her life. She started painting in the classical realism technique but later decided to study different techniques starting with abstract, post modern and Special Conceptual techniques of painting.
After some years of experimenting Elham decided to use a mixture of these techniques in her works feeling that the experimentation had inspired her and in turn helped her to create more exciting work. Her new work has given her much more of an audience than before which now spreads well beyond Iran. Her exhibitions have drawn quite a number of art enthusiasts who have given a positive response to her creations.
Now Elham also teaches art in Paphos and encourages her students to experiment and express themselves and be creative. You can view her website at www.elhamrazani.com
Macbeth at Ancient Curium Friday, June 22, saw the opening night of this year’s Shakespeare at the Curium event. It was the 50th full length Shakespeare play performed there under the auspices of the Performing Arts for Cyprus Charities. To celebrate, a group of amateur and professional actors and crew presented one of Shakespeare’s best known tragedies – ‘Macbeth’. It was directed by Anthony Pike, a drama teacher at Foley’s Grammar School in Limassol and two-production Curium veteran.
A Pensive Macbeth, sandbags replacing the castle walls.
The 'Scottish Play' as it is often referred to is a well known play and it is a brave team who perform it in any way other than Shakespeare intended. As backing for such an event is limited and the aim is to raise money for charity the production could not be as lavish as some would have liked and the set was minimalist and the play was performed in the modern era.
Lady Macbeth & Macbeth
Banquo's Ghost appears before Macbeth to torment him in his guilt.
Any doubts that this would detract from the play were soon allayed as there were no concessions made to the story line or the dialogue. In fact the dialogue was excellent and it was obvious that the cast had put their all into achieving a performance worthy of any fully professional theatre group. Once over the intial impact of modern dress and mechanical transport we were able to absorb ourself in the delights of Shakespeare.
Macbeth and the Wyrd sisters (witches) who were far more glamorous than Shakespeare ever intended!
Hubble bubble toil and trouble, the wyrd sisters at work on Macbeth's behalf, the 45 gallon drum replacing the cauldron.
Macbeth faces up to Macduff, the thane of Fife who seeking revenge for the loss of his family kills Macbeth.
Paphos Aphrodite festival 2012 will present “Otello” Opera lovers should not miss the annual Paphos Aphrodite Festival that takes place in the coastal city each September. Every year the festival organizers invite a wellknown opera troupe to the city to perform an opera. Past performances include Verdi’s “La Traviata” and “Aida”, Bizet’s “Carmen” and Puccini’s “Turandot”. The Paphos Aphrodite Festival was organized for the first time in 1999, and since then has become one of the most popular events in Cyprus. The perfect mood and environment for almost any opera performance is created by the very location of the Paphos Aphrodite Festival. The event takes place in the open air at the square in front of the medieval castle of Paphos. The island of Cyprus is much like an open-air museum, rich in history and culture. So it is no surprise that the annual Paphos Aphrodite Opera has become one of the most popular event in Cyprus to date. The 14th Pafos Aphrodite Festival has announced its 2012 operatic performance will be Giuseppe Verdi’s popular opera “Otello”, performed by the Slovak National Theatre Opera on 7th, 8th and 9th September at the Medieval Castle of Pafos. This Company gave a beautifully staged production of ‘La Boheme’ in 2010. This years opera is an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play “Othello”, the plot is set at the Castle of Famagusta in the 15th century, where Othello, governor of Cyprus, returns victorious from the war unaware that two of his men, Iago and Rodrigo, are plotting to destroy him. Iago, wishing to satisfy his own ambitions, defames Othello’s wife Desdemona, convincing him that she is unfaithful to him with his Captain Cassio. Othello, blinded by jealousy, kills her but when he discovers the truth he is unable to bear the burden and stabs himself. There is a symbolic connection in this opera with the occupied city of Famagusta, and also to the international acknowledgement of Pafos Aphrodite Festival, this year’s Festival will be held under the auspices of the Cypriot Presidency of the E.U., a fact which adds to the prestige and recognition of the Festival. During the performances there will be simultaneous visual translations in the Greek and English languages via subtitles.
Out & About A Flavour of Paphos in Pictures
The Jubilee Celebrated
The British expat population of Paphos are always looking for an excuse to throw a party and what better one than the Queens Jubilee at the beginning of the month. Jubilee Celebrations sprung up all over the town and fortunately the weather here was somewhat better than that suffered in the UK for the event.
