LIMASSOL-GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE CITY

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Limassol, Cyprus

LIMASSOL

Limassol, being the second largest city of Cyprus and the biggest Municipality indeed, has become one of the greatest Mediterranean harbours for the transhipment of goods

THE OLD LARNACA -LIMASSOL ROAD

. Therefore, Lemesos has developed rapidly after the tragic events of the Turkish invention in 1974, and is actually one of the most important maritime, commercial, tourism and service centres in the area.

Lemesos or (Limassol) in English, is also known for its long tradition in cultural issues. It gives the possibility to visitors to attend a great number of activities and visit many museums and archaeological sites, and it combines in a unique way, ancient, Frank, Byzantine and other modern historic influences.

The town's inhabitants are renowned for their love of fun so not surprisingly the nightlife is varied, with all sorts of tavernas (restaurants) discos and clubs.

A short drive out into the surrounding countryside will take a visitor through vineyards and quaint wine producing villages

A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING

. The castle of Kolossi is where the sweet dessert wine "Commandaria", the world’s oldest named wine, was produced by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem who had their headquarters here, in the Middle Ages.

Germasogeia dam and Akrotiri salt lake, at the edge of which is the Monastery of St. Nicolas of the Cats, are unique wetlands ideal for observing nature and wildlife and peaceful places to relax.

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE CITY – lunchtime.

We are driven here for a short stroll just to see a few things in the city, but actually there is not much time for site seeing.

We are told that we have about 90 minutes for lunch and walk in the city.

We are scattered here and there in the centre very near the old port, but I feel that my friends are already tired because of their early flight

OLD BUILDINGS

. Everyone seems to be hungry as well.

With a couple of friends we look for a nearby kiosk selling shish kebab-souvlaki in Greek. While walking and trying to find the shish kebab little restaurant, I take photos of some old but beautiful buildings in the area. We even enter a church.

Every now and then we ask for this little restaurant or kiosk we are looking for, and we are told to walk a bit further. We try to find it, but when we are there, we find it closed. We are kind of disappointed. I cannot say that I am really hungry, and my friends suggest that we can buy something from the street, so when we come to a fruit shop, we go in and buy some fruit. We continue walking, and at least we have some fruit now. I realized that we have covered at least a couple of miles.

We are soon on the main coastal avenue with the tall Palm trees, and I ask my friends if they want to try some Arab food

THE AREA OF THE OLD CITY CENTRE

. They trust me, and my friends show that they like tasting new things while here, however I am not sure if the quality is ok. I take the risk because there is not much time left, and we get some pitas of falafel (vegetable balls) very nicely prepared for us.

I have forgotten the name of the little kiosk, but I have only good words to say.

(Of course it is not like I cook it at home) but this does not bother us.

I promise the owner to have his photo put in my blog, so people from Limassol might recognize him.

We get a table outside the small kiosk, and while waiting for our pitas to come, Thodoris, one of my friends who is a High School teacher, goes to the nearby mini market, and buys some beers for us. Mr. Kousoulides Dimitris, the person who will be accompanying and helping us,- member of the Cypriot choir, is busy answering all kinds of questions and queries we have

CITY CENTRE

. Costas, my other friend is a writer and a historian. He has won many prizes and he is well known. He loves the Island and has read so much about its history. Both my friends are excited and impressed on what they hear, and tell Mr. Kousoulides that this their first visit on the island.

After this quick lunch we have, we head for the coach. As we approach, we see that others have already come a little before us. Some have managed to buy the first souvenirs, and everybody seems to have something to say. They speak mostly of what they have eaten. The majority of them are satisfied, but there are one or two who think they paid too much for the lunch they had.

I was disappointed when I heard that one of my friends Yianni, was deceived by a shopkeeper selling him Zivania – 3 small bottles for 20 euros. I was shocked actually, so people who come to Cyprus should double check prices before buying.

It is better looking around first, and check on both price and quality before buying anything .Zivania is something like Raki. –Very different than Ouzo. With 20 euros my friend could easily buy 5 or 6 bottles in other shops, but he got so excited that the owner must have realized it, so he took advantage of him.

Cypriots are so hospitable, and are ready to help if asked