Dance and feast in the streets in Limassol

Travel writer Killian Fox from Abu Dhabi daily newspaper "The National", has mentioned Limassol (Lemesos) as a recommended location for visit in February.

Killian says: "Every spring, before the fasting period of Lent, Cyprus enters a feasting period known as Carnival. For 10 days and nights, the island throngs with vibrant parades, fancy-dress parties and lively musical performances."

Talking about the weather, Killian notices that the weather in February is already warm and flowers are in early boom.

The Carnival is best experienced in Limassol. Killian emphasizes on that saying: "Nowhere does Carnival better than Limassol, Cyprus’ second city on the picturesque southern coast, where the celebrations are high-spirited and brightly colourful."

To sum up the activities related to the Carnival, we read the following: "The festivities kick off on February 4 – the beginning of Kreatini, or “Meat Week” – with the arrival of the Carnival King."

And a final advice: "Make the most of the island’s wonderful cuisine (the second week of Carnival revolves around cheese) before the Grand Carnival Parade heralds the beginning of Lent on February 14."

"The National", Abu Dhabi, 30 January 2010

Cypriot and Greek authorities cooperate and break up an antiquities smuggling ring

Cyprus police announced Monday (25 January 2010) they had arrested a theft ring that was trying to sell four thousand years old artifacts.

More than 100 officers worked on the case in Cyprus, originally alerted by information coming from Greek police.

"By cooperating with the Greek authorities we were able to track and locate this smuggling ring," Cypriot Communications Minister Nikos Nikolaides told reporters.

The case can lead to further enquiry about the security measures in Cyprus around archaeological sites.

Police is also investigating whether the theft is part of an international smuggling network. Police spokesman said 10 Cypriots had been arrested so far and more arrests are expected.

This has been the largest antiquities theft attempt in the history of Cyprus.

According to officials the artifacts include copper and silver coins, terra-cotta urns and clay and limestone figurines from urns located in Lemesos and Pafos. It is suspected that some of the artifacts are from occupied territories of Cyprus or maybe from elsewhere.

Cyprus is known for its archaeological wealth as it has wittnessed successive waves of settlers starting from around 9000 BC.

British couple ordered to demolish their illegally built villa in occupied part of Cyprus

Reuters reports that a British couple faces having to demolish their holiday villa in the Turkish controlled part of Cyprus after a court rule in the United Kingdom.

The ruling can affect many other foreign holiday home owners who may have been investing in illegally obtained land without their knowledge.

David and Linda Orams spent their life’s savings to buy a villa in 2002. The purchased land was owned by a Greek Cypriot who became a refugee in 1974, after the invasion of the Turkish forces.

The original owner Meletios Apostolides took action against the couple in a Cypriot court. The Nicosia District Court ordered the demolition of the villa with the pool and other parts.

Then Apostolides sought enforcement of the ruling abroad. The European Court ruled in favour of him.

The UK Court of Appeal rejected arguments by the couple that the European Court judge has close relationship with Cyprus leadership, something they claimed had influenced his decision.

This is an important decision that could affect thousands of other holiday home owners, who purchased land in the occupied territories belonging originally to Greek Cypriots.

Posted also in EmiratesGreeks

Pafos for Bahrain and other GCC residents

Stan Szecowka, writes from Bahrain about his experiecne when he stayed in a semi-detached villa in Pafos, not far from the city center (Gulf Weekly, 20-26 January 2010)

Lordies Lodge is a new semi-detached villa on the impressive Regina Gardens complex, owned by property giant Leptos.

The article offers a solution for all exaptriates who live in Bahrain and the wider GCC countries and want to spend a nice time in the summer closer to the Middle East.

Stan writes about Pafos:

"Beaches and family attractions are easy to find and include a bird sanctuary, water park and go-kart arena to name but a few.

The restaurants are geared up for offering fine food and a variety of evening entertainment from Elvis impersonators to a full-on theatrical show between courses at the fabulous Fat Mamas.

The latter is particularly popular and it might be best to book a table in advance or you'll have to wait in the queue!

When you want to chill you can escape the seaside and set off for the marvellous mountains and even stop for a paddle under natural waterfalls for a relaxing day out".

Photo: Pafos castle.

Read more here at Gulf Weekly's website

Louis Cruises offers to watch The Solar Eclipse On Board MV Aquamarine

Louis Cruises, one of the leading travel agencies in Cyprus, is offering you to watch the Solar Eclipse On Board of one of its specially equipped boats MV Aquamarine

This is good opportunity to watch the longest solar eclipse of the 3rd millennium falling on 15th January 2010.

Parallel presentations, movies and simulations related to the eclipse will be available on board, to acquire further knowledge on the subject.

Read full text as appeared in one of the Indian publications:

Louis Cruises offers to watch The Solar Eclipse On Board MV Aquamarine