Cyprus: A Corner of Earth Touched By Heaven

I’ve been in this exotic Mediterranean Island for more than 1 year and it never ceases to amaze me on its enchanting features and alluring landscapes. Most of my friends back in England and Nigeria will never stop wondering what informed my decision to relocate here to do my graduate studies. I always tell them, it’s better seen than imagined. Let me tell you a bit about this Island of Cyprus from a layman’s point of view.A former British colony, Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960 and became a Commonwealth republic in 1961.

The Republic of Cyprus is a developed country and has been a member of the European Union since May 1 2004. Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with ancient enchantment. Here you will discover a compact world of alluring beaches and fragrant mountain peaks, vineyards studded with olive trees and ancient ruins that stir the imagination, citrus groves and old stone villages where sweet wine flows as freely as conversations at the local café. A carefree place where a sense of timelessness is magnified by the kindness of the people. Cyprus is a corner of earth touched by heaven. With its unique historic treasures and natural beauties, It is a paradise island situated in the blue
Mediterranean.

There are six major towns, Nicosia, the capital situated inland in the middle of the Mesaoria plain, and the 5 coastal towns of Limassol, Larnaka, Pafos, Kyrenia and
Famagusta. My school, Eastern Mediterranean University is situated on the latter.

Cyprus’s landscape is one of infinite contrasts, from its fertile central plain to the cool vine-clad foothills; the majesty of the cedar valley in which wild indigenous moufflon roam; mile after mile of sandy shores with hundreds of secluded beaches to seek out, and hundreds of villages to explore each with its own tradition and charm.Leafy carob and attractive olive trees abound while plantations of citrus and banana, and an endless profusion of vines add variety to an island where everything seems to flourish and blossom.

The climate of Cyprus never fails to delight her visitors, and every season has a charm and beauty of its own. In summer, sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters beckon swimmers and provide the perfect conditions for swimming, sailing, skiing and all watersports under the sun. Yet a complete contrast awaits in the cool, pine covered mountains of Troodos, with delightful hill resorts and traditional hotels.As the land mellows in autumn there’s a wonderful clarity of air on those balmy days, still warmed by the brilliant Cyprus sun. The sea temperature is still high after the long hot summer, and for some, this is the best season of all. The Cyprus winter is short and mild, with average daytime temperatures around 12’C. This season brings some much-needed rain to the land, but most of its days are bright and sunny. And there is a short snow season on the mountains from January to March, with fun to be had by all ages from mountain climbers to serious skiers.

During winter one is able to bask on a sandy beach and within an hour embark on a skiing adventure in the Troodos mountains. It’s as fun as that.In springtime the island takes on an enchanting beauty. The countryside is set ablaze as glorious wild flowers and fragrant blossoms burst into life to delight the eye with their stunning colours. Bright poppies, yellow daisies and pastel anemonies present their myriad colours in the fields. Meanwhile prickly broom and rockroses decorate the hillsides, peonies start appearing on the mountains, and everywhere the heady scent of orange blossom pervades the air.

In fact with over 1500 different species of flowers, Cyprus is a paradise for nature lovers. As the days lengthen and the sun gathers strength. Cyprus enters an idyllic season for walks, leisurely picnics and the fascinating contemplation of nature, not forgetting, of course, swimming and sunbathing.From the gentle warmth of early spring lo the golden sun-drenched days of high summer, there’s a Cyprus season to suit all types, just as there is a special part in this Island of contrasts to appeal to all tastes.

The towns of Cyprus present a modern cosmopolitan atmosphere blended with historic buildings and ancient monuments. Imposing colonial and classic style buildings rub shoulders with well designed contemporary hotels, apartment blocks and attractive shopping streets, some narrow and quaint, others thoroughly modern.The people of Cyprus are traditionally warm and welcoming and consider a visit to their island as a compliment - one repaid with genuine hospitality, summed up in the Greek word Philoxenia: Friendship towards the guest.

The native tongue is Greek and Turkish, but English is readily spoken in all the schools, shops, restaurants and hotels - in fact just about everywhere. In a world of ever-increasing violence, Cyprus has a remarkably low crime rate, the lowest in Europe and from just one visit to the Island, you can understand why.

Hopefully, one day, you’ll be able to experience this wonderful Island and appreciate it as much as I do.