Royal Ascot Paphos Style
It was all about hats, as always at Royal Ascot Ladies Day Paphos style. 150 avid race goers turned up at Elea Estates Golf Club for their annual ladies day event full of hats, Champagne and fine food. The horses remained at Ascot but we got to watch them on the big screen. The event raised â‚Ź1000 for charity. Pictures courtesy of www.in-any-event.biz
What's On with Jezebel Music mania! Rock FM are fully into their Summer ‘more music less chat’ mood, music is springing up in festivals and venues all over the island. Talent shows abound too, making July one of the most varied months yet, with something for everyone. Enjoy! Sunday 1st July ‘Mark Widdler's Local Heroes’ plus guitarist Davey Woodford play the music of Dire Straits 8pm at Tala Amphitheatre, Stephanie Hill, Tala €5 on door 26653132 Friday 6th July Davey Woodford solo guitar-vocalist at the Frog & Toad pub, Coral Bay from 7.30pm Saturday 7th July Stammy Manolelis 7.30pm at Imogen's Inn, Kathikas Show your Talent competition 6pm at Markedeio Theatre with Russian, Cypriot, English and Georgia judges showyourtalentcy@gmail.com Sunday 8th July Show your Talent competition 6pm at Markedeio Theatre with Russian, Cypriot, English and Georgia judges showyourtalentcy@gmail.com Polis Charalambous, the Ethnic Jazz Group and students of the Paphos Academy of Fine Arts with piano accompaniment by Anna Xatzistathi 8.30 at Tala Amphitheatre, top of Stephanie Hill, Tala for St Michael's Hospice €7 adults €5 children 26220014 sla.law@cytanet.com.cy Tuesday 10th July Blue Jar gypsy jazz duo 7.30pm at The Stonehouse Inn, Peiga hill 96435181 www.reverbnation.com/bluejar Wednesday 11th July Chris King as Elvis 9.30pm at Campana, next to Friends’ Bar, Bar St 9.30pm 99039292 Thursday 12th July Open Mic night with 6 Strings Plus 2 8-11pm at DT's Bar, TOK Rd Kato Pafos off sea side. All welcome to jam 99798366 Friday 13th July Kyp solo multi-instrumentalist plays over lunch at The Lodge, the triangle, Kato Pafos 96792690
AbbaDabbaDo Dance Party with Andrew Oliver, Steve Martland, Wendi Kaye and Bonnie Marsh 7.30pm at Tala Amphitheatre, top of Stephanie Hill, Tala for Cancer Support €10 book online at www.groovejetmedia.com Saturday 21st July Paphos Zingers show choir ‘Zing GB’ at Kamaroudi Tavern main road Konia 8pm €5 99370103 Sunday 22nd July Acoustic Jam Session 3 - 7pm at The Phoenix, Kato Pafos (previously Seahorse) 96554525 Frontline Band plus percussionist Odysseus, guitarists George Funbus and Charlie and vocalist Wendi Kaye 8pm at Tala Amphitheatre, top of Stephanie Hill, Tala €6 on door 26653132 Wednesday 25th July The Reggae Rockers male duo 9pm at Theo Sunset Hotel Bar, TOK Rd Kissonerga Thursday 26th July Open Mic night with 6 Strings Plus 2 8-11pm at DT's Bar, TOK Rd Kato Pafos off sea side. All welcome to jam 99798366 Friday 27th July Jezebel sings wartime, golden oldies and showsongs at Moonlight Bar, Aloe Hotel, harbour road, Kato Pafos 7.30pm - midnight free entry Saturday 28th July Symbiosis rock band at Rose Pub, just off harbour, Kato Pafos 99013187 Monday 30th July Chris Andre at Rose Pub, just off Pafos harbour, Kato Pafos 99013187 Saturday 11th August The Music Master Game Show event with live music from Groovejet and a high tech high excitement live game show hosted by Lisa-Marie. Test your popular music knowledge or just enjoy the music. Doors open 7pm at Coral Star Restaurant Tavern, St George Avenue: just beyond the Coral Bay Strip turn, opposite new Philippos Supermarket. €15 includes three course hot & cold buffet book online www.groovejetmedia.com 26819562 For the most comprehensive and up-to-date live music listings in Pafos, check out www.groovejetmedia.com LISTINGS