4au 6 septembre : Festival de Pafos : Opera

Chaque été, à l’ancien port de Paphos, à l’extérieur des murs du fort médiéval, l’Aphrodite Festival présente un classique de l’opéra. L’Opéra National de Sofia présentera ” Lakme “du compositeur français Léo Delibes. “Lakmé”, en trois actes, est considéré comme l’un des opéras les plus exotiques jamais écrit et son prélude est censé être l’un des plus sensuels

28 Août – 6 Septembre : Festival du vin

Le Festival du vin a été organisé pour la première fois en 1961 et est devenu depuis un événement annuel établi divertissant et drôle offrant une atmosphère joyeuse aux visiteurs du tout Chypre et de l’étranger. Le Vin en fût est offert gratuitement chaque soir.
Organisateurs : les Services Culturels de Limassol.
Lieu: les Jardins Municipaux de Lemesos.

Septembre : Festival traditionnel des montagnes du Troodos

« culture de la vigne et produits à base de raisins »

Organisateurs : Communautés des Villages producteurs de vin d’Arsos, Dora, Vasa et Potamiou.
Le festival comprend un grand mélange de démonstrations culturelles, de représentations allant de la danse à la musique traditionnelle, des visites guidées aux expositions de nourriture et boisson, des arts et artisanat aux foires et évènements.

Outre le Chili, Chypre peut se vanter que c’est un des rares pays producteurs de vin dont les vignes ont jamais été altérées par le phylloxéra – qui a conduit à de stricts contrôles douaniers sur les autres vignes.

Sept. – Oct. : Festival international de « Kypria 2009 »

Un événement culturel majeur organisé par les Services Culturels du Ministère de l’Education Nationale et de la Culture. Plusieurs spectacles (danses, concerts, théâtres) de grande qualité à Nicosie, Limassol et Larnaka.

Informations au 22 80 09 85.

Siden vi ikke hadde leiebil eller noe slik på Kypros, så ble vi med på en sånn veldig turistisk rundtur av øya med buss, guide, og alt som hører til. Vi var vel igrunnen de yngste på bussen, men var helt greit det alltså.

Første stopp var en kjapp titt på Aphrodite’s Rock, og da mener jeg kjapp, fem minutter fikk vi til å ta bilder og titte på spektakkelet, og det syns jeg egentlig var litt kjipt, siden det var det jeg hadde mest lyst til å se av alle stoppene. Samtidig skjønner jeg jo hvorfor vi ikke ble der så lenge – var jo bare et par steiner på avstand, men jeg hadde liksom sett for meg at vi skulle parkere litt nærmere og så få lov til å gå på stranda der en stund da, men men. Fint var det lell!

Akkurat der den midterste av de tre steinene er var det Aphrodite kom ut nyfødt fra havet, etter at Hera hadde kappet av penisen til Zeus og kastet den akkurat der. (Ja den guiden hadde masse slike koselige historier på lur!) Jeg tror ihvertfall det var slik historien gikk.

Etterpå kjørte vi opp gjennom Trodos fjellene og fikk høre masse fortellinger om hvordan ting var der og historien til Kypros og så videre. Inkludert en hel del historie om den Tyrkiske invasjonen i 1974. Nå var vel kanskje ikke den Grekiske guiden den mest objektive personen til å fortelle denne biten, men det er vel ingen Gresk-Cyprioter? Det var veldig interessant likevel! Hadde vært enda mer interessant å få høre den Tyrkiske versjonen av hele konflikten, men merkelig nok traff vi ikke så veldig mange Tyrkere på den ‘frie’ delen av Kypros.. hmm…

Ihvertfall, Trodos fjellene så veldig koselig ut. Angret nesten litt på at vi ikke bestilte en rundtur i fjellene også, men man kan jo ikke gjøre alt!

Vi stoppet i Odomos, en landsby oppe i Trodos fjellene, der vi titta litt på The Monastery of the Holy Cross, og kjøpte diverse souvernirer. Bland annet kjøpte jeg meg en hekla duk av en gammel dame, som med en gang jeg hadde kjøpt den la en helt identisk en på samme sted som min hadde lugget. Tror nok de er vant med turister der oppe i landsbyen!

Handlet også en flaske Comodaria – tydeligvis en veldig kjent dessertvin fra Kypros, men klarte heldigvis å motstå å kjøpe andre ting som selgermannen bare la oppe i posen min og ville ha penger for (Pete måtte hjelpe meg litt der, jeg er så dårlig på å si nei)
Så bestemte vi oss for å skippe å se den 100 år gamle vinpressen, og tittet litt rundt selve byen istedet.

Slike vinranker var det masse av! De hengte litt rundt omkring og jeg hadde så lyst til å plukke ned noen druer og smake, men jeg fikk ikke lov av Pete. Og jeg rakk ikke opp selv heller. De var sikkert ikke modne enda da, og ganske sure – det trøster jeg meg med hvertfall!

Etter en times busskjøring med enda mer Kypros historie ble det et lite stopp ved denne kirka, dedikert til Jomfru Maria tror jeg? Var veldig fine frescoer der inne, men var ikke lov å ta bilde, så det ble bare dette. Den lå så fint til med masse oliven trær (tror jeg da) rundt omkring! Og en oliven-allee faktisk! hihi

Neste stopp var Nicosia, hovedstaden på Kypros.

Etter en bussrunde gjennom gamlebyen og forbi ambassadene, fikk vi lov til å gå rundt for oss selv en times tid, så vi tok en tur langs hovedgaten, syntes vel igrunnen det var enklest siden vi ikke hadde så lyst til å gå oss vill på bare en time.

Hovedgaten i Nicosia var jo egentlig som alle andre gater, Starbucks, Next, Topshop, etc. Kunne jo nesten vært som en vilken som helst High Street i Storbrittania (hvis man så bort ifra varmen)

Helt til man kom til enden, eller forsåvidt mitten av gågata.

Det er nemlig her byen er delt i to, Nicosia er visst verdens siste delte hovedstad, og det er bare to år siden de rev ned muren her og åpnet grensa for at ‘vanlige’ folk skal kunne gå mellom det frie Kypros, og det okkuperte Kypros, etter at de Tyrkiske butikkeierne lenge hadde klaget på at det var så mye turister på den Greske siden, og ingen på den Tyrkiske som de kunne selge ting til.
Vi hadde dessverre ikke med oss pass, og hadde fått streng beskjed fra guiden at vi ikke burde gå over uansett, siden Tyrkerne tydeligvis liker å skape trøbbel, og det kan ta lang tid å komme seg tilbake igjen, så vi fikk være fornøyde med å titte over til den andre siden istedet!
Vi så forøvrig en hel del av bilene til FNs freddstyrker, og det var litt sånn rart å se syntes jeg!

Etter en helt middelmådig lunsj var vi tilbake i bussen igjen, og da begynte den verste delen av hele turen. Ut av Nicosia, som det var 35 varmegrader i, i en buss som hadde stått stille i solsteiken uten aircondition i en time! Guiden prøvde å holde humøret vårt oppe med å fortelle om alle bygninger vi kjørte forbi, men det var jo ikke det mest spennende siden det bare var alle de forskjellige bankene som finnes på Kypros. Ikke helt min greie.

