Dogs and passports

The crossing into the north near Ledra Palace

A few weeks ago, we took a walk down in the old town with some visitors.  We had planned to do a favourite walk, which crosses over to the north at the Ledra Palace checkpoint, and then circles back through the Arab quarter (Arabhamet) in the Turkish half of the old town before crossing back to the south at the main checkpoint in the centre of town.  On this walk you traverse several distinct cultures and building styles in the space of just a few km, and get a real sense of the economic disparity that exists between the north and the south.  The sun was shining bright, so we thought we'd take the dog with us.  We didn't get far though, as we were stopped at the first Greek checkpoint and told that there was a new rule stating that animals were not allowed to cross.  We found this somewhat ironic, given the number of cats and other animals that regularly traverse the buffer zone sans passport. Fortunately we have some friends who live close to the checkpoint, so were able to leave Zoe behind and carry on with our walk regardless. 

Looking across towards the Arab quarter in the old town

It's interesting to ponder on some of the other challenges that the ongoing division of the island creates.  For example, sewage and waste.  In the old town itself, which is only approx 4km across, there are two distinct and segregated sewage and water systems; one for the north and one for the south, lest there be any possiblity of sewage flowing from one side to the other.  Currency is another example, where in the space of 100metres, the legal tender changes from Euro to Turkish Lira; or mobile phone networks, where Turkish phones do not work on the Greek side and vice versa, different car insurance policies.........the list goes on.  All this to say that the ongoing division of the island comes at a huge cost, both in economic and social terms.   

39 years and counting this year since the island was divided, with minimal signs of progress or an intent to take steps towards resolution from either the Greek or Turkish sides of the island.

Looking into the buffer zone

Selimiye Mosque in the north, which was once a St Sophia's
cathedral.  Phaneromi Greek Orthodox Church in foreground 

Just in case a person forgets about the island's division! This Turkish
Cypriot flag overlooks Nicosia, and flashes all night every night 

Election time in Cyprus

Current president Demetris Christofias (on left), engaged
in UN sponsored peace talks 

It's election time in Cyprus, and voters will go to the polls to elect a new president on 17th Feb.  Cyprus has a presidential system of Government, with the elected leader sitting for a 5 year term.  The current president, Demetris Christofias (from the communist Progressive Party of Working People) is not seeking re-election. Twelve new candidates are standing for the presidency, representing a full spectrum of political parties and views.  If no candidate wins atleast 50% of the vote on the 17th Feb, a second round will take place the following week between the two top candidates to determine the presidency. 

Nicos Anastasiades: widely tipped to be the next
President of Cyprus

The elections are taking place at a challenging time for the island, with the current economic crisis and a pending European/Russian financial bailout, conditional upon heavy austerity measures across all parts of the public sector.  Think Greece but with a much smaller economy.  Likewise there is minimal progress on talks with Turkey regarding north Cyprus.  So there is no shortage of challenges for the incoming President.  Despite there being 12 formal contenders, the race is basically down to three candidates: Nicos Anastasiades, Giorgos Lillikas and Stavros Malas, with Anastasiades widely tipped to win.  

On another note, we've enjoyed having some visitors from Australia over the past week.  Sarah's cousin Jan, husband Pip and daughter Isabelle have been with us after their trip to Ethiopia and the UK.  It's been a great time of cousins re-connecting after a tumultuous decade of child-rearing. Sharing in a few favourite places around Cyprus is always a great reminder of this interesting island.  The weather has been relatively mild also, but still cold enough to keep some snow on the mountains.  A few pics from the visit are included below:

Time for good-byes; it's been great to enjoy a bit of Turner family

Dancing on the wing.....Is that safe?

Jessie's pink ear muffs add to the glamour at Kyrenia harbour

"Dad, I'm done with this castle.  I'm hungry"

Climbing St Hilarion Castle

Some loud family meals,
especially with The Love/Hate game

Jan wanting to take Monica home (no chance)

Looking for Turkey in the distance

Sam turns 6

Well, another year older for Sam.  And what a great age six is for a typical backyard party.  A good thing we moved to a house not long ago...The day was fine and mild, the kids ran outdoors, the noise level was nice and high, Jessie, Angus & Monica helped so it was all pretty relaxed with the children kept busy with game after game after game.

A week of recovering from jet lag had Sam waking up a LOT earlier than necessary; so we took the opportunity for some party planning.  I was so appreciative of being in a small city where people don't over plan and are able to attend a celebration with 3 days notice.  With a few mental notes accumulated from a couple of previous 6yr old parties, this one was easy to put together: good friends, favourite foods, a creative cake and traditional birthday games.  Simple formula, never fails.

choc-dip strawbs a 'must' for Sam once again

I figure that at 6yrs the Birthday boy need 'not' get the final gift in
Pass the Parcel...just growing resilience in the smallest of ways :)

Sam's Treasure Island cake with hidden treasure inside.
Seasons are-a-changin' when Mum gets to decorate the cake!