Letters from Cyprus: A rally in the buffer zone

Last Friday night we headed into town to do one of our favourite walks across into the north and through the Arab quarter of the old city. We had some good friends from Australia, Tim and Siobhan Barrett-Lennard and their four children staying with us for a few days, and were keen to show them some of the sights. Alas we could not get into the town centre due to numerous road closures. A policeman informed us that a stage of the Cyprus rally championships was being held in Nicosia, so we had to change our plans.

Turkish Cypriots look down into the UN buffer zone from
the old city walls

We parked the cars and walked towards the old town along a path that ran parallel to the actual rally course. Cars were racing around the course at great speed, and we were amused as officials repeatedly blew their whistles to remind people not to touch the somewhat flimsy wire fencing that lined the track.......as if this would somehow make a difference should a car veer off the track and into the viewing crowds. Occupational health and safety Cypriot style!

Despite the traffic disruption the rally was noteworthy in that part of the course actually went into the UN controlled buffer zone, therefore enabling both Greek and Turkish Cypriots to watch the race. Small steps towards reunification one day perhaps??

Keep your hands off the fences!!

We've enjoyed having Tim, Siobhan and their children with us these last few days. It's been a Pilbara and West Australian reunion of sorts, although this time with 8 children in tow between the two families! Here's a few other pics of what we've been up to: