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Cyprus - A guide to:- Cyprus, the island of Aphrodite Cyprus, drenched in sun and mythology, lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations. This island in the Eastern Mediterranean has seen many visitors. Some erected temples to their gods, others built castles for their kings. The Crusaders used it as a staging post, and the pirates for plunder. Chroniclers tell of magnificent royal weddings and unsurpassed works of art created by its artists. All who saw Cyprus were enchanted by its beauty. This beauty is the legacy of Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love. According to legend, Aphrodite ‘rose from the foam of the sea’ off the coast of Cyprus. And from that moment Cyprus became her domain on earth. Cyprus may be a small country, but it is a large island - the third largest in the Mediterranean. And it is an island with a big heart: an island that gives its visitors a genuine welcome and treats them as friends. With its spectacular scenery and enviable climate, it is no wonder that Aphrodite chose the island as her playground. Ever since, mere mortals have been discovering this ‘land fit for gods’ for themselves. In Cyprus beauty and contrasts go hand-in-hand. Cool, pine-clad mountains are a complete scene-change after golden sun-kissed beaches. Tranquil, timeless villages are in striking contrast to modern cosmopolitan towns; luxurious beachside hotels can be exchanged for large swaths of natural unspoiled countryside; yet in Cyprus all distances are easily manageable, mostly on modern roads and highways, with a secondary route or two for the more adventurous. Most important of all, the island offers peace of mind. At a time when many holiday destinations are clouded by safety concerns, in Cyprus a feeling of security prevails with the crime level so low that it is practically non-existent. |
Cyprus - Lifestyle Education Parents take their children's upbringing and education very seriously, carefully considering even which elementary school the children should attend, and becoming actively involved in the process of education. Most parents strive to offer their children a university education, and the percentage of university graduates is very high by any standard. To achieve this goal, parents plan ahead in order to be prepared for the expenses of a university education, often abroad. Cyprus as a whole could be characterized as a rather informal place. The absence of entrenched historical heirarchies and strong class distinctions allows daily exchanges to proceed in the mostly casual fashion. Although there are more formal and polite forms of address, these are generally reserved for particular circumstances, (such as toward elders, or in a professional situation). Visitors from larger Western countries often remark that Cyprus seems to be a place where everyone knows each other, or even where “everyone knows everyone”, or even “where everyone is related”. Living Cyprus is considered by many as the ultimate destination that fulfils and exceeds all expectations. On a single day you can switch from the mountains to the beaches and from urban sophistication to rural simplicity. Admirably suitable for recreation, sports and a relaxing lifestyle, Cyprus enjoys long summers, mild winters and sensational beauty. With its modern properties, villas, apartments, social clubs, shops and restaurants and excellent medical services, Cyprus offers visitors and residents a high standard of living. And there's no shortage of culture with museums, historical monuments, castles, theaters and galleries in all the major towns. |