Siste stopp på reisen var Larnaca. Det var faktisk heller ikke så veldig interessant, siden vi bare fikk 15 minutter på oss, og vi rakk såvidt å stikke nedom strand-promenaden som var full av turister, og dessuten var midt oppi renovering og veiarbeide. De andre var en tur innom St. Lazarus’ Cathedral, men vi rakk ikke det siden vi valgte å prioritere å kjøpe mere vann (Tror vi drakk opp ca 4 Liter vann hver denne dagen)

Reisen hjem var heller ikke så mye å skryte over. Jeg var sur og på dårlig humør, og hadde fått en slags reaksjon på varmen eller airconditionen eller noe, og øya bare rant og rant. Det var akkurat som da jeg fikk øyekatarr for et par år siden, og det var ikke noe morsomt å sitte i en buss på en motorvei på vei hjem da! Ikke engang historien om hvorfor det er så mange katter på Kypros hjalp! Og humøret ble ihvertfall ikke etter Limassol, der guiden gikk av, siden bussjåfføren da bestemte seg for å spille gresk folkemusikk på full guffe, hele veien hjem! Det eneste som holdt meg gående en stund var en pakke mentos pastiller som jeg frenetisk tygga, og Pete turde nesten ikke snakke med meg :p (Det gikk over når jeg kom hjem da, etter en stund! Men øya var ikke helt gode før dagen derpå!)

Jess, det var den dagen. SÅ får vi se hvor lang tid det tar før neste innlegg fra ferien kommer!

we went to Paphos….

we stayed at the Aliathon holiday village, view from the balcony…

we did the “all inclusive” (don’t ask, not by choice) and ended up eating this every day for lunch! Needless to say a huge bowl of pasta was had on disembarking  the plane:)

normal service to resume shortly…

ciaoxx

Ayia Napa

• Adams Beach Hotel
• Grecian Bay Hotel
• Grecian Park Hotel
• Callisto Holiday Village
• Napa Mermaid Design Hotel & Suites
• Napa Plaza Hotel
• Grecian Sands Hotel

Paphos

• Amathus Beach Hotel paphos
• Annabelle Hotel
• Azia Resort and Spa Pafos
• Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Venus Beach Hotel
• Almyra
• Aloe Hotel
• Aqua Sol Holiday Village
• Aquamare Beach Hotel and Spa
• Avanti Hotel
• Avlida Hotel
• Iberostar Ledra Beach
• Imperial Beach Hotel Paphos
• Pafian Park beach Holiday Village
• Paphos Gardens Holiday Resort
• Sentido Pafian Sun Village

Tredje dagen i Paphos tok vi veldig med ro.

Tok bussen opp til Coral Bay, lå på stranda i et par timer – jeg badet, men Pete liker ikke å bade i saltvann så han satt bare på stranda. Vi valgte den stranda med minst folk. Oppdaget såklart senere at det var en grunn til at det var så lite folk der! To trinn ut i vannet og så forsvant bunnen stort sett rett ned! Om man var heldig fant man noen ekle steiner å stå på, men man kunne ikke se noen ting siden vannet var så grumsete med all sanden som ble skylt ut med bølgene!

Så jeg stakk et par turer bort til den andre (folksomme) stranda, der det var langgrunt, og krystallklart vann så man kunne se rett ned på sandbunnen man gikk på, og dermed unngå all ekkel sjøgress  og tang! Mye bedre.

Etter stranda dro vi og spiste lunsj – jeg spiste Canneloni som smakte som fyllte pannekaker.. ikke favoritten min akkurat men Hallomuien vi fikk til forret var  mye bedre!

Etter lunsj – tja hva gjorde vi da? Tror faktisk vi bare lå ved bassenget ved hotellet, før vi gikk bort til bakern for å kjøpe kveldsmat og lunch til morgendagen, og resten av kvelden tilbrakte vi på verandaen som vanlig.

(Ble mye strandbilder idag gitt, men det er jo ihvertfall fra to forskjellige hav…)

Vi landa i Paphos ca 4 på ettermiddagen lokal tid, (to timer foran Storbrittania). Fem timer på flyet var igrunnen ikke så farlig som jeg hadde trodd, for det første var vi jo på vei til Kypros, og for det andre så sovna jeg et par ganger og det var skyfri himmel stort sett hele veien så det var en del å titte på fra flyet! 

alt ordna seg fint med transfer og insjekking til hotel og slik. Leide nøkkel til safety deposit boksen på rommet, og stæsja inn pass og diverse greier der før vi bestemte oss for å finne et sted å spise, noe som var veldig enkelt siden det var flukst av diverse tavernas og andre spisesteder rett utenfor hotellet. Men det var også bare 20 minutters gange til havna så vi gikk rett og slett ned dit og titta oss litt rundt omkring.

Fant ut at flip flopsen igrunnen var helt ubrukelige siden jeg hadde blodige gnagesår mellom tærne etter ti minutter, så det ble rett inn på en turistshappe å kjøpe stygge rosa fake-crocs, men det var igrunnen verdt det, det å slippe å gå i flip flops eller barbeint resten av kvelden! (Så var de også greie å ha ved bassenget resten av ferien)

Så ble vi mer eller mindre kastet inn på en resturant (eller ‘inn og inn’ vi satt jo igrunnen ute) og spiste vår første Kypros middag, mixed meze’s som jo er litt av hvert. Igrunnen ikke det beste jeg har spist, kan tenke meg at det ikke var det smarteste kvalitet’s og økonomi-messig å gå ned til turist havna og spise middag, men vi hadde jo greit utsikt da

På Onsdagen tok vi turen til Tomb of the Kings som er masse gamle gravkammere til overklassen som bodde i Paphos sånn ca 2000 år siden. Det var jo fint der, det var det, men veldig dårlig med informasjon egentlig om hva som var hva etc. Guide-heftet vi fikk var mer som en novelle om hvordan de gravde ut alt, plus at det var sigarett stumper overallt i gravkammerene, og gravene som man kunne gå ned i.

Men det var jo interessant å se likevel, og så var det finfin utsikt!

Etter Tombs of the Kings var vi nødt til å ta oss en drikkepause på en av resturantene like ved, før vi gikk opp til markedet som lå litt lenger oppe. Gikk forbi en del ‘eksotiske’ frukttrær på veien, som appelsin, banan, granatepler, kaktus, og et par til, og oppe ved markedet fikk vi kjøpt fersk frukt, mere vann, og en del postkort.

Etter at vi hadde slækka litt ved bassenget på hotellet gikk vi ned mot havna igjen, men langs strandkanten denne gangen, siden det var blitt litt mildere ute. Og så fikk jeg dyppa beina i middlehavet også!

Vi spiste derimot ikke ute den kvelden, men kjøpte med oss ferskt brød, fetaost og oliven hjem som vi spiste på verandaen til hotelrommet vårt mens vi spilte kort. Jeg tapte.

The beautiful island of Cyprus is the chosen holiday destination for a number of celebrities, including Peter Andre. It’s no wonder he bought a villa in Cyprus, where he can holiday with his family in an idyllic location.

Many celebrities holiday in Cyprus, one of the greatest islands of the Mediterranean and also one of the more popular tourist destinations in the world. With it’s beautiful white beaches and crystalline hot Mediterranean waters, a holiday to this island will be time spent in a tropical paradise.

Celebrities have recently cottoned on to the fact that Cyprus is a top holiday location and are buying more and more the luxury villas available in Cyprus. Peter Andre, singer and TV personality, is just one of the many celebrities to own a villa to enjoy his Cyprus holidays. With two small children, a beach holiday is the perfect option for him and his family.

Another celebrity making the most of Cyprus is multimillionaire Briton, Phillip Green, who celebrated his 50th birthday there recently, along with Tom Jones, George Benson and Rod Stewart in a one of the more luxurious hotels in Cyprus. Although Phillip Green does not own a villa in Cyprus, the island is one of his preferred destinations to go on holiday.

Because the celebrities choose Cyprus, it’s no wonder that many choose to own holiday villas in the hope of mingling with the stars when they want a holiday on the island. With a magnificent range of beaches to choose from, the island offers something for everyone.

Western Cyprus provides isolated coves for those wanting to steer clear from the crowds of tourists. A beautiful beach is the one of Kapparis, where the low golden sands and waters may attract those who typically want a day reserved on a beach frequented by locals.

