Nicosia 2005

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The journey to Nicosia from the UK is usually a four and a half hour flight from London Heathrow. Cyprus Airways was the carrier and I was at terminal two early one morning ready to go.

In December, it is a pleasurable prospect to leave the UK with its cold and dampness for the sunny isle. Sunny and warm it certainly was, about 23 deg C daytime temperatures. Short sleeves and lunch outside. Well, for the tourist, I had work to do. There was enough time to walk around the capital city and see just how much it has changed in five years. And it certainly has changed...

		I never tire of looking out of airplane windows. Watching the winter sun set over eastern Europe.
Unpacked, its not long before I am exploring my old haunts: Laiki Yitonia in the heart of Nicosia is one. I meet up with Iannis, the manager of the restaurant shown here. he greets me like a long lost friend and I enjoy a meal with him in front of a log burning stove with Cypriot music playing in the background. Cyprus heaven!			Our Colonial past is all around; a good old post box.
	Some people are still having a short back and sides in what looks like a non Cypriot hairdressers.		A sneaky view of the Archbishops Palace from the 'Red Light' district of the city.
I went to the top of Ledra Street to check out some of the changes that are occurring there between the the Greek and Turkish communities. here, the checkpoint is visited by many people including myself, but pictures are still not allowed looking towards the Turkish occupation zone.		The next day, it's sunny and warm as I wander around the part of Nicosia near my hotel.
	This is a Christmas tree propping up a moped. You'll see it lit later.		There are not many traditional old houses within the Venetian walls of the city, and I guess the developers are keeping an eye on them. Meanwhile, they exude a solid and traditional beauty.
This one in the Green Zone near the Ledra Place Hotel. Note the oranges.		Men like to stop and chat with their friends. here, I think it's backgammon that's being played on a small table at the roadside.
	Here's that G.R. post box again in daylight.		Elsewhere in the city, a similar box has had a paint job.
The city is busier than ever and parking has become a bit of an issue. This gentleman is preparing for his four wheeled tourists.		Now when it comes to cars, there is some more of our colonial heritage. This old Wolseley has been parked here for a long time, methinks.
	Ah, the dear old 1100 and its junior...
I'm on the tourist trail again.			A glimpse of the Archbishops Palace and its architectural statement. Wait till you see the main event!