Inspired Escapes

How Rockin' Mums bring back smiles in the city of Limassol

Patrickdh — Mon, 30 May 2011 14:48:00 GMT

No one knows best the role of a Mother when it comes to bringing back enthusiasm to kids.

As mother nature does not stand still either, while man seemingly looses it's common sense, so do Rockin' mums in Cyprus, in the fight for an urban development that takes into account the preservation of trees.

This is a call for help and global reaction to restore common sense in preserving urban integrity while servicing the tourism industry.

(Please visit the site to view this media)

The aims of the citizen movement in Limassol, an independent and spontaneous group of citizens, which requires a peaceful manner: -The protection of green space in Dasoudi -The assurance of public space and utilities -The promotion and implementation of open, democratic and transparent procedures for public consultation with respect to our environmental and social rights.

Sign the petition - Join the Dasoudi Group

www.facebook.com/Cyprus.Nature

When nature puts on the show, it's yours to treasure

Patrickdh — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:09:00 GMT

Let go and feel the enchantment, what else is there to do? Tomorrow comes Spring.

Inspirational setting: Backyard of Vasilias Nikoklis Inn

At the heart of Cyprus Festivals, the Limassol Carnival takes front stage

Patrickdh — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:33:00 GMT

Serenades and satire will set the tone for the street celebrations that will last 10 days

The tempo of announcements and novelties has been set in motion, with the announcement of the Carnival King, 'Queen of Amazons', a satirical jest by the organizers of the Limassol City Carnival which also sets the program of activities for this years Carnival beginning the 24^th of February until March 6th.

The Carnival traditionally reflects links to customs and rituals before the fasting of Easter. Known traditionally as, Apokreo, Carnival in Cyprus is unmistakably linked to food, and can be interpreted through meat and cheese, 'Kreatini' and 'Tirini' weeks mark the festivities, of costume-making and street spectacles. Although this year in Limassol, the events will revolve around serenades and choir singing.

Most importantly, the Carnival's King entrance announces the opening of festivities and the time for theatrical representations, dressing up in costumes and taking good cheer to the streets for weeks until the Grand Parade, which takes place on the Sunday of "Tirini week", one day before Green Monday which marks the beginning of lent and is national holiday.

The Grand Carnival Parade is on March 6th

The great carnival parade will also be led by the Queen of the Amazons and its accompanying floats and groups of followers march in the rhythms of the music.
The concentration of floats will begin by 8:30 a.m. along Makarios Avenue III, the Air Traffic lights to roundabout by St. Nicholas. The parade will follow Makarios III Avenue to the intersection traffic lights Simillides.

8.30pm Outdoor Carnival Dancing.
The carnival will concludes festivities and a large outdoor carnival dance.
PELLOMASKAS Contest - Prizes for the best three costumes.

Green Monday, (Kathara Defthera)

Green or Clean Monday (Kathara Defthera) is symbolically for cleansing where it is customary to enjoy countryside family picnics. The good spirits carried over from the Carnival takes shape of a time of relax, light eating and genuine fun, and highlighted by the simplicity of kite-flying.

It's a moment for raising our eyes to the skies in contemplation and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us, a great way to close weeks of festivities. A special group has been set-up to share experiences about the event, join-us.

For an extended view of the events programmed for the Limassol Carnival , you can follow the link - Program of Events

Photo Credit: Limassol Carnival Photography by Ivan C

Travel to the soul of Cyprus - it's Green Countryside

Patrickdh — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 22:24:00 GMT

The hope of travel to Cyprus, the country's interior which is green

Green in Cyprus is a word that does not carry a very positive associative meaning, contrary to cultural hearsay. To Cypriots, the ' Green Line' carries much emotional distress, to what it seems a perpetual separation between communities, but fortunately it is a division which nature seems to often ignore.

Aside from the drama in Cypriot society, with the passage of time, winter and spring do consistently bring back the green and life to this blessed island of the eastern Mediterranean. The absolutely stunning greens of the undulant hillsides, deep gorges and valleys of the island’s interior, against the blinding white of limestone cliffs and outcroppings, are jaw-dropping. We enjoyed reading the personal account about an eco-friendly-cyprus as experienced by the authors from the Green Traveler Guide who openly wondered: are we in New Zealand?

