Divided into two countries - Part 2

GOLF COURSES, CHURCHES AND meze (continued, part 2) I like to think that we found our hotel, thanks to our tremendous ability to navigate, but if we speak frankly, I have to admit: it happened by accident. Hotel "Roman Hotel" was so unusual as I thought. The hotel is built on the site of the three Hellenistic tombs and resembles an ancient Greek palace. Its interior was too catchy, and decorations made of artificial fur on the walls only completes the overall impression. The pool was surrounded by arches and columns. Lacked only the slaves, sending juicy charm grapes into the mouth of the Greek aristocracy. I felt as if I had a back in time ... or was in a contemporary adult film. Unfortunately, the hotel could not offer one simple thing - a good night's sleep. It seemed like we were on the itinerary of all ambulances, construction and garbage trucks, as well as all the buzzing of motor vehicles in Paphos. Paphos Castle The next day we wanted adventure, and we went to Paphos to see before you go to Nicosia, where all government agencies, and where Lance had to read your course. Paphos - an avid spa town, which reminded us a little French Riviera. It was founded in 1400 BC, and was the capital of Cyprus at the time of ancient Greece. The Roman proconsul of Pafos Sergius Lucius Paul became the first person the Apostle Paul converted to Christianity. Despite the remarkable story of Paphos, we are reassured that we linger here long. This route is too well known for bustling tourists, from what he has lost much of its air of antiquity. The only exception was the Paphos Archaeological Park, where you can wander among the ancient mosaics that adorn the walls of the villas of Roman patricians, who lived 2000 years ago. Housing Romans are in amazingly good condition. Paphos Castle is also nearby. It overlooks the sea. Archbishop's Palace in Nicosia, Nicosia trip was much more relaxed because we have most of the roads to keep major highways. In addition, the way we covered the bright southern sun. On the way we are not very impressed with the view outside the window. The climate here is very dry, which is manifested in the faded landscape. The coast abounds with cliffs and the houses here are rare and look unattractive. We have seen a large number of construction projects. In Cypriots seem to have some unhealthy attachment to the old stuff. Rusting body of broken machines, metal drums from the gasoline, old tires dot the nearly all the space all the way to Nicosia. Bright greenish-blue waters of the sea, vidnevshiesya right, met our expectations. We quickly figured out that Cyprus is located approximately at the same latitude as southern California, so that we could easily move along the coast of Baja California (the northernmost state of Mexico, located on the same peninsula, approx. Perevi.). Monument to victims of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Nicosia, the capital of roughly 1000 years ago, after the rulers of the island were forced to move their place of living inland, to protect themselves from the incessant attacks from the sea. The medieval part of town is still behind the walls, while new buildings are located on the outside and stretch to the south. As I mentioned earlier, the world's only capital city divided by the troops. Divided Nicosia buffer zone, which are UN troops. Zone passes through the old city from east to west. Now her patrol armed Turkish guards. Old sand bags, barrels for oil and barbed wire - these are terrible reminder of the current political tension in the country. Our hotel - Hotel Castello - located outside the old town, near the buffer zone. Prior to our arrival like me a little worried about the closeness. I presented the soldiers with machine guns under our window, but in fact their is nowhere to be seen. If I did not know that we are on the border, I'd probably even do not suspect would be. Directions to our hotel via the new districts of Nicosia, I was thrilled by the fact that we live behind the walls of the old city, where the architecture and the atmosphere is much more interesting and the walk is much more fun than driving a car to move. We, of course, did not dare get behind the wheel in the old town. For those who are not accustomed to the British rules of driving - a real suicide. Our first day ended with a meeting in Nicosia Lance with his local friends Varnavasom an employee of the Department of Land Resources of Cyprus. How does a surprise for Lance to learn that apart from delivering lectures whole government agency, he will meet with some ministers of the country and give them some recommendations on the future arrangement of the island golf courses and parking for yachts. Following the adoption of the European Union in 2004, one of the objectives of the Government of Cyprus has been making a major golf resort for countries in Europe and the Middle East. At this moment there are three golf courses, and they are a good "bait" for tourists from Britain, Germany and France. Local residents seem to be slightly puzzled by this golf mania. Listeners Lance lectures were more concerned about travel to golf courses on the cute little car, and they are interested in golf only because it created a reason for such ride. Start material: Read more: