'Romantic Paphos'

The jewel of Cyprus, Paphos, is also known as the Capital of the West and has distinct attractions for romantics. Paphos has its own unique character and was actually the island’s capital in earlier Roman periods.
The Capital of the West is a heritage site consisting of many cultural and natural treasured spots which are visited by both locals and tourists. Paphos is known as a romantic getaway, the romantic side of the island and a hot spot for weddings and/or honeymooners.
If you are interested in a romantic retreat then Paphos holds the legendary keys for the birthplace of the ancient Greek goddess of beauty and love, namely, Aphrodite. A romantic atmosphere settles on the west and magnificent sunsets line the edge of the day in this location of beauty.

The diversity of this coastline includes both the old, traditional lifestyle combined with the urban influence which presents a ‘true find’ as a getaway.
However, Paphos continues to experience new influences and growth spurts and is really a modern coastal town which woes visitors and locals to the intricate textures of the land.
It has a potted history which is reflected in the historical treasures such as medieval monastries, traditional villages and the medieval fort of Paphos.

There is an ongoing influx of expatriates who are interested in relocating to Cyprus and especially to the area of Paphos. A number of golf courses accommodate the tastes of newcomers as part of the modernised infrastructure which adds the new to the old. In most districts there is a balance between locals and foreigners residing together. The Cyprus coastline measures 648 km and geologists say the rocks were created during the Cretaceous period, making them 150 million years old. The name for ‘Cyprus’ is derived from the word ‘copper’ which was once an important natural resource and other names for Cyprus in the past include ‘Amathusia, Akamantis and Makaria.’
Paphos boasts beautiful waters and coastline which are known for its cleanliness and clear waters along its beaches. The weather brings sunshine 300 days of the year which averages enjoying about 11 hours of bright sunshine per day during the months of April to September.
During a romantic getaway, you won’t be disappointed with all of the above essential factors when you are with that special person and Paphos won’t be expecting rain to ruin those precious moments.

Romantic Paphos boasts having had a visit from Leonardo da Vinci who came to Cyprus in 1481, and returned to Italy with a piece of Lefkara embroidery which is a truly traditional piece of Cyprus. It is said that he donated this piece to a Cathedral in Milan. The romantic breeze in Paphos blew over the Ammochostos Castle in Cyprus which was the setting for the theatrical production of Shakespeare, namely, ‘Othello’. Artists and art of all kinds can be traced to have made a connection with Cyprus and especially danced with Paphos.
Wine is also enjoyed in Cyprus and shards have been located which show that wine was being produced in copious amounts as long as 5000 years ago in Cyprus.
Cyprus is, without a doubt, a land rich in ancient history, myths and beautiful landscapes. It is one of the perfect settings for a wedding ceremony where couples exchange their most important vows. Paphos is one of those areas which promises beauty and love. The sky portrays a blue backdrop and the seas mirror the happiness of the event which provides an idyllic moment worth capturing in the bank of those best memories.
There are various municipalities which arrange the perfect day and event. These can include municipalities such as the Municipality of Yermasoyia which is approximately seventeen squared kilometres, with a beach stretching out for about three and a half kilometres of which most has now been transformed into tourist region. This is a beautiful setting for couples as well as visitors attending a wedding who will see everything from mountains, plains, sea, a modern environment and also the traditional side of the two-sided coin (as Yermasoyia is known). http://www.yermasoyiamunicipality.org.cy/
The marriage ceremony is made official either by the presence of the Mayor or another authorized member of the Council of the Municipality of Yermasoyia. This will take place at the Culture Centre of Yermasoyia which is a traditional, old house and has picturesque gardens.
Another option is the Municipality of Pegeia for weddings on the beach. This is for a very romantic ceremony on the sandy beach of Coral Bay. Further information can be found on the website http://www.pegeiamunicipality.com/.
Aradippou Municipality is another one of the leading municipalities in civil weddings and who intend to handle all the couples’ requirements delicately and with sophistication. The website is http://www.aradippou.org.cy/