We all recognize that ecology in Cyprus is not a an emergent concept, judging by high penetration of solar heaters, but environmental practice in terms of renewable energy, sustainability, recycling, development and biodiversity loss prevention, may have longer strides before reaching 2020 objectives as set by different international Conventions. As the blog post very well recognizes, The Cyprus Countryside is where it's soul still lives. An authentic traditional life still present and accessible makes it for a satisfying travel experience to a 1st world economy. From the Wines making villages of Limassol, to the Olive oil and the traditional Carob plantations, the eastern Mediterranean Charm has lots of seduction going for it, both for excellent vistas but also from an informative view point of how traditional customs are passed on or adapted to modern use. Highlights of the Visit:

Mountain Villages of Anogyra
Museum of Olive Oil, by Oleastro
Village of Mavros Chrysos Carob Factory Museum
Wine Routes of Cyprus
Taste of Cypriot hospitality
A glorious meal at Cypriot Tavern
The tastes of the wild Cyprus
Troodos Sustainable tourism

Opa to the post and our best wishes for the new year 2011 Read more about the account at:

Green traveler guides and eco-friendly Cyprus Greening of Cyprus

So that you know - extended bathing until November also in Pafos

Patrickdh — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 20:52:00 GMT

Made the trip to Pafos for work and got into the habit of joining the group at the Pafos Seafront, near the harbor - every time I can.

A special Cypriot passion – meet the tastes of the wild Mediterranean

Petros Mavros — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 20:47:00 GMT

Afelia with Corriander, a true taste of the wild Mediterranean in Cyprus

The passion for food of the Cypriots is something that the visitor notices from the first moment he lands on the Island. The numerous Souvlaki spots, the amount of restaurants and the gatherings around a table are so many that one can easily say that Cypriots live around food.

When it comes to tastes Cyprus is a real crossroad between east and west. Cinnamon and Cumin meet in meat. The old pasta tradition is found in the most remote villages. “Alps style” cheese making and yogurt passion live in harmony. Rice pilaffs, potato recipes, crushed wheat and local roots have Cypriot names. And sweets smell of rose-water and clove.

A typical dish where this fussion is present is “Afelia”. Pork cut in cubes cooked with red wine and coriander. Red wine was in Cyprus and coriander arrived in the island later during Marco Polo’s era. But despite their cultural differences they managed to “marry” in Afelia, in just the same way today’s hospitable Cypriot is the outcome of the people of Cyprus having mixed with the “invading” civilizations.
Take a note of the recipe and watch how we cook it for you. “Kali Oreksi” – Bon Appetite.

To cook a tasty Afelia dish for 4 people we will need:

- 1 Kg of pork. It can be shoulder, spare-ribs, bacon or leg. Depending on what pieces of pork you like more. I recommend that in any case 30% of the met you use is bacon, a bit more fatty but very tasty. Anyway this is not a dish you eat every day.

- 2 cl of Olive oil. To stir fry the meat. Olive oil is probably the best “grease” in the world. Use it liberally.- A bit less than half a litter of Red wine. Do not use “cooking” wine, please. Give your food the aroma of a decent red wine. We will use a local red from Tsangarides winery, Agios Efraim Red is a blend of Mataro, Cabernet Savignon and local Mavro.

- 2 garlic cloves. Garlic is the aroma agent here and it is what is going to marry coriander and wine.

- Salt and Pepper. The twin brothers. 2 leaves of Bay leaf, “Daphne”. Daphne was the lover of Zeus and, of course, Zeus’ wife, Era, wanted to kill her. In order to save his lover, Zeus transformed her into this bitter but so aromatic bush. In this dish we need Daphne to give us her lover’s touch. She is the seducing agent.

- Crushed Coriander, 3 – 4 soup spoons. Coriander is the foreigner here, the “invader”, so let’s treat him hospitably and prepare the terrain for him to “land” smoothly.
We heat the olive oil with the 2 garlic cloves and the bay leaf. When the oils is slizing we put the meat which is already cut in cubes of approximately 3 sq cms.
As side dishes, we have choosen “boulgour”, “Kolokashies” (Jerusalem artichokes) and a cabbage salad.

To cook the boulgour we need:
-    200 grams of Boulgur. (one coffee mug)
-    6 spoonfuls of Olive oil
-    1 onion
-    2 espresso cups of pure tomato puree
-    1 cube of vegetable stock or natural vegetable stock in case you have made at home.
-    Salt and pepper
-    400/500 cl of boiling water (one coffee mug, the same as for boulgour)
-
We heat the olive oil and throw in the very finely chopped onion and stir fry it until it is soft. Then, we add the vermicelli and stir fry them a bit so they get lightly roasted. Afterwards, we add the boulgour and stir fry it just as we did with the vermicelli. We pour in the tomato pure and the boiling water in which we have already diluted the cube of vegetable stock. Season with salt and pepper and remove from the stove. Let it rest for about half and hour. Boulgour is wheat which has been boiled and then let dry in the sun before it has been crushed. Therefore, it does not need cooking again, but rehydrating, and the boiling water we pour onto it does this job. You will see how it trebles its volume while we let it rest.

