Nicosia - a city separated by a land border

I love getting 'off the beaten track' on a holiday, but rarely can you describe the countries capital city as that, but I'm sure most holiday makers in Cyprus don't have Nicosia on their itinerary.

The city is easily accessible from all places on the island, we took the bus from Larnaca (despite having a hire car).

A couple of bits and bats to tick of in Lefkosia the Greek Southern side of the city, Eleftheria Square, Shacolas Tower and Ledra Street. 

The main attraction (for me) was the border crossing into Northern Cyprus.

The crossing itself was fairly straightforward, show your passport to leave, walk 20m over the Green Line to another passport control where you gained entry to Lefkoşa in Northern Cyprus (Turkish).

As soon as you crossed the border it was different, Turkish Delight, Baklava, Galatasaray shirts and prices in Turkish Lira. A couple of attractions in the North, Büyük Han and Selimiye Mosque.

It was nice to walk around, enjoy a Turkish Kebab and a pint of Efes.

Then it was back to the border to get signed out and in again and return to Larnaca by bus. A great day trip. 

Fun in Cyprus

We arrived in Cyprus (country number 84) on a Cypriat bank holiday weekend, so we embraced their culture and had some fun. 

We caught the packed bus from Paphos to Limassol for the Grand Parade at the carnival. On the bus there were students dressed as cows, hamsters, police women, clowns...you get the picture. 

The youngsters were in high spirits but we're well behaved. The carnival itself was carnage, great fun. 125 floats each with around 100 people on and around throwing ticker tape, napkins and sweets. The crowd were lined armed with spray 'silly string' that shot out fluorescent slime and fake snow. Makeshift stands selling food and drinks lined the way. 

Whilst it wasn't a day to wear your favourite polo shirt (hopefully the stains come out) it really was fun, Sienna (our 4 year old) loved it. 

I'd not go to an event like that in the UK, there'd be pissed/drugged up yobs, pickpockets, and an overall threat that someone unhinged would drive straight through the lot. 

We didn't see a policeman all day, neither did we even the slightest bit of trouble. What a great day.

Once the carnival parade had passed it left behind a serious mess, but an army of volunteers were cleaning up straight away. With the thousands of aerosol cans and forests of paper, maybe not the most environmentally friendly day however.

Bank holiday Green Monday we headed out to Lighthouse Beach, Paphos as we heard locals go there to fly kites and have a picnic. We packed in our suitcase both the Frozen and Minnie Mouse kites which both Thuy and Sienna enjoyed flying with the other hundreds of kites. 

A slower day than the carnival, but another nice day joining in the harmless fun.