Phinikoudes is a stereotypical Mediterranean beach on the island, with palms, bars on the beach and restaurants abound. Many of the holiday villas in Cyprus are placed a short walk from this idyllic beach and you can most of make its location by enjoying a short stroll the beach every day. The beach enjoys calm waters, perfect for hours of total relaxation.

Pachyammos is another beautiful beach in Cyprus, where the smooth sand and clear waters provide stunning views, guaranteeing a relaxing swim and plenty of places to bronze.

The tourist areas of Cyprus are not only as pretty as a picture, but rich in island culture also. When staying in a villa in Cyprus, there are a number of sites well worthy of a visit. For instance, Maa-Palaiokastro is interesting and provides a great day out when holidaying in the Western part of the island. Choirokoitia is a fascinating prehistoric site to visit, where you will be transported through time and discover the history of the island. The tombs of the kings are also definitively worthy of a visit, with the fascination of the underground tombs providing an interesting excursion for the Cyprus tourist.

This Mediterranean island offers ideal holidays and its reputation between celebrities is a testament to it’s superiority as a luxury holiday destination. Flights to Paphos and other airports in Cyprus can be booked through independent travel agents with ABTA and ATOL protection for financial security.

Har kommet hjem fra Kypros nå. Litt brunere, og litt blondere hår kanskje, men ellers det samme.

Legger vel ut litt bilder og slik etterhvert men nå må jeg stikke inn til byen og kjøpe busskort og hente Marit.

Monarch took an extra 63 percent in flights to Larnaca during August of 2009 compared to the same month in 2008.

Monarch also revealed that more people were reserving flights to Menorca and Gibraltar, an increase in demand of 45 percent and 30 percent respectively.

Liz Savage, the flights and holidays manager, said that one half-full of Monarch destinations proved ” favourites”, ” The increase in passenger numbers to Cyprus in August demonstrates again clearly that when the clients have an option, they prefer to fly with Monarch, ” she commented.

Monarch offers flights to Cyprus from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester. A survey by the airline revealed recently that 70 percent of British tourists are flying in the hope of catching the last of the holiday sunshine.

Si cum spuneam, marti dimineata – dis, ne’am urcat poponetele in masina si am pornit decisi catre Paphos, capitala insulei pe timpul Imperiului Roman. Urma sa vad orasu’ statiune pe timpu’ zilei si mi’l imaginam cu ruine, situri arheologice…cand colo…Statiune in adevaratu’ sens, mare, plina de turisti, aer foarte umed, soare si ciuciu ruine si situri arheologice. Si cum mergeam asa abatut de soare pe strada, vad o placuta ce se ridica timid pe la 1m inaltime ce indica existenta unor situri arheologice.

Imi iau verii de manuta, fuga la masinuta si hai sa vedem siturile. Cum nu au scapat asa usor de mine ne indreptam cu pasi mari da’ viteza legala spre cel mai renumit sit: Mormintele Regilor. Denumirea ii provine de la faptul ca, influentati de egipteni, cipriotii au vrut sa aiba un loc sacru unde sa fie ingropati regii lor. Din nu stiu ce motiv – revolutie, credinta, ciuma, morti ce constau in disparitia regelui, elodii – pe locu’ cu pricina n’au mai fost inmormantati regi. Ci boeri. Da’ acum nu mai e nimeni acolo. Decat aia de la poarta si turistii.

Eh, ajungem, platim intrarea si stanga sau dreapta? Hai inainte. Hai. Si intram in primu’ mormant. Io intru asa un pic temator gandindu’ma ca acolo a locuit vreme de cel putin cateva sute de ani o persoana si poate ca sufletu’ lui este inca prezent in acel loc. Asa ca…bat usor cu mana in pietroaiele de la intrare:

- Dom’ spirit…nu va suparati.. fac cruce cu limba de 3 ori in gura, scuip in stanga, dau sapca jos din cap, iau nitica tarana de pe jos si o arunc in spate si pasesc. Cu Parkinsonu’ inainte! Bag capu’ usor, stanga-dreapta si il trag rapid inapoi. Is in Cipru, nu? Asa ca il bag din nou, dreapta-stanga, nu vine nimic si intru. Trag 2 poze si o zbughesc pe usa afara. Scuip in treacat:

- Sorry sir…chiar in ochi l’am nimerit!

Si ma alatur verilor mei. Mergem pe la celelalte morminte, ignorand cararea principala.

- Ia uite o soparla!..exclam nestiind cum sa ma comport – ma gandeam ca unde’s soparle is si serpi. Da’ lasa…nu cred ca or fi si aci.

-  Uite mai multe soparle…striga var’miu. Uite si un sarpe. Acolo, i se vede capu’ si finalu’. Il vedeti?

- Da… zice sotia lui.

- Unde? Ba tu razi de mine, stii ca fac pe mine doar daca aud ssss…

Si continuam periplu’ printre buruieni catre mormantu’ 2. Nu mult…

- Aaaaa…sarpele…si incep sa sar peste buruieni, directia carare. Inutil sa va zic ca fusei la o palma de moarte, nu? ma rog, exagerez acum, erau vro 4-5 metri intre mine si el. Da’ cand vezi moartea atat de aproape, mai ales o moarte asa de rece, mare si veninoasa, parca vezi prin ochii lu’ Hassan pe Mihaita Viteazu’ agitandu’si barda catre tine. Bine, nu era mare, nu cred ca avea nici macar 1m lungime…da’ nici io nu’s mare de stat, da? Asa ca furam chit…

- Gata! Nu ne mai abatem de la carare…nu ma intereseaza ce morminte pierd, io n’am de gand sa vizitez spitalele din Cipru si mai ales sa fiu alergat de jivine.

Si incepem turu’ mormintelor mari. Fel de fel de grote construite: pentru mancare, copii, animale, averi, etc. Si gasesc una asa faina, cu 3 intrari, ma postez pe centru, calibrez telefonu’ sa fac o poza faina, pun si blitzu’ si cand apas pe declansator…o mana iese din grota centrala. Dupa mana asta mai iese inca una…monstruoasa. Dupa mana asta monstruoasa iese un cap cu serpi zbatandu’se pe viata si moarte…

- P..a mea…Medeea?

Si auzind vocea mea, se ridica catre mine si ma privesc 2 ochi de am simtit cum ma ia cu lesin si treaba mare in acelasi timp. Simtii cum ochii aia imi fixeaza cerebelu’ nelasandu’mi sangele sa curga si deodata jivina deschise gura si lasa sa se vada 2 siruri de dinti ascutiti…auzii o serie de cuvinte intr’o limba ciudata, probabil blesteme si incantatii. Ramasei pironit. Rosu’ din obraji se duse pe apa sambetei, bronzu’ meu deveni dintr’o data alb, picioarele incepura sa’mi tremure…iar bestia se apropie de mine, isi intinse mana acoperita cu solzi verzi si avand niste gheare ce erau capabile sa’ti scoata mucii din fund. Inlemnii…nu putui nici macar sa tip ca lasii…

- Did i scared you? Well, you scare me too…

Ma sterg la ochi…o blondina cu ochi albastri imi zambea. Ingan ceva, ma intorc, fac 2 pasi pana dupa prima coloana si o iau la fuga de imi dadeam cu calcaiele in ceafa. iesit din mormant, ma asez p’o piatra unde incep sa respir si sa ma gandesc ca’s cam prostut din moment ce m’am speriat asa. De o fata. Si draguta pe deasupra. Ma ridic, rad de mine ma mai uit la mormant, ii vad capu’ ca apare de dupa scari si ca se uita la mine, ma albesc si o iau iar la fuga. Halal Sangerica!

