Crossing Borders

So today we figured we would fit in one last adventure. Although we have explored much of the old city we figured it was time to step it up and cross the border to the Turkish side of Cyprus. Now to explain this without the drama or you feeling like your sitting in one of my lecture classes, all you basically need to know is that in 1974 a “green line” was established in Cyprus with Turkey occupying the north and the Greeks in the south. Therefore, we had to grab our passports, fill out our visas and we were ready to enter the other side.

As we entered we had one goal in mind: make it to the Karenina Harbor. So after asking about ten people how to catch the bus we finally found it’s location. However this bus was actually a small van, where the whole thirty-minute ride felt slightly out of a scene from taken, yet there was no turning back. But no worries, eventually we made it there and I must say it was definitely worth the trip.

The harbor was just absolutely gorgeous with the images off the dock of a famous Turkish castle along side boats and colorful buildings in a pool of crystal blue water. It certainly lived up to its name of the "jewel of the north" and was one of the most beautiful sights I have seen thus far (I know I keep saying this but it really just keeps getting better) So anyway, it is safe to say (literally) that the Turkish side turned out to be way less intense than it was built up to be. My only regret is not discovering it sooner!

Elveda xo,

Lindsey

A Taste of Cultue

So now that I am starting to remember that I am participating in “Global Semesters” I soon realized I will barley be on this island for a solid two months. Therefore, as I mentally prepare myself and not to mention pack my clothes, do all my work for an entire semester and try to conserve my euros; we decided it was time to emerge our self in the Cypriot culture. And what better way to do so then with food!

Now my friend Scott’s parents were in town and for there last night they brought me along to experience true Cyrus cuisine: Mezze! Cyprus Mezze is basically a selection of small dishes that come out throughout the meal. Within the first five minutes of sitting down our whole table was already covered with salads, meats, halloumi chesse (don’t even get me starts on how amazing it is) tzatziki sauces and the list goes on for about twenty dishes. Now as I was stuffing my face with everything in sight my eye was drawn to a few things that were just placed on the table: Snails and Liver (who’s liver were not very sure?). Now normally I would pass this opportunity up right away, but I am studying aboard and “suppose” to be absorbing every ounce of Greek culture so I decided to try it out. The Liver was probably the most horrific thing I have ever tasted in my life, so the snails were looking pretty good at this point. Yes you heard me, those creepy small “animals” that shows up all over your porch after it rains and you freak out after you stepped on them. Yeah I ate THAT. I must say pealing it out of the shell was disgusting due to the fact you could see it’s head, facial features and whole body. However, when in Cyprus! (right?) So I held my breath, chopped off the head part and shoved the snail’s body into my mouth. The actual taste was more desirable than the liver, however getting over the whole I just ate a snail was an epic fail on my part.

Overall my first Mezze experience was awesome. Not only was the food great (for the most part) but so was the atmosphere of this quaint little restaurant. Being surrounded by Cypriots enjoying there traditional meal really gave you the feeling of the “local” aspect of Cyprus; which is what becoming a travel is really about.

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

A Weekend In Sunny Limassol

So part of me was sort of forgetting Cyprus is actually surrounded by water. Therefore, when the opportunity arose through the program to participate in a 5K run that would be in the beach city of Limassol, we wasted no time in booking hotels and turning it into a weekend. Now I won’t lie it will be about another month till we are actually in beach weather, but considering it was a lovely negative four degrees at home putting on a bikini and getting a little burnt was heaven.

We found a cute little place for dinner and indulged in some fun tropical drinks, making me feel more and more like I was on the sunshine island. However the next morning we woke up to a rainstorm (can I add in it NEVER rains here ever, until I showed up) and running a 5k in the rain did not seem to be on my list of things to do while studying abroad. However we took one for the team and eventually made our way downtown where we were meeting.

Well I guess we were getting rewarded for our efforts, because the second we pulled up the sun was shinning with not a dark cloud in the sky. Now although a few of us had a rough night and did not exactly run the entire race, it was an awesome experience to participate in something for a good cause with people from all over the world. Looking out to the Mediterranean Sea all you could see was beautiful turquoise blue that went on for miles until it could hit Egypt in one direction and Israel in another. With my ipod in hand taking in the view of Limassol wrapped around a real life postcard was one of the highlights of the trip thus far. Did I also mention that we won the race, while by “us” I mean our friend Matt, but hey walking around with the shirt of the winning team made me feel like a pro runner (which indeed I am not).

Now the next time I return I better have a base, because I already used up my one burn of this trip. Also the image below was the last sight I saw as we were leaving for the weekend, I think it speaks for itself.

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

Day Trip To Troodos

So although I am studying on an island in the Mediterranean, there is a mountain peak in Cyprus called the Troodos Mountains, which actually contains snow. Now for me I could care less, since the last six weeks before my departure was torturous enough. But for my Californian friends who never even encounter that “fluffy white stuff” it was an extra throw in.

But what really caught my attention was the village we went to next to the mountains. As the bus pulled up and I stepped outside to this beautiful landscape of bright orange rooftops and houses up in the hills, it felt like the real deal and was a real image anyone could appreciate.

Now of course this was an old school town and certainly could not entertain a youthful age group for more than two days, however it was so quaint and lovely. Walking up to this huge beautiful hotel all made in stone and walking down the narrow cobble stone paths was just awesome. From the little old woman selling jelly jars to the waterfalls flowing through the town, I felt as if I had set foot into a movie. Overall I definitely appreciated leaving the busy city and going out to see how the locals live!

αντίο xo,

Lindsey

Cyprus: The Beginning

You all might be wondering why I have not started a blog earlier. However, I wanted to wait till it became close to my travels so I can keep it over flowing non-stop with every city I stop in. Yet I can’t avoid the fact that I have been in Cyprus for about a month so it’s time for me to explain what I have been up to!

While the second I stepped off the plain and saw palm trees, my feelings of missing New York went away real fast. In the midst of 20 feet of snow, I forgot what it felt like to actually feel sunshine on your face.

The first week there we did a walking tour of the capital Nicosia, which is where I will be “studying.” During the day we went through the old city to all the historical landmarks and as we walked down the narrow roads with cement style buildings I was feeling more and more like I was in Greece. The more modern part of the city still has a cultural flair to it, along with about three Top Shop stores, so I can’t complain; however my bank account might.

So when it comes to nightlife we of course wasted no time finding every club in the city, befriending locals and raging till 5am every chance we could. Back at Quinnipiac the though of toads staying open till 5am would just never happen, however in the land of Europe they understand and enjoy all that life has to offer. Which means going out for coffee at seven, dinner at around ten and partying from 12:30/1 until the sunrises. It is similar to a New York City vibe, but then you can add students from every continue: Europe, Middle East, Africa. You name a country; Cyrus probably has a student or two from there. I never thought I would be at a party with so much cultural contact, but it has been pretty amazing to communicate and encounter so many walks of life. However the eye rolling after you say “I’m from America” it completely natural and disappears quick enough.

So basically my days consists of stuffing my face with gyromania (just a little taste of heaven, and conveniently located next to my apartment) class occasionally since it’s practically always canceled and walking to the coffee shops where I sit in the sun and stare at palm tress thinking about how luck I am to be in such paradise.

Since I never really choose this program for Cyprus, but more for the traveling aspect, it has been a pleasant surprise thus far!

αντίο xo,

Lindsey