The Municipality of Mesa Yitonia also offers its services to create a happy atmosphere for those moments of a lifetime worth cherishing. The Mayor will be present to seal the couples’ vows and that special day along with all the people of the Municipality who endeavour to give their personal attention in order to make it extra special. This municipality has a trend of offering a lovely gift to take home and they can perform a wedding ceremony even in a day.
In fact there are more and more couples coming from abroad in order to get married on the island of love. Paphos, in particular, is known as having a mysterious and irresistible appeal for romance. Whilst couples go from wedding to honeymoon, guests can enjoy a wedding and holiday simultaneously. It is not unusual for visitors to the island to return for a combined wedding and honeymoon. Cyprus ranks high on the favourite list for overseas wedding destinations and it is, of course, the land where love was born. The Mediterranean climate and backdrop create the ultimate honeymoon and wedding destination.
Cypriot tourism and the hotel industry provide and cater more than adequately for wedding couples, family and guests. There is an extensive range of hotel accommodation and venues to choose from to ensure wedding guests enjoy a very memorable and unique stay. Superior four and five star hotels offer outdoor and indoor venues, some with exquisite ballrooms and even those that overlook the majestic sea. For those couples wishing to employ an experienced wedding planner to plan that perfect day and alleviate any additional stress, they will find there are many wedding planners available to choose from in Cyprus. Services will include limousines, music, hotel accommodation, floral arrangements, photography, beauticians, hairdressers and even beauty treatments at a spa. These services are usually available either at home or at a location nearby. Cypriot wedding planners endeavour to create an exceptionally well-planned event, co-ordinated to include every detail that makes that dream come true for the intended couple.
The decision is yours to come and get married on the Island of Love.
This is the life and Paphos is the place to be whether it is to attend a wedding ceremony or to holiday under the Mediterranean sun. Come and sink your toes into the sand and dip them into the cool Med-waters which sparkle by day. In fact there is an extensive coastline which offers a variety of beaches to choose from which differ from sandy beaches and shallow waters to rocky outcrops and deeper water. Cyprus or Papos, in particular, is known for good snorkelling or diving if that is your interest or even if you are new to the sport. This is the place where you can do your first diving course with qualified and experienced instructors who are passionate about underwater life. Cypriot cuisines allow you to choose from a variety of options and dishes, however, there is the meze which is a fine option to experience. The meze includes many different dishes and is a true Mediterranean experience. Bazuki, the traditional Greek musical instrument, is played in different evening or dining locations. Strong Cypriot coffee can be served almost any time of the day and at some places you can try ‘glyko’ which is traditionally preserved fruit and sweetened. Very sweetened!
The locals dip a slice of bread from the village into a bowl of cracked green olives with coriander seeds. Try halloumi cheese with watermelon which has some unusual flavours. The wines of Cyprus include the sweet Commandaria wine or other local wines and beers. A shot of zivania direct from the fridge is a true wake up call. This is made from very-distilled grape juice and is almost neat alcohol. All this can be enjoyed and shared under romantic skies and with the one you love if you are coming to Paphos for a romantic time.
For other interests and adventures, there are the forests and walks to explore across the island. Greek temples, Byzantine churches and museums are available for touring. They house ancient artefacts which are thousands of years old. Golfing, hiking, cycling, walking, running, snorkelling, boating, sailing, diving, rollerblading, skydiving or lying on the beach are some of the sporting/relaxation options to choose from. Enjoy your time to the maximum with much to be done and to see. The world is your oyster in Paphos.
Nature, sunshine and more are to be savoured when visiting Paphos or even considering relocating to the land. Here, nature is truly an inspiration even to those who are not usually nature conscious. The coastline, pine forests, snow on the peaks in winter, the mountain villages or vineyards are there to capture your attention and provide the perfect landscapes for artists or the casual photographer. Cyprus is truly an all year round destination and numerous visitors return again and again to visit the island of sunshine. The wildlife on the island can include sea turtles, birds, wild mountain sheep and plenty of botany.
Cyprus has some lovely handcrafts whether you purchase them in Paphos or across the island, they will make that perfect and extra-special gift. This is traditional handwork and is an art that dates back to much earlier periods of civilisation on the island. The work is carefully crafted to perfection and is typically Cypriot. The items include ceramics, woodwork (even carved bridal chests), baskets, silver or copperware, Lefkara lace and embroidery. Lefkara lace has become a well-known, recognised and famous term for this beautifully delicate artwork and most of the crafts include unique Mediterranean motifs.
The island is idyllic for romance, food and crafts. There are other spectacular and special events for romantics or near-romantics which may include musical celebrations, shows and performances, festivals or dance. These can include the Wine Festival of Limassol and the Mediterranean Folklore Dance Festival held in Larnaca during late summer. Numerous festivities occur throughout the annual calendar in Cyprus and some of the cultural events include well-known figures in romantic settings. These events are set in romantic medieval castles or under starry skies. An annual opera event is held in Paphos and ancient Greek drama is held on the beach during winter.
Paphos and its romantic environment is really the central point of love and romance across the whole island. It has a beautiful harbour-area where it is worth lunching or dining near the waters. It is really a modern holiday resort with breathtaking countryside and historical sites to visit. In old times Paphos was the capital of Cyprus for the duration of six hundred years and it has a rich archaeological bank which has listed Paphos on the World Cultural Heritage List. Ancient and intricate Roman mosaics date back to earlier Roman periods of history and can still be seen at sites in Paphos today. These mosaics bring history to life again and tell of Greek myths where love, wealth, power and romance were operable and are still prevalent in Paphos today. The Tomb of the Kings, other artefacts housed in museums and Byzantine items and/or churches are amongst the richly varied antiquities and history to be enjoyed.
Romantics will not be out of options of adventures to explore and enjoy together as they choose from yet more history in the form of monasteries, wilderness, quiet coves, stunning scenery, nature trails, more coastline or quaint villages.