Nu va mai zic ca faceam mormant – poza si cand dadeam sa plec aparea ea pe acolo. Astfel ca, in loc ca turu’ sa dureze 2-3 ore, in 45 de minute eram afara. Record. De acolo, am decis sa plecam inspre cateva satuce de pe coasta, sa vedem niste plantatii de cactusi si banane. Inainte de asta…bereeee. Si gasim o terasa, ne asezam, vine o alta blonda vorbind o engleza perfecta la masa. Dupa 2 minute pleaca sa ne aduca un meniu – atunci o inteleseseram. Dupa 30 de secunde revine. Dupa 5 min pleaca sa ne aduca comenzile – atunci intelesese ea ce vroiam noi. Si cand se intoarce, manca’o'ar tata, zambind ea ca o floare asa, asaza berea in fata lu’ var’miu, apa in fata vara’mii si cand sa’mi puna ea si mie berea in fata, vede cum incep sa asud uitandu’ma la ea. Si astfel, ochii nostri se intalnesc, buzele schiteaza un zambet timid pe fata fiecaruia iar berea din paharul meu ajunge pe hainele mele. Se scuza rosindu’se si’mi mai aduce un pahar. Plin.

Eh, trecem peste si plecam…vedem plantatiile de bananieri si p’alea de cactusi – ce aveau fructe coapte. Si cum sotia varului e insarcinata si plina de pofte (de parca sarcina ar fi o scuza), ii cere lu’ var’miu fructe de cactus. Var’miu se duce sa ia, io fac poze si aud:

- Da’ tu nu te duci sa’l ajuti? Ca nu cred ca poate sa imi aduca_cate poftesc…

Si ma duc si io, ce sa fac. Si culeg, injur, scuip, scot 2 tepi, mai culeg, mai intra vro 10 in palma. Mai culegem si rodii, ca pofta femeii era mare. Si plecam. ne oprim la Coral Beach.

- Singura plaja cu recif de corali din Cipru…superba…zice var’miu. Numa ca acum nu mai are corali.

Plecam de la plaja asta si ne oprim in Limassol. Vizitam un castel medieval din centru’ orasului. Nu am avut voie de fac poze, asa ca m’am alergat cu var’miu pe cotloanele castelului. Am plecat si de acolo cu destinatia acasa. Unde au urmat 2 zile de stat – ca var’miu a trebuit sa fie prezent la munca -, de cumparat cadouri pentru acasa si de plimbat mai bine prin Nicosia. In fine, joi seara, plecam catre Larnaca, unde ne plimbam pe bulevardu’ mare de pe faleza. O multime de oameni la baruri si terase, pe strazi, pe ponton. Si la un moment dat:

-  Saraca inima mea…aoleooo, sa moara toti dusmanii…

Si trece pe langa noi o decapotabila de d’abia se mai tinea in tabla cu 2 romanasi in ea.

-  Bine coaeee…da’ mai tare… tip si io.

Si au dat mai tare. Plictisit de Larnaca, i’am luat pe veri de mana si ne’am intors acasa urmand ca vineri sa mergem la plaja. Facusem cu sor’mea un  pariu: cine se intoarce mai negru din concediu primeste ceva de la celalalt. Ea fuse pe litoral 1 saptamana, la italieni. Da’ tot io am castigat. Ce? Nimic, ca ametiti cum suntem nu am stabilit o miza. In fine, revenim…

Si plecam la plaja. Ajungem, plaja libera, nisip fierbinte. Ne asezam prosoapele si intram in apa. Merg si io mai in larg, calc apa, inot, ma zbengui si iar inghit apa. Dupa vro ora de balacit, ne retragem la mal unde incep sa joc cu var’miu tenis/ping-pong d’ala cu palete de lemn si mingiuca de cauciuc. Si jucam noi, ne aruncam prin apa, ne zbatem doar-doar se uita vreuna la mine. Ca chitisem un cuib de 2 cipriote pe plaja. Da’ ele nu ma chitisera. Asa ca dezamagiti, ne ducem la prosoape si desfacem cate 1 bere. Incepem sa bem, tipa pe care o ochisem se ridica si incepe sa se unga cu uleiuri. Ba fratilor, avea un corp de as fi uns’o io cu bale ca aveam un debit de dadeam rusine si Amazonului. Ce mai, parca ar fi fost sculptat.  Si bineinteles ca m’am oprit din balit, ca’s baet bine crescut. Da’ m’am uitat la ea ca taranu’. Ea a observat. M’a ignorat la inceput. Pana cand a vazut ca io nu ma uit nicaieri altundeva decat la tatele si bucile ei. Atunci a inceput sa ma fixeze cu privirea in speranta ca o sa ma uit si la chipu’ ei. Ma uit…hmm, merge. Da’ revin la tate si cur. Ea incepe sa zambeasca, sa vorbeasca cu grupu’ ei aruncadu’mi ocheade. Io nica.

Tate si cur, atat vedeam. Ce porc! Ma mai balacesc, revin, iau paletele si il invit pe var’miu la joc. Asta, proaspat trezit din somn, refuza. Asa ca, iau o privire de actelus plouat, ma uit la cipriota si ii fac un semn din cap (asta cu urechi). Nici n’apuc sa’mi indrept capu’ ca ea imi ia o paleta din mana imi zice numele ei si serveste. Bineinteles ca n’am fost atent ca i se miscau tatele, bineinteles ca am luat o minge undeva mai jos de buric, bineinteles ca m’a apucat o durere da’ nu puteam sa par cocean, bineinteles ca i’am facut semn sa intram in apa, pana peste buric ca sa imi treaba durerea. Si am jucat si cum s’o numi jocu’ ala si m’am holbat si am ras…si am stabilit ca seara sa ne vedem in Ayia Napa la club. Mai ales ca trist asa, ii spusesem ca e ultima mea seara in Cipru si ea a zis ca va fi de neuitat.

Am plecat de la plaja plutind, am ajuns acasa am facut un dus si ii suna telefonu’ varului. Discuta asta vro juma de ora, urla, injura si:

- La 10 tre sa fim in Larnaca. Se intoarce unu’ mai devreme. Mergem direct de acolo in Ayia Napa.

- Oki vere… zic io.

La 8 mergem la o crasma sa mancam meze (combinatia aia de mancare), care fuse genial, genial! Si la 9  juma o luam catre aeroport. Ajungem la 10 si…stupoare, avionu’ are intarziere. Nu se spune cat. Ala nu raspunde la telefon. Da’ pe la 12 apare. La 1 suntem acasa, ca ala n’avea chef de club…mama ma’sii! La 1 jumate pleaca ala catre casa…unde sa mai mergem in club ca incepusem sa cascam de nu mai stiam de noi. Asa ca hai in Larnaca intr’un bar, mai bem o bere…si bineinteles ca apare si ala de venise in seara aia cu avionu’. La masa noastra.

La o masa in spate, vro 12 negri care s’au luat intre ei la bataie. Un romanas beat pe strada, se baga sa’i desparta. Asta care imi stricase mie susta cu venirea lui zice:

- Daca maimutele dau in asta, io sar…nimeni nu bate un roman cat sunt io aci.

Sa va mai spun ca ma rugam sa fie lovit romanu’ ca sa’l vad pe stricator cum si’o fura? Da’ n’a fost sa fie…negrii beti, romanasu’ beat, s’au pupat si au inceput sa bea. Am plecat acasa, am dormit, m’am trezit suparat gandindu’ma ca fata aia ma amenintase c’o seara de neuitat iar io am fugit. Si cred ca blestemele ei ma ajunsera la aeroport, ca avionu’ avu 1 ora intarziere la decolare.

Cam asta fu vacanta mea in Cipru…m’am simtit foarte bine, fu foarte fain. Acum astept, in ordine: Cluj (nu stiu daca o sa ajung, da’ e in plan cu munca), Delta Dunarii (tot cu munca, da’ e premiera, ca n’o vazui pana cum) si Londra (tot cu munca). Si cam atat…pentru septembrie – octombrie.

p.s.: v’am zis de pisicile din Cipru? Am vazut doar 2. 2 motani. URIASI, chiar asa! Zici ca’s dulai pe langa motanii din Romania. Sau ca fructele de cactus is foarte bune, da’ is de’a dreptu’ de vis daca is lasate in frigider vro 2 ore dupa ce au fost curatate? Aveti grija, totusi, la tepi.

