Strolling through the age-old streets of Nicosia, I'm enveloped by the echoes of my youth, where every stone and corner holds a cherished memory. The scent of freshly ground coffee from the Agios Antonios market mingles with the vivid recollections of laughter and shared secrets. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of Venetian walls, my heart first learned the rhythms of this city. Nicosia, with its enduring splendor and resilient spirit, has grown alongside me, a testament to the timeless bond we share. This city isn't just my home; it's a part of me, a tapestry of past and present, woven with the threads of countless lives and stories.
The city of Nicosia is blessed with an abundance of breathtaking scenescapes, outstanding historical attractions and plenty of fun and exciting things to do. The area is one of my favorite places and has provided many fond memories from early childhood and all of the years since. The city has grown with me through the decades and changed considerably but it continues to shine equally as bright as my first recollections, and I am honored to call this area my home. Beautiful is a subjective destination of the mind, a verdict often relying upon loose opinions and quick glimpses of the eyes. In order to understand the depth of my love and experience the true majesty of Nicosia, it is best to share a little of my history with you. Please take my hand and let us travel back and forth together and experience the glory of Nicosia past and present.
My first images of the city include trips with my grandfather at age three to the Agios Antonios market. I can still see his brand new light blue Opel Ascona and smell the thick air pouring out from the mixture of foods which surrounded us. I relive sounds of laughter together and share our joy from nearly 30 years past. Today, the market is only about a two-minute car ride from my home in the Lykavitos area. I am blessed to be only a blink away from the city center and close enough to the highway to make outings to other cities a breeze. There is a lovely park with a hill nearby and where my dogs enjoy walking me. Anyone who loves dogs understands that nothing is more pleasant than having beautiful backdrops to share with your pets and even though some might say they walk their dog, I’m certain our dogs are saying exactly the same to each other about them walking us. The market was completely modernized several years back, but it still preserves the old-world charm and provides a great setting to shop while taking in some of the greatest Cypriot culture available.
I chose an apartment only a short walk from my parent’s home, and I live there in the neighborhood of my youth. More than twenty years ago I remember running and climbing the trees that were around in the huge open areas which are long filled with progress since the economic development and building of the university. My same friends that played together as children and roamed the football fields as we aged are still close at heart, and we remain a part of each other’s lives. Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios elementary school is where I began my early lessons, and it was named after the great interpreter from the late 18th century who was known for his extraordinary education, vast wisdom and gracious generosity to those in need. His former home is currently a tourist attraction, and the story behind the man is well worth discovering. In the vicinity of the Akadimia Park is the Gymnasio Aglantzia where I continued schooling.
The city took on more of a significant role in my life as time passed. After the Gymnasion, I went to Lyceum, the famous and historical Pancyprian Gymnasium. It was opposite the archbishopric within the walls of the old city of Nicosia. It is the region which is surrounded by the Venetian walls which elegantly adorn the entrance. The walls are what provide a unique character, a powerful thread of history tying the present to the early 19th century when they were rebuilt. The legendary Severious Library and the Liberty Monument were each a part of my daily view for years. The historic Famagusta Gate is close by the area, and there is no shortage of great sights to see. Agios Ioannis, (St. John’s) Cathedral located in the Paphos district and the Agios Antonios Church, where I spent many Sunday mornings over the decades. Each time I pass by I still stop and look in awe at the unaltered splendor. I remember participating in the mystery by keeping the Cherubim. Religion and customs and tradition remain as strong forces in our culture today. One can not only feel the sense of historical importance which exudes from Nicosia; they will notice the never wavering pride of the locals.
Up until the late 1980’s, the heart of Nicosia was in the old town. As businesses expanded the area was forced to swell in size to accommodate the growth. Although the expansion involved only a few minutes walking distance by foot, the difference in the change of scenery created a much less historic backdrop for conducting everyday business. The old town started to be comprised by mostly tourists, and as I completed my two years of army duties and started attending the University of Cyprus, I began distancing myself from the old town. With my first dog, Elie, my beautiful girl, the Siberian Husky, and my favorite car, a red Audi GT, which I still have today, the two of us became a part of the scenery which many friends and family members still remember today. Elie was full of energy, and we became regulars to Akademia Park and all of the spots in the area, including the city center. My dear, Elie passed last year, at the age of 14 but people still stop and share their memories of how much energy she brought into the world and how friendly she was with everyone.
For those who are visiting Nicosia for the first time, I can understand exactly how they feel. I studied abroad in Stockholm and Milan because I wanted to try something different during my graduate education other than the common choice of the UK. Living in Milan had always been a dream of mine, and it was time for me to chase that dream. In 2008 and 2009 I realized that even though the world had a lot of different things to offer than the small slice of heaven of my island, more was absolutely less when it came to that tiny world near Nicosia. Sweden and Italy were exceptional, and I enjoyed them very much, but nothing can even hold a candle compared to my home, my Cyprus. Chasing a new dream that I felt I had always wanted made me realize that after catching it my dreams could always venture far away in my mind but my heart and soul were destined to be located in Cyprus.
Snow evokes in us a sense of childlike wonder. It paints white over the scenery, using a thick brush and wide strokes. The snowy blanket snuggles everything and puts life itself to a cozy nap. That blanket is woven out of many snowflakes, each of which is unique, landing right where it did for a reason. We know the reason but can’t explain it except — it’s there to create a winter wonderland
The Troodos mountains are a sight to behold in the winter, when snow covers the peaks and valleys like a white sheet. The road winds through the hills, providing stunning views at every turn. If you’re looking for an escape to a winter wonderland, take a drive through the Troodos mountains!
Mighty trees proudly jut out from under their snowy makeover and nod their heads as we drive along. Their entourage of shrubs looks like silhouettes of a crowd, standing by with dignified grace. They cherish the snow too and invite you to come out of the car and join in on the fun.
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