Cyprus-Forum.com

by **danyem1** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:16 pm

I am an American that will be studying abroad in Cyprus and the Greek isles this summer and I am just trying to get a feel of what to expect when i travel to Cyprus, i will be traveling throughout the country from early june to late july but i will mainly be in Nicosia. I am curious about everything and i don't really know what to expect when it comes to whether, nightlife, wine, beer as well as what is normal when it comes to tipping? I am also a big sports guy so i wasn't sure if there are any pubs or bars that i would be able to see American sports or champions league soccer. What restaurants are good in the Nicosia area at a reasonable prices and what kind of local food should i try? I do enjoy a good drink preferably beer, red or white wine as well as whiskey, are there any good vineyards or brewery's on the island that also sell commercially? I don't speak Greek and i have heard that English is widely spoken, is this true and will this hold me back from communicating with locals as well as finding things i need? The last thing i was wondering is how has the transition to the Euro and the rate it is pegged at affected prices on common goods, i'm kind of worried about my finances due to the dollar being so weak. If there is anything thing else that will improve my journeys please let me know.

Thanks for you time,
Dan

by **beverley10** » Thu Feb 28, 2008 11:37 pm

Hi Dany, You will find no problem with the language as most people speak english in shops and restaurants,taxis etc.The little village populations among the older people speak mainly Greek and are delightful.Just get a phrase book and try a few sentences which will be appreciated.The Greek cypriot food is very tasty and fresh and most little tavernas you get a good meal with wine for about 8-10 euros. It will pay you to hire a car on Cyprus as public transport is a bit hit and miss.Supermarkets sell beer and wine(in carton and bottle) at a very reasonable price so it should'nt break the bank. Night life is mainly small bars and tavernas but i believe there are night clubs as well in certain tourist big town areas.Mainly full of drunken youth iff it's your kind of thing.June and July very hot in Cyprus so invest in a fan iff you are renting cheaply!A good insect repellant will be handy too.Have a great time while you are in Cyprus,it has good and bad points as any country,but on the whole it is lovely and the people are welcoming too.

by **Get Real!** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 12:09 am

danyem1 wrote:I am an American that will be studying abroad in Cyprus and the Greek isles this summer and I am just trying to get a feel of what to expect when i travel to Cyprus,...

Expect a place that bears no resemblance to the US.

by **Nikitas** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:04 am

No resemblance to the US? Really? Most Americans I know who have been to Cyprus were very comfortable there, found lots of things in common with America. Except for the crime that is. My cousin from New Jersey asked me which were the safe streets and districts in Nicosia, it took me a while to understand what he was on about.

Danyem, everything you want you will find in Cyprus. Except for live sports broadcasting of American sports. You will have to tune into CNN for the updates there.

by **Filitsa** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 1:15 am

Get Real! wrote:
danyem1 wrote:I am an American that will be studying abroad in Cyprus and the Greek isles this summer and I am just trying to get a feel of what to expect when i travel to Cyprus,...

Expect a place that bears no resemblance to the US.

GR, I hope you're not on the Chamber of Commerce. :roll:

by **danyem1** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 3:47 am

Thanks for the input guys, I'm sure there will be many differences as well as some similarities with the US but that is part of the reason why I am traveling, so i can experience different types of cultures and learn in a new environment. If you can get into specifics that would be awesome, especially types of food that i could only experience in the Mediterranean or Cyprus as well as specific restaurants, taverns and shops. Thanks again for the input, i sure it will make my travels less nerve racking and more enjoyable.

by **Sotos** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 11:44 am

There are several wineries in Cyprus and we have our local beer. There are many pubs that show sports but not American sports. They show Cypriot and European mainly Greek and British. In restaurants and cafe you can give a tip of about 10% if you want.