Traveller's Tales

I travelled to Cyprus in September 1992 and stayed at Amatheus Beach, near Limassol.  Cyprus held much mystery for me because I had lived there as a young child, before I had developed any sense of memory of the place.   Also, I had preconceptions about Cyprus as a result of having watched the drama serial "Aphrodite's Inheritance" which was screened in the UK in the 1970s.   I had therefore made it my mission to return to Cyprus when I was old enough to appreciate it.

However it is not always a good idea to return to a place you've been to before as it can change beyond all recognition as time never stands still (my 'memories' were based on what my parents had told me about the place).   Cyprus is no exception, not having been able to escape from the grasp of tourism and the development which goes with it.

Anyway, some of the history remains - if you visit Paphos you will be able to see some ruins and mosaic flooring which has been preserved where the house of a local dignatory once stood. 

As far as music is concerned, I heard "Greek" like music in most, if not all, of the bars and restaurants which I visited on the island.  The bazouki features heavily.  So that's what Bill Wyman is doing these days...

My other reason for going to Cyprus was that mini-cruises to Egypt and Israel depart from there.  I got the chance to visit the Egyptian Museum, the magnificent pyramids at Giza and the Wailing Wall in Israel.   Unfortunately I was not in either country long enough to sample any of the local music.

After the cruise had ended I returned to Cyprus.   If you are particularly hungry when in a Cypriot restaurant try "meze", a traditional meal comprising of several meat/fish dishes served with various dips.   Make sure you also try out the local wines or if you don't like wine, there are usually cocktail bars around offering all sorts of cocktails.

Author: Dorraine Bennett       ©2002 Dors Productions