Hai gata, v’am pupat!

Adaos suplimentar … ca am uitat nu de alta: in seara in care am mancat meze si trebuia sa ajung in Ayia Napa sa ma bucur de nurii cipriotei am mancat melci. Deci, eram la restaurant cu var’miu, sotia si sefu’ lui. Sefu’ lui de la munca, nu sotia=sefu’ lui de acasa. Da? Clar! Si incepem noi ca mesenii cu o bere rece. Si pe cand dadeam pe gat cu sete si nesat licoarea aceea magica ce curata rinichii apare un baet ce servea acolo – Ianulis, tradus Ionel, da’ e mai degraba un fel de Gheorghe, Vasile – care ne aduce la masa o farfurioara cu 4 ceva in ea. Acum, io eram cu paharu’ sub nas si cu ochii in farfurioara sa vaz ce’s aia 4. Si ma dumiresc rapid, ca’s baet destept si n’am chiulit de la orele de biologie. Erau melci. Mari. Mari. Sefu’ cipriot, a nu se intelege sotia varului, imi intinde unu’, doar eram musafir. Il iau si ma uit la el. Cochilie maronie asa, cu cateva pete mai albe spre roz, melcu’ inauntru – mdeah, toate is bune si frumoase si la locu’ lor. Cipriotu’ realizeaza ca nu stiu sa mananc asa ceva, o asemenea delicatesa – printre cele mai scumpe din Cipru -, si’mi intinde o scobitoare. Iau si scobitoarea, o pun langa melc si constat ca cochilia era cat juma de scobitoare. Cipriotu’ imi da una peste mana si’mi face semn sa fiu atent la el. Baga scobitoarea in melc, il trage afara si il inghite. Fara scobitoare. Pai unde e  farmecu’ faraoane?

Si procedez ca el. Bag scobitoarea si jur ca am auzit melcu’ tipand, asa lent dupa cum se misca, il trag afara si il privesc. Ptiu! negru si urat mai este. Astia de la masa ma imping cu ochii sa il iau in gura. Melcu’ sa fie clar. Deschid gura, bag melcu’ si incep sa mestec. Gust de pamant, slinos, melc parca cu muci pe el…Printre intrebarile mesenilor care doreau sa’mi afle parerea despre melc, io mestecand sau incercand sa’l mestec, citeam niste rasete ironice. Asa ca inghit melcu’ – cred ca atunci melcu’ ala a atins cea mai mare viteza din viata lui. Nu fu rau, da’ in mod sigur nu as incerca prea curand un alt melc. Asa is io, mai romantic, prima dragoste nu se uita si stiu ca pt o perioada lunga de timp voi compara orice alt melc cu primu’, cu el. Gata!

Si veni dimineata. Dormeam asa de bine, ventilatoru’ la cap torcea cat sa’mi fie racoare, perdelele trase da’ ma izbi ceva in ochi. Il deschid incet pe dreptu’ si ceata. Il deschid si pe stangu’, ceata devine mai densa. Indepartez miejii de urdori de la ochi cu destele si hopaaa! soarele era 2 suliti pe cer si imi dadea cate o raza in ochi de vedeam monocrom prin camera. Ma trezesc, bag un dus, mananc ce gatise verisoara (sotia varului) si sarim in masina. Mai trecem pe la o familie de romani, ii luam si pe ei si o intindem catre mare, destinatia Ayia Napa.

Ajungem acolo, oprim in urmatoarele locuri: patiserie pentru mancarica si magazin cu articole de scaldat. Din primu’ luaram pateuri, cipsuri, sucuri, ape, bere, prajituri. Din al doilea dero, cocolino, ochelari de inotat. Ca am uitat de pernute si colaci de inot. Si ajungem la faleza, debarcam, o luam la pas pe marginea unui canal. Canal d’ala de vezi in Baragan, folosit la strangerea pe timp de ploi a apelor. Sa va zic acum ce e cu canalele in Cipru, ca dupa cum banuiti ploua atat de des incat le ajung 3-4 sticle la 2 litri pentru a strange toata apa. Ei bine, canalele astea is folosite la strangerea deseurilor menajere. Cipriotii nu au canalizare. Decat conducte ce duc apa si rahatu’ in canalele astea, unde sta pana se impute si apoi apar vidanjorii si aduna tot. Eh si cand pute, apai pute! Asa era si in ziua aia la mare.

Trec de miros si parca mi se nazare ca vad “Black Pearl” din piratii din caraibe. Inspir, expir, inspir, expir, si corabia e tot acolo. E clar, am supravietuit. Cautam cu privirea corabiuta noastra, cea a capitanului Matellos. Ajungem la ea si:

- Mosuleeeeee….stiam io ca existi, da’ mami si tati si baetii si fetele de la bloc mi’au zis ca e doar o inchipuire de a mea! Ce fericit is ca existi! Fii atent, vreau un ponei…nu, stai, d’ala vroiam de eram fetita. Vreau o masinuta rosie, o negresa – d’aia de la cofetarie -, si mai vreau…

- I’m sorry…i can’t understand you…

- Vere, stie careva dintre voi lapona?

- Asta e cpt. Matellos…el conduce barcuta…

- Aaaa…cheptan…naiz tu mit iu…

Dezamagit achit cei 15EUR pt croaziera, ma duc in fata – prora, ma asez in fund suparat, imi pun mainile la piept si trag aer in piept…v’ar starea a dreq, inca se simte mirosu’! Ne asezam toti 6 romanii lejer si incepem sa privim lumea: engleji, finlandeji, negri, norvegieni si ciprioti (capitanu’ si ajutoarele lui de la bord). Se ridica ancora – nu a mea -, ne dam cu creme de protectie solara si plecam in larg…Aveam ocazia sa vad si Ciprul litoral mai bine asa…tot piatra si mult soare…da’ marea, marea e atat de clara si albastra! E albastra ca si costumul tipei aleia cu tatuaju’ pe coaste. Aci ia uite, zici ca e alba…marea. Da, da’ si costumu’ alei de pe puntea superioara tot alb e…uuu’ si ce valuri are…fata, in spate, nu marea!

Ajungem in primu’ golfulet, toti blitzuri in pesteri de au inceput liliecii sa sforaie saracii. Io n’am facut poze ca mi’era ca’mi scapa aparatu’ in apa si cine il recupera? Io as fi sarit. Da’ pe urma, cine ma recupera pe mine? Plecam de la pesteri, mai mergem o tara si ajungem la un golf mai dragut, linistit, cu cateva iahturi trase pe dreapta/stanga/centru…acolo se arunca ancora – repet, nu a mea – si capitanu’ Matellos/Mos Craciun ne zice ca putem sari in apa.

