Nicosia

If there’s one thing that stays with you when you’ve spent some time in Nicosia is that it’s very much a city wearing two hats. Because not only is it the capital of Cyprus and very much a modern, buzzing city with all the bells and whistles one would expect in a European capital, it’s also the last divided city in the world. And once you’ve done your shopping and looked around and toured the famous city walls and gates, the fact is that you are still blocked by soldiers and a green line controlled by the United Nations.

Nicosians well-deservedly take themselves very seriously; it’s hard work dressing to the highest standard of fashion and sipping coffee at the right coffee shops. Seriously though, as a city the place is fascinating. Perhaps it’s the fact that there is a renovated old part of town called “Liaki Geitonia” which is completely pedestrianised and crammed full of interesting little stores, eateries and people; or that the walls surrounding the city are from Venetian times and the three gates are still standing. But it’s more than that; Nicosia is more than history and war and tributes to how people used to live. Perhaps it’s the perfect example of how people can pick themselves up and move on from tragedy.

You will see fantastic modern buildings (the Laiki/ Popular Bank headquarters), international business presence, fabulous restaurants and coffee shops (remember that we are very social people and love going out) as well as the latest in fashion and design. But more importantly, you will see that the people who live here respect their past, they are constantly reminded of what their city has endured and are justifiably proud of what they have achieved and what their city has become.