Thank you VP for your kind coments in the other topic, but I think it will be more appropriate to chat here.
Halil thank you also for your kind words and for wanting to meet. Before I do that I wish to say a few words and I hope you do not find my request offensive. I am happy to meet with you and others on the forum, however, I prefer to meet with people who are pro unification and those who share my values and dreams for one Cyprus for all Cypriots, otherwise we'll be arguing about who is right and who is wrong ad after having visited the rest of Nicosia yesterday I am really not interested in that stuff. I saw peoplewho laughed and smiled and were happy and friendly. I will be available for a meeting in Lefkosa after the 24th. Cheers
Okay here it goes people.
After a great flight from Australia and a bit of a scary time in Dubai after my mother fell ill we arrived last Friday afternoon. In true Cypriot style I walked through customs without worries, surpried my koumbaro who did not expect me to.
I felt at home a feeling that I did not experience in 2000 when I came. It was nice to see the family of course and visit our village. On the way to Nicosia I could see that Cyprus is a fast developing country with lots of wealth. Having spent a couple of days at the village I decided to venture into Nicosia. To me it feels very similar to Australia, climate and anemities etc.
Then I came accross Ledra street and the wall that still stands a very sad experience. However very excited to hear Turkish being spoken nearly everywhere. Of course I cannot understand anything but feels fabulous to hear the language and a sense of excitment knowing that people are feeling confidenat and comfortable and accepting. I felt a sense of inner joy that puts a smile on my face and a feeling of it being right for me, it feels like the right thing to be happening.
We soon got hungry so wee decided to have a tiropita and Cypriot coffee. As per usual being asked where we came from and how long we have been away. But still being trully Cypriot. Most people concerned with work and costs of living and comparisons. Of course one cannot compare Australia and Cyprus it just cannot be done. I have decided that I really like Cyprus and that I could consider living here. A feeling that surprised me.
I decided though to renew my Cyprus ID card and get an EU passport and so I went to the appropriate department only to be surpried to hear and see so many Cypriots of a Turkish linguistic background, ( I am going try and be very politically correct as I see all Cypriots as that).
Having got my ID card I decided to see the rest of the Nicosia that is currently on the other side of the fence, (I hate that fence and I hate what it represents). Feeling a little nervous at the crossing and a bitlost I managed to cross. I decided to use my Cypriot ID cardf as opposed to the Australian passport. I didn't like the computer taking my details but I thought it doesn't matter at this stage. All that done I began my journey and even though a bit weary I was surprised at the smile on my face as I waked around, I turned right and what I will refer too as the old Nicosia. I felt comfortable with people speking Turkish and comfortable among the crowds. Though I quickly noticed that there were no tourists but a few german couples and perhaps a couple of English couples. The two flags hanging everywhere was a bit intimidating for me and of course the atturk statutes were a bit overwhelming. The lack of English on the signage was the most scary thing for me. I walked through the square and was happy to see happy relaxed people enjoying their coffee. In a sense i felt a modernity about the place that surprised me. I walked around browsing at the shops and finally I arrived at the market place, that was one of the highlights there was a familiar sense of smell about something that I remembererd as a child. Having gone to the market place at Palio Thimarhio the day before to find it nearly empty I was thrilled to come accross this wonderful market place. Having enjoyed the sound of music, smells, language and people being so friendly and humble I decided to keep walking. Soon I left the market place and came accross Ayia Sophia, I went inside after having removed my shoes kneeled down and prayed, yes for a United Cyprus, (tears running down my face, tears of joy and hope).
Then continued along my tour, behind the mosque there were children playing ball in the streets and laughing, I got a few curious looks from adults but I managed to leave my paranoiah behind. Then an army truck went by which I found a bit daunting but was okay once it passed me by. Walking through some of the streets behind there I saw some very happy but poor conditions.
Then I walked along the old city wall, before I knew it though I came across a big road with lots of traffic and I kinda lost a sense of direction which cause me a slight anxiety. A big petrol station on the other side of the road a huge buildg (the lack of English does not help a tourist adnI felt quiet anxious as I continued along and of course I cannot be specific about the building that I came accross). However on my left there we football fields a park and lots of happy relaxed people.
By thta time I felt that I needed to move on and go back. So I did a loop went past a tourist information booth (feeling more comfortable at the knowing that I could get some instructions). Moving along I came to the square I first arrived and knwing where I was I felt confident again. After a couple of hours of walking though I decided to return as my cousin was waiting for me to take me to his home to meet his children and and wife.
We hang around for a while then he took me to my Koumbaros place where my Godson took me for a cafe visit and to meet his girlfriend then to his uncle's place a god friend of mine for lotsa zivania and mezes.
And here I am now at the internet cafe.
Well friends chat soon.
Andreas