A Day in Paphos

South-African/English and fresh off the boat, I embarked upon a day trip to the enticing City of Paphos. This enigmatic Sea of Love beckons every type of visitor to its tranquil shores. A day trip with a taxi-bus to both Cumin (archaelogical site of roman mosaics and amphitheatre), and Paphos, costs around 20 Euros. From Larnaca this trip departs from Finikoudes beachfront. On entering the locale of Pahpos, the 'Goddess of Love' rises esoterically from the sea to greet visitors on the road set higher above the sea level at this point. A stop at this viewpoint presents a majestic display of deep-blue waters, coves, caves and rock. A photograph cannot capture the excessive beauty of this sea-view.

If you have been to Paphos Harbour before or not, it is a place that can be re-visited time and time again. The populated harbour is lined with restaurants, chairs and tables set out on the harbour's edge for the much-loved and appropriate alfresco eating. The waters gently lap in the background whilst visitors or locals enjoy breakfast, lunch or supper. Boats of every type congregate in the harbour and provide a truly Med-picturesque scene for onlookers. For those with tourist interests, a cultural streak or for intellectual stimulation - the Paphos Harbour Museum is 'right there' and centrally located for ease of access. Many shops line the waterfront where just about anything can be purchased. From sunglasses and suncream to high quality jewellery or rental cars/bikes. Whatever you need, whatever your interest - whatever you are looking for - this is where you can find it!

Despite your background - Paphos has it all and is universally loved. Many nationalities unite and comb the fringes of both Paphos and the island of Cyprus. This is also a useful area to buy that special gift for someone back home. Swimming in Paphos is a unique experience where an enclosed area resembles a roman bath and sunbathers lie like brown penguins on the concrete walls.

Persian Escape - Smugglers Boat - Instalment 3

Final Destination.
After a period of recovery, Alekkis was smuggled by boat from Turkey to Cyprus. Running from the injustice of Iranian dictatorship, running for freedom... he was illegal in Turkey, could not return to his country or he would be killed for his faith and for fleeing. Now, he sought to be a refugee in Cyprus. Again, during the dark and late hours of the night he was smuggled across the waters to Cyprus, entering on the Turkish side near to Nicosia. On arrival and without any sleep, Alekkis faced three entry check-points which included Cypriot, British (n the middle), and Turkish.
If Alekkis was turned away then he faced returning to his country where he would be killed. 'Life and death' was a reality. The first check-point, he strolled through whilst the guard slept and the second guard held up his newspaper at the moment that Alekkis walked by. He had planned to bare his story with absolute honesty and prayed that he would simply gain entry to register as a refugee. As he neared the final post, the guard queried him. He said, 'how did you get through the first two check-points?' Alekkis carefully explained his situation and how the guard on the first check-point was sleeping and the next was reading his paper.
The Turkish police said Alekkis would have to return to the middle check-piont, namely, the British and it would have to be their problem to deal with.
The British check-point represented the middle-man and peace maker. Constantly Alekkis asked God for help. At the British check-point, a high ranking woman official listened to him and was astounded at how he had got through the check-points. He begged her for his life. She pondered, hesitated and stated that this was a very difficult predicament for her to be in when her role for years had been to prevent anyone gaining entry.
She asked him, however, not to mention about how he by-passed the check point and she went away momentarily into a small, makeshift office.
On return she said six words, 'Get into the car over there.' She pressed her beeper from a distance and he followed the instructions. When she got into the car, she said 'I'll take you myself to the Immigration Police.' And so she did. She was a kind lady and God had again come to his Rescue.
Seven year on and he still lives here, having faced numerous trials and difficulties as a refugee. His faith was made complete and fully alive in this land. It has been a journey and a dangerous one at times. Alekkis has not seen his family in seven long years and it breaks many hearts. Some people fight for a dream - some people fight just for justice and freedom. A right we whould all have.