- Vere, io am tupeu sa sar. Da’ sari imediat dupa mine…

- Ce? Pleaca de aci…

- Ba, io sar…da’ vii sa ma sal…muistule, de ce ai sarit? Unde pleci acum in inot ba? Vreau si io sa sar…

Se apropie de mine ajutoru’ capitanului, unul din ele. Era un pusti. Si imi zice sa sar, io ii zic ca nu. El zice ca apa e buna, ca uite cat de albastra e. Io zic nu din nou. El zice, pai trebuie mai ales ca’mi trebe botezu’ marii. Si da sa se infiga in mine sa ma arunce in mare. Ba baiatu’, ii proptesc o mana in piept si ii zic cat pot de clar:

- In mortii ma’tii…i don’t know how to stay in the water like the other guys that are swimming…

Incepe sa rada si’mi zice de colacii de salvare. Aia de la parastasuri. D’aia sa mananci tu cu muma’ta cipriotule. Il intreb de veste de salvare. Doar in caz de urgenta majora. Da’ io ce crezi ca’s ba? In fine, dupa 10 minute, imi fac curaj, ma apropii de scarile din spatele barcii si cobor usor pe ele in apa. Imi dau drumu’ in apa – adica nu ma mai tin de scari – , incep sa calc apa asa cum invatasem c’o zi inainte, merge…merge…

- Vereeeee…ia uite ca pot sa calc a…si 3 guri sanatoase de apa sarata. M’am prins de scara ca de o femeie si nu’i dadeam drumu’. La un moment dat umbra, da’ umbra. 2 batai pe umar de simteam ca ma duc la fund…

- Daca io ma duc, va iau si pe voi cu mine…

Ma uit in sus si vad o negresa ce dorea sa coboare da’ nu avea pe unde de mine si incolaricile mele. Si era mare rau, da’ mare rau. Maaaareeeee…marea in comparatie cu ea era lac. Asa ca ma dau intr’o parte, ma tin doar c’o mana de scara – nu de alta, da’ langa mine inota o ciprioata sufletista si nu doream sa par pampalau – si negresa incepe sa coboare. Si cobora atat de incet de o injuram de’i mergeau fulgii. Da’ dupa ce a intrat complet in apa am realizat de ce nu a intrat brusc…nivelu’ apei crescuse cu cativa cm. In fine, urc scarile si ma pun la uscat – nu ca n’as fi uscat – si pe langa mine trece un fund fain. Ma uit lung dupa el si aud un buna in engleza, ridic capu’, ridic si ochii si zic si io buna in engleza. Vad un zambet, apoi fundu’ din nou si un pleosc. Ca tipa sarise in apa.

Ma duc la locu’ meu, caut prin punga cu mancare, scot cipsii deschid punga, iau o mana serioasa si o bag pe toata in gura. Mestec, mai mestec o data, imi dau lacrimile si scuip peste bord. Luasem cipsi cu otet! Mai mergem cu vaporasu’ vedem coasta, ne oprim in alt golf si 1 ora scaldat. Inutil sa va spun ca am stat tinandu’ma de scara 1 ora, nu? In timpu’ asta am vorbit cu aia cu fundu’, acum imi pusesem ochelarii sa pot sa ma uit pe sub apa, calcam cat de cat apa asa ca puteam si gesticula cand vorbeam cu ea. Nu stiu ce a inteles ea din gesturile mele, cert e  ca m’am trezit in toaleta barbatilor de pe vas cu ea pe mine. La inceput m’am opus, da’ pt ca tavanu’ era foarte jos si becurile erau protejate de masti de fier, am dat cateva capete de n’am mai stiut de mine….  In fine, dupa ce am terminat – romantic de tot, leganandu’ne vasu’ – ne’am dus fiecare la locu’ lui. Ea la ma’sa, eu la ai mei. Se termina croaziera, ne mai privim un pic…ea pleaca, io la fel.

Ajungem in masina, dorm pana acasa…facem dus, mancam sa se duca gustu’ de cipsi otetiti si plecam in Paphos. Ajungem pe seara acolo, vizitam falezam muzeu’ frescelor – de pe afara – si ne asezam la o terasa. Bem o bere, mancam o inghetata si plecam catre masina. Ajungem acasa si ne culcam. Io fericit ca am scapat viu si ars. De soare si norvegianca.

Ziua urmatoare, ars pe spate, cu usturimi ingrozitoare, plec cu var’miu spre un dealer auto din oras sa isi schimge masina. Si o schimba. O da pe cea veche plus o diferenta de bani si isi ia un mic monstrulet: VW Golf 5 GT. Ne’am plimbat toata ziua pentru acte, pneuri noi, setari, etc. Seara am mancat lejer, am baut bere si am fumat. Cum io imi terminasem tigarile luate din Romania – Marlboro Filter Plus -, mi’am luat 2 pachete de Marlboro Lights. Si acum le am. Am fumat 2 tigari. Gust de iarba, calti si praf. Miros de caca. Am vomitat dupa a 2a tigare. Si atunci m’am decis pentru a enspea oara: ma las de tigari! De atunci n’am mai fumat. Ieiii…

Marti am fost din nou prin Paphos unde am vizitat mormintele regilor, am baut o bere, am facut multe poze si am ras o gramada. Da’ despre toate astea maine. Pana atunci, alte poze…

Det som er greit med å dra på sommerferie på høsten må jo være at det er salg på stort sett alt sommerutstyr.

Denne helgen har vi skaffet shorts, flip flops, strandkjoler, solbriller, småflasker med shampoo, deodorant,  hårspray, etc, og badehådkler. Alt for en billig(ere) penge. Og så har vi vaska klær, rydda leiligheten, handlet inn kattemat, og skiftet sengetøyet, siden Sarah skal sove her mens vi er borte.

Ting og tang er lagt til side for å pakkes imorgen

Penger er vekslet inn

Og selv soser jeg fortsatt runt i pysjen og de hjemmestrikka sokkene jeg ble ferdig med igår.

Så nå er det bare en dag igjen på jobb, og så drar vi ned til Kypros!

It has been forever since I last blogged. In my defense I haven’t been well.
Since returning from Cyprus life has been hectic. We had so much to sort out. The financial side of things was a night mare with all the forms to fill in. More like books actually. So once the dust had finally settled the stress of the move, organizing the selling of stuff, booking flights, container, dogs flights, packing, then the actual move. With no where to move to, apart from staying at my sons for a while, which isn’t ideal when you have been used to your own space. Also with the animals you feel a burden even though he insisted it was alright. We then had to find a car. Also somewhere to rent that was willing to take us and our animals, which anyone living in the rental sector will know is no mean feat. After several disappointments we found our bungalow, which we are delighted with. It is situated in Jaywick, Clacton on Sea and is only five minutes from a fantastic beach. Far better than any of the beaches in Paphos. Also round the corner is a lovely park. It has a small river and ducks and moorhens to feed. Two play parks for children and an enclosed area for ball games. The best bit about it is that you can walk the dogs in it.

Also within walking distance we have a medical center, incorporating a dentist to. A Library, which I love having access to.  A Spar supermarket and a post office, what more could you want.

It is not an area we would have even considered but my DS lives here. We viewed such rubbish for the money Colchester. We decided to look in this area. We both really love living here and will look to buy once the villa has sold.

More furniture has been bought since this picture was taken

]]> http://oncultureeurope.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/moments-in-dulce-pontes%e2%80%99-life/ Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:27:06 +0000 OnCulture Europe http://oncultureeurope.wordpress.com/2009/08/06/moments-in-dulce-pontes%e2%80%99-life/

Two mesmerizing evenings with Portugal’s most precious voice is a proposal you can’t miss in Cyprus this September. When Dulce Pontes goes onstage at Nicosia’s D’Avila Moat on September 24 and Paphos’ Castle Square on the following day, she will flood her audiences with emotion, longing, seductiveness, bravado, desperation and strength. Her new album Momentos wraps up her 20 years long career and comes with a world tour, which started in the Spring of 2009 in celebration of the event.
more…

7 Aout à 21H et  8 Aout 16h30- 18h30 : Rythm In Flames http://www.paradiseplaceproductions.com/rythmflames.htm 

15 Aout : Sound System Attack  http://www.paradiseplaceproductions.com/reggea15aug.htm

 Samedi 22 Aout 19h Minuit : Echoes par des musiciens chypriotes http://www.paradiseplaceproductions.com/22august.htm

Right in the heart of Larnaca Town this two bedroom penthouse apartment has an amazing terrace of  118sqm!!! It also has full Title deeds. For full details please see our Kaimar website for this and many other properties for sale in Larnaca, Limassol, Ayia Napa, Protaras, Paralimni, Nicosia, Paphos as well as many Cyprus village property for sale.

