Amidst the comforting embrace of family and the familiar shores of Nicosia, I found my resolve. What began as a mere excuse to return transformed into the most profound decision of my life. In the whisper of the waves and the laughter of old friends, I heard my soul's loud call to stay — a call to return to where my heart truly belongs.
On a vacation visit to the island with my family before submitting my Master’s thesis I reached out for an excuse to bring me back to the beach and the short distances to everything and everyone which are the most special – my Elie who I missed too much for words and my circle of people who hold each other tightly together without fail – my friends who call me Omorfos because I am easy to get along with and they are the same to me. I knew if I did not make a choice to find a reason to stay I might not return forever. I applied for a position and decided to accept employment with IBM. What once may have been regarded as an excuse to return to the island may have been the answer to many questions which were yet to come in my future. It still stands as one of the best decisions I have made during my lifetime. I believe that when our souls cry out loudly enough for our minds to hear them it becomes something that requires immediate attention. I listened to what was being asked of me from my inner-self. It was the part of me who understood what was best and the importance of returning to the place where I belonged.
I was able to spend six more incredible years with my wonderful Elie in the land where we were meant to walk. The sights became as fresh and glorious as the first time I saw them in my youth and the island began to shine in my life brighter than ever before. Jobs became difficult to find, and I was lucky to have been a part of the last hiring wave. Finally, after the economy took a tumble in 2013 and provided what many call the bank haircut, everything changed concerning financial matters. With everything in chaos around all of us, there remained the strongest of all bonds which held family and friends even closer than ever before. Together we endured, and eventually, we prevailed.
As the economy started to recover after the disaster and eventual bailout in 2013 people started to find their way back to the old town area with the rents being reduced and hope and opportunity gradually reintroduced themselves to the local economy. A new trend began for the ancient city, new tricks, if you will for an old dog who many felt might never learn to sit up again. Wine bars became a popular attraction to the old town, and it was there that I started to spend time. Dreams have a way of finding you and bringing you to the places you are meant to be and surrounding you with the people who are destined to remain in your life forever. My island has always been the place where love was invented, just read the history – Aphrodite herself says it is so, and who am I to disagree? Today I join friends for drinks, dinner or mezedes and the echoes from the centuries still linger in the architecture of old town Nicosia. There is not even a whisper about the catastrophe of a few years back – that small stretch has been washed away in the city’s memory which has more centuries to lean on than any brief patch of unsteady footing.
Now I walk in the same park with my two Akitas. Aimi is a female Akita 3 years old and Bakudai, a male Akita 1-year-old. The park has actually grown in popularity in recent years. I like to think that my Elie, who passed away last year probably had a lot to do with bringing dog walking front and center on the stage of family, fun, and friends. Now, many people gather to relax after a hard day at work in the evening, running to clear their stress away or just finding the gentle peace which comes with the evening in Nicosia. It is a paradise and probably the best place on earth for those who are new to the area, feel free to take my advice on how to get the most of your visit.
The Cyprus Museum – With rooms covering every period from the Neolithic Period to the Byzantine Era. Ancient artifacts, including weapons and tools, statues from Salamis as well as the gods are only a few highlights of the place that recreates the story of Cyprus for all to share.
The Makarious Culture Foundation and Byzantine Museum – For those who love great art the 220 pieces are an absolute must see. Mosaics that will astonish and captivate all visitors are readily available to the public eye.
The Leventis Museum – For those who appreciate history, this is the stop that might make the visit all by itself. The award winning museum helps visitors to better understand the various influences throughout the various time periods of the island.
Finding the way is easy at the Famagusta Gate which boasts of the best preserved Venetian walls. Lined with multiple coats of arms the site is close neighbors with the Paphos Gate and Roccas Bastion who are more renowned for roles in modern history.
Constructed in 1572 the Buyuk Han is preserved and remains an excellent example of the old-world accommodations for merchants from more than five centuries removed. With shops and cafes, it is a great stop while soaking in the historic splendor of the city.
The Selimiye Mosque – It started out after 52 years of building as the Church of Agia Sofia in 1326 and has been a Mosque since the 16th Century during the Ottoman Empire. It is one of the most memorable sights in all of Cyprus.
Old Town – Complete with another couple of museums and more history than any person can digest in a single day Old Town Nicosia is a magnificent place to spend as much time as can be spared on any given visit to the island. The shops, the restaurants, the culture is so thick the air can barely contain it.
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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