To cook the “kolokashes” we need:

-    Kolokashies, for 4 people we would need 8 pieces.
-    Olive and sunflower oil to deep fry in our pan.
-    One garlic glove
-    Crashed coriander
-    Fresh lemon juice (2 medium size lemons).

The kolokashes ( Jerusalem artichoke also known as taro) are actually side rotes of the mother root of taro. We peel them like we would do for potatoes. We wash them and dry them very well. We need to make sure that there is no water all since they will soon jump in hot oil.

We heat up the oil, half olive and half sunflower oil together with the garlic in order to give some aroma to it. With care when the oil is hot we lay in the peeled roots that we have previously cut in half and cracked a bit with our knife. We let them fry for 5 minutes until they turn tan. The reaction is exactly the same like when we fry potatoes. We prepare a bowl where we remove the kolokasies from the fire and when there still hot we sprinkle them with some sea salt, season them with the lemon juice and top them with crashed coriander. We let them covered and we are ready to serve them.

I would finish the table with a white cabbage salad finely sliced garnished with pomegranate grains, olive oil and balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar or lemon… up to you to choose.
Remember practice makes better and bon appetite.

Yiasou from Cyprus, reconnecting to technorati - 25P2E9GEWA6X

Patrickdh — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:58:00 GMT

It's always a pleasure to be sought out and in this respect we appreciate the service which Technorati provide in making our blog-world look a bit more orderly. 25P2E9GEWA6.

Now that new server installations will permit flexibility and agility - we've decided to re-link to the platform since the last date the servers were updated. In this way we will save you some time and effort in fixing broken links.

All the best and keep up the good work.

While we are at it. I thought we should also give a shout out to our friends at alltop as well, so that their readers, where our blog is also listed, find it at least entertaining to read this RSS update. Sorry travel lovers, technology obliges. We'll be back with our regular blogging in a short while. Yia Sou.

Cyprus, a Mediterranean treasure on exhibit at the Smithsonian

Patrickdh — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 20:12:00 GMT

Precious and historic artifacts to go on exhibit at the Smithsonian in Washington 11,000 year history distilled into an exhibition with more than 200 Artifacts to be on view for the first time in the United States and a heritage borne out from its own distinctive history and culture. The exhibition is presented on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

The exhibition will feature more than 200 artifacts—covering nearly 11,000 years of history—which range from items from the earliest villages to masterpieces of medieval religious art, and give an overview of the island's unique culture. Among the objects on display will be for the first time in this country:

A pygmy hippopotamus skull (10,000 to 8,500 B.C.)
Gold jewelry and sphinx sculptures from the Cypro-Archaic period (750 to 480 B.C.)
Vases, bowls and sculptures, including an Aphrodite marble, from the Hellenistic (325 to 50 B.C.) and Roman (50 B.C. to A.D. 330) periods
Bronze and copper items, including lamps and jugs, from the Byzantine period (330 to 1191)
Religious icons, paintings and vases from the medieval period (13th to 16th century)
Section for children will also have the chance to try on traditional Cypriot costumes and play Cypriot games, such as skipping rope and marbles.
The exhibition also will feature nearly 100 coins from different eras in Cypriot history, starting from the Hellenistic period through the Venetian period.

The exhibition takes place at the initiative of Cyprus’ Ambassador to the US Andreas Kakouris and representatives of the Smithsonian who visited Cyprus in October 2009 to inspect all artefacts to be displayed. The Smithsonian has incorporated Cyprus in its travel programmes, in line with the normal practice of the museum. The Museum of Natural History, in cooperation with Cyprus, will organise various events and educational programmes to promote the exhibition and Cyprus to the public at large and to children as well.

The effort and exhibition was made possible by the Cyprus Department of Antiquities, the Cultural Foundation of the Bank of Cyprus, the Byzantine Museum of the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation, the Holy Bishopric of Morfou, the Pierides Marfin Bank Museum, the Thalassa Museum of the Municipality of Agia Napa and the National Museum of Natural History.

"Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations" will be on view at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History from Sept. 29 through May 1, 2011.The formal opening of the exhibition will take place on September 28 and will inaugurated by the President of Cyprus Republic, Demetris Christofias

'Cyprus: Crossroads of Civilizations' to Open at Smithsonian in September

Hearing nature's call, privileges of the Cyprus countryside

Patrickdh — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 08:51:00 GMT

Being spontaneous and flexible has its rewards while visiting Cyprus; partake of the privileges of the most hospitable and natural hosts of Cyprus.