Mediterranean Holidays to re-encounter your inner self

Cyprus, xx October 2009

During 7 days you will explore different aspects of your being. In an intense connection with the elements (water, Earth, wind and fire) you will experience how you can connect with all of them and gain from their powers and healing gifts. Combining techniques from ancient shamanic traditions from Mexico and North America, music therapy and yoga you will enjoy these retreat as the most enriching holidays you have ever experienced. Every meal, walk, dance and swim would be an excuse to grow in happiness.

Objective

Participants

What you get

Facilitators/coaches

Ingwe Mayntz:
Camilo Villa
Venue
Hotel TekniArt, Cyprus

Investment

The apostle Barnabas bent over the bloodied body, perplexed and distressed. At the first moan and stir of what had appeared to be a corpse, the little coterie of Christians gasped in disbelief. Then the short, stocky torso turned. Paul slowly sat up among the blood stained stones.

An ecstatic Barnabas helped Paul to his feet. Paul had survived a stoning. Astonished, the group heard Paul announce he was alright, and watched him turn back toward the city again (Acts 14:19-20).

Such was the character of the man God chose to get the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the known gentile world. But what of the character of his relieved and grateful partner? What was the role of Barnabas in the Work at that time? What value does his example hold for us today?

Some may be surprised to learn that Barnabas was the major human instrument God used to employ Paul in the ministry, and to get the gentile Work off the ground.

Barnabas’s unique qualities

Barnabas was genuinely humble. He was able to see the good in others. Because of this, he became a prime factor in the growth of the early Church. Cultivation of his qualities in our lives can enhance our impact as Christians today.
Scripture makes some unusual statements about Barnabas. One concerns the special name he was given by Church leaders — a name that seems to have characterized his ministry.

In the early weeks of the fledgling Church, the wealthier converts sold real estate and other possessions to share with the more needy brethren. Curiously, the only person named as an example of this generosity was a certain Joses. We are told that he “was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)” (Acts 4:36).

The use of this name Encouragement is significant. The Greek word has also been translated “consolation” or “comfort.” John 14:26 uses a slightly different form of the Greek:

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things” (Authorized Version).

The name Barnabas, then, has essentially the same meaning as the word Jesus used to describe the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The personification of encouragement as the “father” of Barnabas is also significant. He must have manifested this trait in an outstanding way. This unique individual was a warm and encouraging person. He was positive and uplifting. He was able to see the best in people — to overlook the differences that could produce personal prejudice. This very virtue was used to open the possibility of membership in the early Church to converts of all nations.

Reaching the gentiles

Jesus Christ had shown His intent, just before His ascension to heaven, to ultimately reach all nations with the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 28:19-20). After He provided His Church with sufficient human and material resources to evangelize foreign lands, Christ had a major hurdle to overcome. Many Jews were prejudiced against non-Israelites. Many felt superior, being the chosen of God, and harbored bias that would have weakened their willingness to reach out to gentiles.

God revealed first through the leading apostle, Peter, His will for the gentiles, through the incident of the Roman centurion Cornelius (Acts 10). Yet the Jews were still hesitant to admit that God must be dealing with gentiles (verse 28). There was some plain foot-dragging going on.

Whom would God use to get things going in the Work to the gentiles?

Enter Saul

Saul of Tarsus had been public enemy No. 1 to the Christians. He led a gestapo-like group of Jewish zealots on a crusade to completely eradicate the Christians (Acts 8:1). While on his way to Damascus, Saul was struck blind and brought to repentance by Christ Himself (Acts 9:1-22). Jesus made it clear He had chosen Saul to “bear My name before Gentiles” (verse 15).

After a narrow escape from would-be assassins at Damascus, Saul went to Jerusalem to join himself to the Christians there. But his reputation as their chief tormentor kept him on the outside looking in (verse 26). God began to use a certain man to champion the cause of suspect Saul.

Barnabas had perhaps believed Saul’s story, perceiving in him the Holy Spirit. Or he had heard of his conversion and powerful preaching in Damascus. He was able to put aside fear and bias to see the good in Saul. Barnabas stuck his neck out to help Saul win acceptance from the apostles (verse 27).

But Saul’s time had not yet come. After more threats on his life, Saul was sent home to Tarsus. God let a number of years go by while He further prepared His Church for the entrance of the gentiles. Growth continued, but no real effort was made to take the Gospel to gentile lands. Something did finally happen far up the eastern coast of the Mediterranean, in a gentile city called Antioch.

When the Church was scattered after the initial severe persecution, some of the believers journeyed as far as Antioch and took up residence in various gentile cities. These brethren witnessed to Jews only, until certain ones of them preached to some Greeks. God backed up their effort, and “a great number believed” (Acts 11:19-21).

When the Church leaders at headquarters in Jerusalem heard this news, they decided to investigate, and selected Barnabas for the trip (verse 22).  He arrived at Antioch and found that the Work of God among the Greeks was genuine. Being the positive, warm fellow he was, Barnabas was delighted. He “encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (verse 23). Unhampered by pride and preconceived notions, he could see the potential for good in gentiles. Barnabas lived up to his name, welcoming the new converts.

Another unusual statement is found in the following verse. Luke was so impressed with Barnabas that when he compiled the book of Acts, he stated, under inspiration, “For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (verse 24). Barnabas was filled with the Holy Spirit, known also as the Comforter, which his name meant. He literally stands out for his special ability to see the good in others and encourage them.

Acts 11:24 ends with, “And a great many people were added to the Lord.” The growth was so rapid that Barnabas realized he was overextended. Assistance was needed to properly pastor the new brethren and allow additional growth. Barnabas was about to make a second major move that would ensure the great impact of Saul of Tarsus on the future of gentile Christians.

Remembering what had been prophecied about Saul, Barnabas realized that now was the time, and that Antioch was the place, to activate Saul’s ministry. So, “Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul” (verse 25). Together they returned to Antioch, staying there for a year. Saul probably acted as a kind of associate pastor, subject to the leadership of Barnabas. When the two are mentioned together, Barnabas is named first (verse 30).

Meanwhile, “The word of God grew and multiplied” (Acts 12:24). By the time chapter 13 opens, we find five ministers operating out of Antioch. God’s time had come to expand the Work into other parts of the world.

While the ministry there was fasting and praying about this matter, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit made it plain that God had set apart Barnabas and Saul for a special mission (Acts 13:2-3). A new phase of the preaching of the Gospel was about to unfold.

The pair took along young John Mark and set sail for Cyprus, Barnabas’ home country. It is ironic that a major change in the roles of Barnabas and Saul occurred on this very island. They preached the Word at Salamis on the eastern end, then crossed the entire island to the city of Paphos (verses 4-6). Here, the party encountered Elymas the sorcerer. It was through a confrontation with this false prophet that assistant Saul became leader Paul.

Paul emerges as leader

Elymas withstood the efforts of the missionaries to preach the word to an interested deputy of the country. “Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ‘O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?’ ” (verses 9-10).

Paul, perhaps remembering the impact of his own bout with blindness on the road to Damascus, used God’s power to smite Elymas with blindness. On this occasion he stood out as a dynamic spokesman. But consider Barnabas’ position. He had been in charge over Paul. He had championed the cause of Saul and helped him into the fellowship of the Church. He was the one who dug Saul out of the woodwork at Tarsus and reactivated him. He was the pastor at Antioch. He was the leader of this evangelical tour.

What if Barnabas had dwelt on all these things?

Barnabas had to decide there at Paphos whether to humble himself and submit to God’s greater purpose. All we know is that verse 13 simply records, “Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga.” Previously it had always been “Barnabas and Saul.” Now it was “Paul and his party.” Paul was the leader. The entire focus of the rest of the book of Acts is on Paul. But let’s focus on the example of Barnabas.

