A walk down history lane

Exploring the culture of ancient Cyprus was like going back in a time machine

Travelling is always exciting - meeting new people and seeing new places. My visit to Cyprus holds a treasure trove of memories and photos, made extra special because of Aunt Louise and Uncle Jim Davy, my parents' friends (I consider them my family) who now live in Cyprus. In the limited time I was there (only three days), I got to explore Nicosia, the village of Maroni and Larnaca with them. Despite being in their late 70s, they had plenty of energy to walk, were interested in updating their knowledge, and to me were like walking encylopaedias.
With a flight that is just three hours and 45 minutes from Dubai, Cyprus is a hassle-free and safe destination for a short break. Though small in size, it has plenty of variety - beautiful scenery and traditionally hospitable people. No wonder this island paradise is an increasingly popular tourist destination.
Nicosia
Today Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the last divided city in the world with a Turkish occupied area and the Republic side. Another point to note is its unique pedestrian culture. Cafeterias line Ledra Street, the main shopping area of Nicosia, where residents and tourists socialise over food and drinks.
There is a delightful mix of shopping and plenty of variety with small speciality shops that sell interesting arts and crafts. The Shackolas Tower is the tallest building in Nicosia's old city. The shopping area in the city boasts a number of big brand names and fascinating souvenir shops that cater to visitors.
Being a sunny day, the aerial view of Nicosia from the Ledra Museum Observatory was picturesque. We got to read about the history and historical areas in the city. The weather was extremely pleasant as we walked through narrow alleys, observing taverns, handmade lace shops, and the red mail box, which reminded me of my younger days when we would go to the mail box to post letters to mom and dad who lived abroad for some time. Meanwhile, Aunt Louise pointed out the Papafilipou ice cream store, well known in Cyprus for its refreshing ice cream made of fresh milk and ingredients.
Walking in Maroni
The next day we walked around the marina at Zygi. It was quite sunny, but the walk was not tiring. The Davys live in an old renovated Cypriot house in the village of Maroni that they bought when uncle worked as a professor in the university there. They told me that their living room was once a shed for donkeys, but today, it is a combination of ethnicity and modernity. The garden had colourful bougainvilleas in full bloom. The sea was visible from a distance while standing on the first floor balcony. We walked around Maroni village, up to St George's Square, the village school and the bank. 
Maroni Village is a fertile region on the east bank of the River Maroni. The area is rich in antiquities and has been quite densely inhabited since prehistoric times. To its credit, the oldest olive press in Cyprus was discovered in Maroni. The village still preserves its traditional architecture with its narrow streets and houses built of local stone, typical archways and carved doorframes. Maroni's mild coastal climate is ideal for many modern crops that coexist with the traditional olive and carob trees.
Larnaca
I got to visit the Church of St Lazarus, one of three churches from the Byzantine era in Larnaca. Outside the church were different types of tombstones and visitors paid silent homage to them. I was all excited when I was told that we were visiting a castle - the Larnaka Medieval Castle and Museum - founded by the Byzantines in the 12th century. It hosts a medieval museum and a garden theatre. 
The Larnaka Fort is an Ottoman structure erected in 1625 AD, according to the inscription above its main entrance. The fort was built to guard and protect the southeast part of the island and includes watchtowers. Its economic significance during those days was the fact that it was used to export salt and other goods from the port of Larnaka to the western world. 
The fort is armed with cannons that were fired to salute vessels passing by. It was also used as a prison and a police station until the middle of the 20th century. A small room to the right of the entrance of the fort was used as an execution area during the British colonial period. It is only in 1948 that the current structure came into being. 
The first floor of the gatehouse is used as a museum where artefacts of the Byzantine, Medieval and Ottoman period are displayed. The courtyard of the fort is today used for cultural events. Walking around felt just like reliving history.
Soon it was time for the Davys to drop me off at the airport. As I looked back, there was a tug at my heartstrings, wishing I could spend more time with them. However, I was ever grateful for the moments to explore this beautiful country with my parents' friends whom I adored as a child and who gave me the first taste of steak and pies.
- suchitra@khaleejtimes.com