Cyprus-Forum.com

[francesca]

A question to British expats living in Cyprus : How are you getting about without speaking Greek? I know English is the second language in Cyprus, but I noticed it wasn't spoken by Cypriots on a very high level if at all. I'd consider moving to Cyprus but would definately not want to learn Greek. I wonder if it is a good idea. My other concern is the cockroaches. Are there very many and is it difficult to keep them away from your house ?

[Hazza]

I'm assuming you have a phobia of cockroaches? There are a few over here but they are not too much of a problem. Its usually the brown ones over here that come up through the drainage system. Just put a cover over the plugholes and you should be ok.

Since August last year, I have seen 2 cockroaches in my house. Not such a bad stat for almost a year here.

As for English, if you go up to the villages and small towns, the locals rarely speak English. Nearer the touristy areas, most people speak English.

[cannedmoose]

I'd consider moving to Cyprus but would definately not want to learn Greek. I wonder if it is a good idea.

If you're not prepared to learn the language, then don't go. Speaking personally, I think it's quite an arrogant position to adopt, given that you are moving to their country and should do them the courtesy of at least being able to communicate in a basic way. I don't know how you get on in Monaco, I assume you speak French. Greek really isn't that difficult to get to basic grips with, once you know the alphabet.

Therefore, if you do move to Cyprus I would urge you to learn at least some Greek, it would make life so much more pleasant. But den pirazi, it's your life.

[petethegreek]

Dont worry about the cockroaches. I'll make sure Source stays in England while ur over there!!

[little.miss.sunshine]

haha i remeber the first time i went to my new house in cyprus while it was mid-built and a cochroach landed on my shoudler and i was running round with my arms in the air screamin 4 some1 to get it off. i almost cried!

[cannedmoose]

haha i remeber the first time i went to my new house in cyprus while it was mid-built and a cochroach landed on my shoudler and i was running round with my arms in the air screamin 4 some1 to get it off. i almost cried!

Same here. Having been in some pretty skanky places in the Middle East I'd seen small cockroaches before and didn't think much of them. First night in Cyprus, sitting outside on the veranda of my parents-in-law house... huge cockroach flew straight into my face, landed on the table and scuttled across it. I jumped about 10 feet in the air only for the others to fall about laughing as one of them casually stepped on it. Still hate the things, hence why I will have mosquito screens on the windows of my house when I ultimately end up there.

[little.miss.sunshine]

isnt it embarrasin when they just calmly sit there. its like when the huge killa wasp things fly within 10 fett of me i go into some kind of fit, waving my arms in the air and fleeing and everyone else just seems unfazed!!
can they actaully sting u? and does anyone no how i can get rid of them? i figurse out they 're attracted to water, coffee, tea and myself!

[cannedmoose]

isnt it embarrasin when they just calmly sit there. its like when the huge killa wasp things fly within 10 fett of me i go into some kind of fit, waving my arms in the air and fleeing and everyone else just seems unfazed!!
can they actaully sting u? and does anyone no how i can get rid of them? i figurse out they 're attracted to water, coffee, tea and myself!

Wasps have an affinity to me too and I a great dislike of them. The worst ones are the hornets that actively pursue you if you even wave a finger at them... I tend to have a can of repellent close at hand whenever possible!

[little.miss.sunshine]

ok from now on i will carry a can of repellent around with me at all times!!!!, if you spary them with it will they sting you??? and can they kill you with their sting?

[cannedmoose]

ok from now on i will carry a can of repellent around with me at all times!!!!, if you spary them with it will they sting you??? and can they kill you with their sting?

Only if you're allergic or if they sting you in your mouth or neck. If you spray them with something strong they tend to drop pretty fast, but if it's a hornet, its best to just leave it alone and if it comes at you, just move away from it as quickly as you can.