Cyprus: August 5-7, 2015

It took about two hours by plane from Greece to Cyprus. Geographically, it is nearer to the Middle East (Syria, Egypt etc.) than to Europe. The country is however a member of the European Union.

It had a financial crisis in 2012 and 2013. The economy started to recover, with the help of the EU, and it recorded the first positive growth in the first quarter (January- March) in 2015 after the crisis.

I only visited Nicosia and some other places and it was hard to find the aftermath of the crisis.

The highway from Larnaka Airport to Nicosia was well developed. The number of the automobiles was relatively small.

It was so hot. The temperature went up over 40 degrees. It was extraordinary for the country.

Nicosia has been divided into two parts since 1974. The southern part of the island is ruled by Greek residence while the northern part is inhabited by Turk people. Nicosia is the last divided capital in the world.

I walked along the border in southern Nicosia. The roads were blocked by barriers. (see also the top photo).

I found the “Berlin Wall No.2” café at the side of the border. 

I also found a design in the caps of sewage holes which symbolized the divided city. (see also the 2nd photo from the top).

There is a check point through which we can go up and down between the southern part and the northern part of the city. 

Each Greek and Turk administration has its gate. The left picture is Turkey-side gate.

There is a space which is managed by the U.N. between the two gates. 

The border is called the “Green Line”, which runs through not only Nicosia but also the whole island. The total length is about 300 kilometers. About 800 U.N. soldiers guard the line.

The atmosphere of the two parts was quite different.

The shopping streets in the southern part of Nicosia are modern. They were full of foreign tourists. Historic place such as Byzantine Museum were well arranged.

I found many mosques in the northern Nicosia. 

The streets and the shops looked older than those in the southern part.

I also visited mountainous area in the central part of the island. 

Many villages are trying to attract people with “agro tourism”. 

They sell local products.
The landscape was beautiful.