...(read more)

Kypria 2010 – Cyprus' 50 th Anniversary celebrated with culture

Petros Mavros — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:36:00 GMT

As very year, the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus is organising Kypria. A cultural meeting with performances taking place in all the main towns of Cyprus. This years Kypria is dedicated to the 50th Anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus.

Kypria Festival 2010 is hosting the very best of music, dance and theatre and it will be presented to the main towns and cities of Cyprus. It begins the 3rd through the 22nd of September and this year we will have the privilege to watch the performances “RUSHES PLUS” from Inbal Pinto and Avshalom Polak Dance from Israel, Modern Creative Jazz performed by Marios Takoushis and Gabliel Karapatakis Quartet, Beethoven’s “Eroica” performed by the Cyprus Symphonic Orchestra that will include the awarded Tassos Stylianou “Odysssey”. The Greek Tragedy “Oedipus Rex” of Sophocles will be performed by AMPHI-THEATER group directed by Spyros Evaggelatos. The “Musical Roots of Cyprus” with Evagoras Karagiorgis will be performed by the Hradec Orchestra of Prague directed by Solonas Kladas will give the local touch to the festival. The Oxford Philomusica Orchestra directed by its founder Marios Papadopoulos will perform the work of Chistodoulos Georgiades “Treasured Island” that was especially composed for the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus and KYPRIA 2010.

The complete Kypria 2010 programme available here to view.

Underwater photography reveals appreciation of Larnaka among divers

Patrickdh — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:01:00 GMT

The underwater world of Larnaka, offers every beach lover, an unexpected and open invitation to experience the surprising of the underwater biodiversity of Cyprus. This special year celebrating the Aquatic theme for Excellent destinations of Europe, we believe Larnaka ought to receive a special consideration granted the spectacular effort of the Larnaka Municipality to entice people in discovering the uncharted waters of tourism routes in Cyprus.

Although most expert underwater divers have already had the privilege to experience The Zenovia, as an underwater landmark, for most common mortals, this should be on every visitor's list. As much as we would like to remain objective in our recommendation, we can all now see from the recent underwater photography contest, a firm and convincing proof of the appreciation that Larnaka has gained internationally among divers and other underwater lovers.

Today, 12 of the best chosen photographs comprise Larnaka's municipality calender, a testimonial to the beauty of the landmark and the underwater life that has sprung in and around the Zenovia shipwreck. Explore the photography with us.

Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa where silence can be heard

Petros Mavros — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:20:00 GMT

Escaping for the heat of the coast I drove to Panayia, 30 minutes drive from Pafos town I found myself in the tranquility of the Pafos Forest having a cold lemonade under the shade of the pine tree outside the Chrysorroyiatisa Monastery.

Built on the 12th century A.D in the Paphos forest, the spectacular Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa revived its name by a dedication to Virgin Mary as “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate”.
The Monastery is located 40 km from Paphos in Panagia village. The monks, always kind and hospitable ready to offer Cypriot coffee to the visitors, welcome you with a smile and stand by to explain the history behind the icons and frescoes. As vine harvest is approaching, the Monastery is set to commence its wine making, producing one of the finest and oldest wines.

On the 15th August every year, an impressive religious ceremony is celebrated whereas traditional “panigiri” feast is taking place with local people selling habitual goods such as the locally made soutzoukos, and time goes by calmly on this peaceful part of Paphos...

I would like to thank my friend Paco Rivero for provoking this visit to the area, sometimes things are much closer than we think they are but we forget them .

Visiting Cyprus this summer, impressions of travel to the eastern Mediterranean

Patrickdh — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:21:00 GMT

You can almost envision the froth from which Aphrodite , the Goddess of love, majestically arose to the surface riding on a sea shell. Aphrodite's calling may not be your most convincing argument to Visit Cyprus, surely there may be more than one argument that can do it for you. Here below we have made out a list of 5 impressions that may help you in choosing Cyprus as a destination of choice for your next travel to the Mediterranean:

1. Hospitality - As in most destinations, once you escape commercial circuits - you will discover that honest and warm hospitality in Cyprus does make a difference. Since Cyprus is an Island, you may not have to travel far and the inland routes visiting monasteries or wineries is a great excuse to mingle with and enjoy local taste. It won't be occasions that you will be missing, Cyprus hospitality is part of Cultural expression and experience, how else could have a country attracted so many civilizations and still come out in modern times as an independent state.