Perhaps he was willing to admit that Paul had certain characteristics that were better suited for the job at hand. Barnabas was a warm and encouraging sort, which is a necessary quality of leadership. But he may have been of such a temperament that he tried to avoid confrontations. On the other hand, Paul was like a seething volcano, always ready to erupt with powerful, convicting preaching or debate, and never backing down from a battle.

Perhaps Barnabas realized this once and for all at Lystra, the city on that first missionary tour where Paul was stoned. Watching beleaguered Paul struggle to his feet and head right back into the city may have convinced Barnabas of the unique qualities Paul possessed.

At least it is safe to say that he had a similar attitude to that of John the Baptist. Submitting to the new leadership of Jesus Christ, John said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Barnabas practiced what Paul later preached: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

Are you like Barnabas?

Barnabas’ humility is also seen in his freedom from feelings of prejudice. Had he been biased, perhaps Paul would not have gotten anywhere with those at Jerusalem. Barnabas was willing to welcome into the Church brethren of other nationalities and cultures. He didn’t let petty differences keep him from serving God’s people.

God is no respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). Barnabas manifested this same attitude by seeing the good in people. He dwelt on positives. He saw potential for the future. Exactly how much he had to do with Paul’s development, and therefore with the growth of the gentile Work, we don’t know at this time. We do know enough that we can benefit from his sterling example. What else, after all, would you expect from a man called the Son of Encouragement?

Source: The Good News, 1986

Cyprus tourism, from all accounts, seems to be heading in the wrong direction. Not a week goes by that I don’t hear or

Paphos from Armou

 read an article about how tourism is in a desperate state. There is always at least one crazy idea on how this crisis can be reversed.  I say crazy because I have heard many really silly solutions. Also, not many authority figures who are in the position to help fix the problem, such as the Cyrus Tourism Organization (CTO), comes close to the real causes of why many tourists are leaving our beautiful island feeling disappointed and deceived.

The Cyprus governmental statistics show that tourism has actually reached a plateau rather than plummeted as many are suggesting. Through November of this year Cyprus is actually on par with last year’s numbers. In the brief time that I have lived in Cyprus I have been entertained with the following solutions to fix the “tourism problem”. One of the ways to improve tourism was going to start with renaming the two airports from Larnaca and Paphos to Zeus and Aphrodite. The point of that would be what?  To portray the image that tourists are coming to a fantasy, mythical Greek island? According to a Cyprus Mail article dated 19 October, 2004 Larnaca airport was voted ‘most disappointing’ in a global survey of 25,000 British holidaymakers, a position that is not likely to improve for at least five years when the island’s new international airport is built.  Hopefully, the new airport will portray a better image than the current airport because arriving at a slightly improved airport with a new name just won’t cut it!

Cyprus also definitely needs more diversity in order to attract tourists with varied interests, income levels and need. Perhaps the quality of tourists has declined and that is why locals are complaining. Many of the tourists we do get are looking for more of a bargain so “5 star resorts” and high priced restaurants are suffering. Cyprus is actually much more expensive than many tourists would expect and year after year it is getting much more expensive. If a tourist comes back for a second holiday 3 years after his first he would be shocked by how the prices have increased.  We can’t neglect the smaller spenders though as we need everyone to come back again and again.  I personally never visited a place where both high and lower income segments were not catered to.

A recent article about tourism I read in the Cyprus Weekly writes that flights are too expensive because we are so far away from Europe and then at the end of the article it quotes the CTO’s chief talking about the north that says “It is a new competitor and we have to find ways to stop tourists from going to the occupied areas.”  I think we need to have the alternative spin on it which is how to find ways to get tourists here, keep them here and keep them coming back and to tell friends to visit.

Another recent article in the Cyprus Weekly discusses the retaking of the Polis camping site from the Cyprus Tourism Organization because they gave up.  The mayor of Polis obviously sees the CTO’s refusal to continue to run it and says it is a “negative move on behalf of the CTO to abandon this market.” I would personally nominate the mayor of Polis to run the CTO.  He says about the Polis camp site: “We know how popular the site is and we couldn’t let it go after the CTO decided it didn’t want to run it anymore ….. We plan to put proper roads and paths into place… improve the toilets… make sure the roads and paths are fixed to the point of people not getting stuck in mud and potholes.”  He also plans to use existing water to create a lake with fish and ducks.

This solution lies in making the changes and realizing that change is a necessary part of today and the future. Adjust, keep adjusting and never stop because the competition will always change. So what changes do we need to make? What are we missing?  I believe surveys given to the tourists upon arrival asking some of the following questions: Why did you come here? What made you choose Cyprus as a holiday destination? What is your income level and educational level? And then on departure: How was your stay? What would make it better? Would you come back again? These sorts of surveys will let us learn about our current market as well as catering accurately for our potential market.

The inside-out-approach which is best described in a slogan that Zeneth Electronics Corporation has used for decades “Quality goes in before the name goes on.”   In respect to Cyprus tourism, we have to take care of all the things that make it a good place to live for the locals and it will help tourism. When the world hears that we have the highest vehicle death rate that will not help tourism.  When you take a baby in a stroller for a walk and you run out of pavement that’s a problem. There are also practically no handicap accessible venues here. Wheelchair accessibility is a huge problem here and Cyprus is missing out on that market because of it. You have to consider that all areas in Cyprus are potential tourist areas and every street should have a pavement. The on going Cyprus problem between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots also has an effect on tourism, many of the properties that are owned by the Turkish citizens are left vacant and the properties are very old and falling apart and un-attractive, they also stop from having a cohesive theme.

The outside-in approach is seeing Cyprus through the eyes of the people who have never been to the island.  What is the picture in their mind before they arrive? Do they see Cyprus as a lover’s paradise to escape to? What image do we want to install in and how do we get this image across effectively? There is a message going out, I have seen the Cyprus commercials on televisions in the US and the Middle East. I am not sure of how often they are being played in the EU markets or if they are getting the proper amount of play in the right places. It is easy to spend money on bad advertising and not know it. A holiday maker or any customer that believes they have been deceived by a business or a ad may never complain or say anything to anyone, they will simply never give you his business again and won’t recommend you to any of his friends or family. We simply have to make sure to treat everyone how we would like to be treated if we were to go far from home to spend some quality time with our loved ones, whether they are here with a lot of money to spend or not. The people in charge of tourism and others in the industry all need  to be held accountable for their actions.

Update:

Earnings from tourism increases by 5.9% in 2007 over 2006. The total revenue for 2007 was €1,858 billion and arrivals increased 2.2% and the average spending was €696 and the highest spenders were the Swedes.

The number of tourist arriving to Cyprus in January of 2008 show a 2.3% decrease from previous year.

Photos prises près de Agios Georgios, région de Paphos, où la roche est blanche. Nombreuses cavernes de mer caractérisent ce paysage. Coucher de soleil magnifique… A voir.

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Paphos

La ville portuaire de Paphos, autrefois la capitale de Chypre sous Alexandre le Grand, se trouve près du lieu de naissance d’Aphrodite, sur la côte ouest de l’île.

L’histoire, les mythes et la magie caractérisent celle qui porte le nom de la fille d’Aphrodite.

Le château de Paphos, les mosaïques et les tombeaux des rois ne sont que quelques-uns des musées et monuments fantastiques qui ornent cette ville.

C’est pour cette raison que Paphos figure dans la liste officielle de l’UNESCO des trésors culturels et nationaux du monde.

awestruck with wonder…

You  hold the sea in Your robe

and wind in Your fists

Very spacious 3 bedroom villa,stone built,situated in a quiet area of INEIA village.It offer unobstructed sea & mountain wiew.The villa has a private swimming pool and is equipped with high standard features.

This is comfortable home in immaculate condition