Persian Escape - Instalment Two

...they were headed in the direction of Cyprus. A planned and perilous escape, three young men left the Turkish shores as the clock stroke midnight with nothing more than a few items of clothing and little money. The Turkish poice were on their security boat at a certain position out at sea and they would shoot anything they saw out at sea by night which seemed suspicious. Tonight, the Turkish police were drunk. Nervously, the three young men neared and miraculously by-passed the Turkish police who were too busy endulging and raucously enjoying themselves to be keeping watch.

Relatively soon after reaching this milestone, the boat began to lose air. One of the men fainted with his eyes rolled back and in that terrifying moment the other two men didn't know if he was even alive. The other stood up and began shouting hysterically in Farsi, Turkish and other languages. 'Help! Help!' The third man, Alekkis, tried desperately to calm the uncontrolled ranting which would alert the police to their presence. He tried to reason with his friend, 'why are you doing this, we are both in this situation and this is not going to help. Either we work together or I leave you here.' He agreed, amidst hysterical crying.

Alekkis, the survivor, now alone in the crisis with one man unconcious and trying to deal with the other one who is no longer able to think clearly or assist.

Turning the inflatable boat around, he headed back to shore. The escape was over and now either they could get shot by the Turkish police or eaten by sharks in the water. Rowing alone, and having prayed to God alone to help him at this life-threatening moment, he felt a strong power behind him as he rowed and could not turn his head back to look. In moments, they were back at shore. What took three men about an hour to row, now took one man 15 minutes... Alekkis knew he had not been alone in this task and as the other two men ran off in panic once the third had been awakened, he sat for awhile to reflect.

Persian Escape

The regime threatened the existence of every individual and freedom still is a forbidden word in the hopeless country of Iran. The inhabitants speak the language of Farsi, are Muslim and Iranian/Persian nationality (not arab).

At the age of 27, Alikki lost hope in everything in Persia. As a devout muslim, he had tried his best conduct in order to serve and seek God whom he always fervently believed in. In every way he was experiencing difficulties and hopelessness with the country. His religion gave him only emptiness and no hope or joy. In an attempt to leave his country, he fled to Turkey. In Turkey, he was an illegal immigrant and learnt Turkish within six motnhs of staying there.

The turkish air above the buildings was thick with promise and opaque. The land was parched and Alekkis and his friend passed a church building where for some reason he felt drawn to the open door. As they neared to investigate what was going on inside, he discovered his own people worshipping God freely and in his own language in another country. Over time he was drawn back to this place to discover more of what it was about and he secretly began to read the Bible. His life was at risk in the household where he shared with a number of other young muslim men, some of which were fanatics and would not approve of his new discoveries. Eventually Alekkis and his friends had to leave Turkey which they attempted to do by crossing the sea, rowing an inflatable boat! En route across the lethal shark-infested waters...

Instalment 2 to follow.

Books - Apprentice Series - P.R.P Writing

Five Books are available for order through sandy1mitchell@hotmail.com:-

1. Valley Jewels (devotional)
2. I Go To The River (devotional)
3. African Odyssey Writer's Notebook
4. Israel's Raging Soul (Travel Writing & more)
5. Wooden Roses Poetry Compilation

Set Price of £20/Euros each plus postage.
Poetry Compilation £30/Euros (Hard cover) plus postage.

This is in support of continued travel, writing & research in the Levant Regions (Cyprus & Middle East).

*Available on Audio CD by Christmas 2009.

Author information: New writer, Sandra Emily Mitchell, South African born, lived in England for almost 10 years, residing in Cyprus from August 2009 & involved in travel, research & writing in Israel & Middle East regions.

B.A. (Hons) in Humanities with English & Creative Writing

Land Information

Cyprus is situated at a strategic crossroads to the continents of Africa, Europe and Asia. It is surrounded by Turkey, Syria, Greece and Egypt. This is a land which is steeped in history, significance and civilisation dating back to very early periods.
Israel, ‘it is a land the Lord your God cares for; the eyes of the Lord your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end’ Deut. 11:12.

Introduction

The Levant comprises the areas of Cyprus, Jordan, Syria, Israel and Palestinian Territories. These are areas which have been the target of much conflict and suffering. There is much to know about the past, present and future of the individuals who live in these lands. The historical and age-old conflict sets the context for why and how the saga continues even into the 21st Century. However, this blog will not cover that historical topic. The intention for this blog is not to debate nor to go back to the ancient root of dissension between brothers in Israel. This only stirs up hatred, furthers conflict and opens up argumentative debate. The wound of the past shared histories is still prevalent in the actions of today's warring parties. In this blog, the aim is to produce truth through real life facts, traumas, experiences and stories of individuals who live in these lands and those who travel there. Today these areas share a significantly increasing portion of politics and news. It is the central hot spot for news and conflict. These lands hold both trauma and beauty in their bellies.