Cyprus-Forum.com

[queenslander]

On Monday they remembered the anniversiary of the Greek guy who tried to start to organise an army to repel the the british occupation. The brits caught him and burnt him alive These things are are not forgotten

[Baggieboy]

That would be Grigoris Afxentiou I believe, and it was the 50th anniversary this year.

[chrisp]

We emigrated to Cyprus 8 months ago.
Despite the fact I am GC because I dont look it (or so everybody says) every-one traets me as though I am not GC - by this I mean they automatically speak to me in English, and when I reply in Greek the difference it makes is that the conversation goes further.

True to say there are so many Europens here overtaking the working market that I think even GC feel like foreigners at times.

People usually treat you as you treat them - and if they dont thats their problem.
In general Greeks are VERY Hospitable and generous, but as in any country this cannot be said of everybody!
you seem very clued up and realistic about what to expect therefore as mentioned previously we are in someone elses country, and at the end of the day we have to respect their religion, tradition and mannerisms, and in they will respect that .

Good Luck
chrisp

ps my husband says if i'm glad i moved to Cyprus their's hope for everybody.

[Baggieboy]

Just a quick word to everyone for their input on this. There have been some genuinely heartwarming responses I won't embarrass you by naming you!) and also some excellent advisory ones too. I'm very pleased that people have felt able to speak openly and that we've enjoyed a good discussion without slipping into arguments.

We're trying to learn all the time and your input can only help us.

Kindest regards,

Richie

[miltiades]

Grigoris Afxentiou was the second in command to Grivas the EOKA leader who organised resistance to British rule. He died a true hero , not like these shit out in Iraq who blow them selves up killing innocent pilgrims , their own people , this is the difference between the civilized freedom fighters and the savages out in Iraq, who smile to them selves while committing suicide , ignorant bastards.

[zan]

Just a quick word to everyone for their input on this. There have been some genuinely heartwarming responses I won't embarrass you by naming you!) and also some excellent advisory ones too. I'm very pleased that people have felt able to speak openly and that we've enjoyed a good discussion without slipping into arguments.

We're trying to learn all the time and your input can only help us.

Kindest regards,

Richie

Enter Miltiades

Grigoris Afxentiou was the second in command to Grivas the EOKA leader who organised resistance to British rule. He died a true hero , not like these shit out in Iraq who blow them selves up killing innocent pilgrims , their own people , this is the difference between the civilized freedom fighters and the savages out in Iraq, who smile to them selves while committing suicide , ignorant bastards.

[rotate]

Baggieboy. Head for that inland village, preferably somwhere that is Britless find the coffee shop and the Muhktari and ask how you and yours might be accepted in the village, you'll probably be offered a cup of coffee a brief history of the village and most likely put in touch with someone who wants to sell a house or land.

Rural Cypriot village living beats urban Cypriot or UK life hands down and being the token Brit has its advantages over being one of the thousands of Brit 'villa' dwellers in the new coastal developments or a village that has ceased to be Cypriot in all but name. We get very well looked after by our neighbours and its a pleasure to live in a place where your home does not need more security measures than Fort Knox on a bad day. Of course living in a small community is not a one way street, so its not just take you've got to give as well!

As for the anti's, well you can find them anywhere depending upon the type of place you frequent or how you are and what you do, I've never experienced it in almost forty years of living on and off in Cyprus and never from two of wife's elder brothers who fought against us with EOKA. The nearest I've come to anything bordering on anti British sentiment was when protests were being held by school kids/students in Larnaca against the Annan Plan. A student shouted 'Oxi' in my face and I told him that he had bad breath to which he embarressingly apologised and then walked away, I've certainly been in more dangerous situations just going to the shops in the UK.

My wife never experienced any anti foreign attitudes in the small English town where she was/is one of the few Cypriots, she made friends with her neighbours introduced some of them to the delights of Cypriot cooking and generally gets on well with everybody. The unheard of 'Bubble' description of her race had to be explained by her N. London based brother who lives among a large Cypriot community.

Go out on a limb and find a place where you wont find what you already have in the UK and explore a different way of living. One Brit is a guest a thousand are a threat!

[Baggieboy]

Hi Zen,

I don't think Miltiades was arguing, just making a point about a man who, whether he was a friend or an enemy was a man of honour is still respected in Cyprus - as opposed to the anonymous suicide bombers now, so no offence taken on my part. I've read an awful lot about that period of time and suffice to say I understand the situation in Cyprus in the 50's a lot better now.

Also, great post Rotate - you've really hit the nail on the head about how we feel and what we're looking for. Kakopetria is my current favourite, but we have lots of exploring to do yet!

[G.Man]

On Monday they remembered the anniversiary of the Greek guy who tried to start to organise an army to repel the the british occupation. The brits caught him and burnt him alive These things are are not forgotten

Perhaps if people could learn to forget the transgressions of past govts, and not apply "elephantine memory" the cyprus problem would be a lot closer to being solved.

Hero or Zero is merely how history remembers someone, if Hitler had won the second world war, we would all be speaking German, and He would be remembered as a great hero. Doesnt make it right tho

[rotate]

On Monday they remembered the anniversiary of the Greek guy who tried to start to organise an army to repel the the british occupation. The brits caught him and burnt him alive These things are are not forgotten

Perhaps if people could learn to forget the transgressions of past govts, and not apply "elephantine memory" the cyprus problem would be a lot closer to being solved.

Hero or Zero is merely how history remembers someone, if Hitler had won the second world war, we would all be speaking German, and He would be remembered as a great hero. Doesnt make it right tho

Maybe I'm just an old cynic but as I've said before on this forum take a much closer look at the giant statue of Grigoris Afxentiou that stands close to the place where he died on Machairas. You may be just a little surprised at what you discover if you look hard enough!