2.Natural Variety - be it beaches, pleasant scenery, biosphere reserves or heritage - this you will find with a flavor that defines eastern Mediterranean territorial wealth. Marine life and biosphere reserves still exist to give us an idea of what it meant to be the greenest of Islands in the Mediterranean in antiquity. Some of the best regions testimonial to this are in Platres, at the heart of the Troodos Mountain range, the Akamas Peninsula near Pafos and the wonderful beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras for bathing and sailing. That which will definitely surprise you is that Troodos in the winter, is a place for snow and skiing. If all this activity is too much for you and what you are in for is a well deserved escape with 100% pampering, you will be in good hands at any of the full service resorts which have been servicing a cosmopolitan clientèle for the last 30 years.

3.Cultural Heritage - Cyprus has been on cultural migratory routes for the last 10.000 years. Evolving with most influential civilizations, Greek, Venetians, Byzantine, even under occupation, Cyprus culture was to achieve cultural tolerance in its time. So expect richness in architecture, art, mosaics, archeological findings, faith based heritage dating back to the 3rd Century BC and where the villages throughout Cyprus but especially in Troodos, are home to UNESCO world heritage with painted churches and rich iconography art. In modern times, Cyprus inherited British style for driving, administration, education...a touch organization with the right mix of Mediterranean improvisation that will ensure your tranquility and ease of mind.

4.Cypriot Taste - food with local flavor exists in 2 forms just as in the rest of the world, slow food and fast food. Your typical fast food is a Slouvaki and your slow equivalent is having Mezedes. A Mezze is the most social event at the table you can experience; where all types of salads, meats and fish 'appetizers' are shared across the table. Whereas Souvlaki are individual portions of charcoaled cooked meat in Pitta bread, you will find it very appreciative to accompany a quick lunch or dinner with a Keo or Carlsberg as local brews. Local wines have tremendously evolved as well with lots of labels to meet your palate's desire. Either way, you will want to end the meal with a typical Mesopotamian Coffee and if you are lucky, you may even have a look into your future from the coffee deposit in your cup.

5. Festive Cyprus - If it's for celebrating 4,000 years of wine-making, at the Lemesos Wine festival in August, the Kataklysmos Water festival in Spring, or the local fest in your neighboring village, Festivals are great occasion for blending to experience the warmth of local expression and rhythm. Cyprus is also especially well known for its brilliant nightlife, with numerous occasion for enjoying distractions from beach parties to different bars, restaurants and nightclubs - all in all Cyprus attractions are evolving with the times and taste of travelers today, thus meeting the needs for great golfing, yachting, bird watching, diving, extreme sports like kitesurfing, or more family entertainment around waterparks or donkey rides.

By now you surely may have some hints at to how you will be mesmerized by the rich experiences to be lived on the Island of Cyprus bathed by the Mediterranean. So why not make it to Cyprus this summer? As you know, summers in Cyprus are as they should be - they come early and are long lasting. The time is right - feel welcome.

Credit: Published in visit cyprus this summer

Cyprus Agrotourism could make the difference in your trip

Petros Mavros — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:34:00 GMT

While Cyprus is living its worst crisis in tourism since 1974, the Cyprus Agrotourism sector is giving its own battle of getting a piece of the pie. The remarkable Cypriot landscape and the semi-abandoned villages of Cypriot countryside revive Cyprus as once used to be.

Villages like Kalopanayiotis and Kakopetria hidden in Troodos Mountains, or Nikokleia in the Diarizos laying valley have a new tourist product to offer. In places like that the visitor, being him local or foreigner can enjoy the real Cypriot hospitality that in the last years was covered by all inclusive habits. There, the hotels are of millions of stars, you just have to look the sky while you enjoy a glass of the oldest wine of the world (Commandaria) and feel like a millionaire even if we in times of deep crisis.

Small cottages and rural houses are at your service this summer when you visit Cyprus. I would recommend that you make your booking a bit in advance by contacting Evie at the Cyprus Agrotourism Company.

Visit Cyprus this summer with Jose Carreras

Petros Mavros — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:24:00 GMT

Are you going to be in Cyprus this summer? If you did not plan your holidays yet you are still on time to make it.

On June the 9th in Limassol you have the opportunity to attend a fabulous concert of the Catalan Tenor Jose Carreras. Jose Carreras and the symphonic orchestra of Cyprus directed by Miguel Ortega will travel us in the Mediterranean through their music.

Mediterranean Passion, Mediterranean weather and Mediterranean people, all in one the night of the 9th of June in Limassol – Cyprus.

Join our group of enthusiasts on Facebook Cyprus this summer; or manage reserving your entrance online here: Book your entrance online here.