wiki

Since I knew next to nothing about my new home a few weeks ago, I thought I would share some of the tidbits I've garnered.  I still have a tremendous amount to learn, so be patient as I try to fill in the gaps in information.


Cyprus is a small island in the Mediterranean.  So small and so remote that google maps does not recognize it and the Weather Channel has no comprehension of the capital city.

It's Nicosia, by the way.  (Nih-COH-see-yuh)

The island is small.  I think we saw a reference once that put it as about the same size as Massachusetts.  In all honesty, I think Massachusetts is bigger.

To make it even smaller, the island is divided in half, the south being the Republic of Cyprus, the predominantly Greek region.  The north is occupied by Turkey, calling itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.  Only Turkey recognizes this as a country.  I find it odd.  Apparently the Turks invaded in the 1970s, leaving a battered capital and a whole lot of barbed wire fencing behind.  Oh, and a giant Turkish flag that lights up at night on the side of the mountain.  The mountain overlooks Nicosia and the flag is ginormous and imposing.

Greek is the de facto language, though nearly everyone we've encountered speaks English.  I like to say this is because the island used to be a member of the British Commonwealth but I believe it has far more to do with tourism and the high presence of international business.  Brits flock to the island to get some sun.

Citizens are called Cypriots.

They drive on the lefthand side of the road and use the same sort of outlets as in the UK.  Again, I place this on the Commonwealth.  (Mr. F, I am pleased to report, has been rockin' the backwards driving and has managed to get to and from work everyday thus far in a fairly timely manner without much incident!)

Member of the European Union.  Non-Schengen.  Use the Euro.

Roads go in whatever direction they like.  Someone told us that if we get lost, turn around at the sea.  My standard has been that the mountains indicate north, but when I can't see the mountains because of the buildings, I'm utterly confused.

Our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was only recently recognized officially by the Cypriot government.  This means we can now put up signs and buy property.  Should be a fun experience!

Cypriots don't eat dinner until eight o'clock at the earliest.  I like to be in bed by the time they're getting to the appetizer.

Concrete is the building material of choice.

There are four main cities, Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos.   Apparently the good beaches are in Larnaca.  I'll report back on that later.

Birds SWARM at certain times of the day.  There won't be a critter around, then all of a sudden, birds starting singing together all at once.  It's beautiful and mildly creepy.

Public transportation is next to non-existent.  There are so many cars it's like being back in the D.

There's no H&M.  Personally, I didn't think you could be a member of the EU without having an H&M.  Shows how much I know...