понедельник, 8 июля 2013 г.

Cyprus. Part 1. Paphos and the surroundings

I know it probably would be a little unexpected to see and read something here, but unfortunately sometimes it's not so easy, really, to calm your mind and try just to enjoy the time of writing. For me this moment has come. Here in Moscow during summer, with all the entertainment we have, sometimes in the daytime, sitting in the office you just can't bare the feeling of nostalgia to the sea and vacation-period. Heh, actually, now more and more I have nostalgia to the student-time, when I was much more free inside than now. But it's another theme of discussion ;)

So in one of these moments I started remembering our family trip to Cyprus last may 2012, about which I haven't ever written anywhere, nor have I posted any photo. And it seems to me quite strange, but at the same time clear — this vacation was very interesting and full of exciting trips. Maybe even too much to tell it easily in one post. But anyway, I really feel that it would be great to share our experience — what have we visited and seen there.

This would be the first part about Cyprus - Paphos and the places nearby. What to do, without going with a car too far. Next time I will tell you about monasteries that we've visited inside of the island - in my opinion, the pearl of Cyprus - it is so fresh, green, with beautiful mountains and fresh air. And the third part will be about one of the most shocking travels of my life — visiting the turkish occupied area — the so-called Northern Cyprus.

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I have to say seriously, that our choice of the hotel was perfect. Fortunately, we have a friend who lives and works there, so he made quite a good suggestion. For holidays in the resort place, not inside the town, but at the same time, with some kind of civilization nearby - Paphos, and more precise - Elysium Hotel - is great. Our hotel was 30 mins walk along the seaside to Pathos center (seaside center, of course). With a bike it's faster. And with a car — just 5 mins, also because the road goes direct. Anyway, in that place we didn't want to use any car.
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Every my new morning was starting from jogging. Mamma mia! When I first saw this beautiful stone path right along the shore - I was really impressed. If you go right — you get to the Tombs of Kings - a famous archeological place there. And very beautiful, I must admit.

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And if u go left — it's the way to Paphos town. There's nothing better than start a day from an early morning breeze, tender sun and waking up with every step of the fresh morning run. In the day I went cycling sometimes the same way. And in the evening we took this path to get to the town for dinner. It goes near to the Paphos archeological park, where is also quite interesting to go.
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Coming closer to Kato Pafos Harbour you can see the Paphos Medieval Fort already from quite far away. It was built in 1592. It is also opened for visitors, so you can see this fort from inside.
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Here is the little Paphos harbour with different boats: local and foreign as well.
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It was quite surprizing to find a little excibition or show of different hand-crafted goods.
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If you wish to go away from the tipic place with high density of tourists - you'd better go inside the Paphos town which is actually located not on the quay. Paphos is very beautiful in the day in the old center. No people: piece and quite... And beautiful greek architectureL7154261 L7154264 L7154265 L7154268 L7154270

I think many of you know that Cyprus isn't that kind of island where is just nature and the sea. This island is so rich in historical meaning, that you could compare it with Holy Land or Greece. Cyprus is full of archeological treasures — ancient churches from the time of early christians, huge tombs, people's houses, etc. And of course, monasteries that are still opened and attract many people who want something different from just simple beach-holidays. Paphos is very significant in the christian world, because Apostle Paul was preaching on these lands. So there are many sacred places in Pathos and around it.
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One day, after sunbathing, we decided to go and explore Pathos in the day on foot. That time it was a little hot, but it actually didn't matter a lot.
It can seem funny, but for me, as for a person who is interested in food traditions in different countries, was very interesting to visit some local shop or a bakery - to see what people eat here. And I was a little bit surprised to notice plenty of bakeries and sweets shop. For me it could be equal to a nightmare to eat this big sweet pretzel or tiramisu in such hottest weather. But people were buying. And so it had big success. (I would rather buy a big watermelon and eat it all xD )
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Anyway, the only thing that captured my attention was ice cream with mastica! And I must admit it wasn't too bad at all ;)
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One of the spots to visit is St. Solomon's Catacombs.
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Absolutely nearby is one of the most famous places in Paphos - St Paul's Pillar. It is quite well-known in the christian world that one of the first places that Apostle Paul with Apostle Barnabas visited was Cyprus. And Paphos played the very main part of their journey here. This is the short information: After the Holy Spirit commanded Barnabas and Paul to go forth from Antioch and spread the Faith, they set sail for Cyprus. There they landed at Salamis and began to proclaim the Word of God, preaching the Good News, working wonderous signs and miracles in the island's synagogues on their way to Paphos. There they were confronted with Elymas, a Jewish civic leader and attendant to the Proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was the island's governor, appointed by the Senate of Rome. Elymas actively tried to prevent the pair from reaching the Proconsul. According to a strong local tradition, he even had Saul dragged to the synagogue, tied to a pillar, and whipped. If this tradition is true, then the two pillars seen to the right mark the entrance to the ancient synagogue of Paphos. L7154156 L7154158 L7154160 L7154161

It's a great pleasure just to walk through the tiny streets of Paphos and watch the local life on your way. L7154163 L7154169

The quay of Paphos in the day is beautiful. Can't find more words - you just need walk and enjoy. L7154171L7154172
And of course take a sit at Teo's restaurant there. I will tell about it few pictures later ;)
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When the evening came — we were going to Pathos to one our favorite restaurant, and honestly, the best there on the promenade - Teo's. Others aren't maybe too bad, but mostly are simply tourist oriented. This one has amazing quality of all kinds of fresh fish. And the chef, waiters — everything makes you feel like at home in the best meaning of this expression.
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Next part of my tale about Cyprus is coming soon...
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