Franxesca, ex_pat, Ladies and Gents.
I have just read through this lot from start to finish and perceive that what started out as a question deteriorated into what it is now. Might I suggest because people do not take the time to absorb all that has been written, in the context it is written & in the spirit so obviously intended. I appreciate it is difficult to put feeling onto paper but if we perhaps work on the assumption that there is good in people prior to considering that their motives are belligerent then we can remain civilised.
Francesca - Mr cannedmoose has helped hundreds of people similar to yourself in a fair, unbiased, honest way in accordance with what he believes and might I suggest his answer to you was with the best of intentions and very sound in its advice which could only benefit you. There would be too many to mention who would have given you the exact same advice. It would then be for you to decide if you wish to accept it.
Ex_pat – I truly am sorry you feel the way you do. Whatever has made you feel the way you do must have been upsetting & I hope you manage to address the issue. Once again as much as I dislike divulging too much apart from Cyprus I have had homes in Cheshire, East Anglia and Hampshire apart from many other countries. Not might I say due to my non existent wealth but because of my work. I have visited Skegness, Cleethorpes, Grimsby, Mablethorpe, Gt Yarmouth, Lowestoft etc. etc. and dare I venture to suggest Mr cannedmoose is, whether we like it or not, generally right. There are of course perfectly average, very nice people there too but as a general observation he is not wrong.
The point however is that perhaps Cyprus is the type of Country where a little humble blending in and embracing local culture is welcomed whereas, to make the point, loud, vulgar and dismissive attitudes combined with open displays of disposable wealth perhaps do not go down too well. It will suit some but not all, it would not do for us all to be the same so please accept the advice in the spirit it was intended, as an impartial observer it saddens me to see this sort of thing degenerate when I see there is no need.
All the best to you all