DESTINATION: Cyprus An Exemplar by Mr Rose

Geographic Location The third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus lies off the southern coast of Turkey and the western shore of Syria. The highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,953m.

The National Flag The background of the flag is white and represents peace. The orange coloured island represents the historical attachment of Cyprus to copper. The branches of the olive tree represent peace

Interesting Places to Visit Paphos Castle Aphrodite’s Rock Limassol Beach Tombs of the Kings Banana Plantation Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque Kolossi Castle

Plant and Animal Life You will find Olive, carob, avocado and almond trees; as well as Cypress, Juniper and Plane trees. Vineyards are everywhere. Orchards of apple, cherry and peach trees. Banana plantations in the south. Flowers grow everywhere and year round. Orchid is the most common. The fauna of Cyprus includes some 7 species of land mammals, 26 species of amphibians and reptiles, 365 species of birds, while the coastal waters give shelter to 197 fish species. The largest wild animal that still lives on the island is the Cyprus moufflon (Ovis orientalis ophion), a rare type of wild sheep that can only be found in Cyprus.

Their Lives…   The elders are revered and honoured. Many Turkish Cypriots lower their eyes during the greeting as a sign of respect. Very religious Muslims do not shake hands with women. Wait to be invited before using someone's first name. If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife. Secondary education consists of two three-year cycles: Gymnasio (lower secondary education) and Lykeio (upper secondary education) for students between the ages of 12 and 18. In Cyprus there are cafés just for men. Woman can’t visit it. The entry for women in such café is strictly prohibited.

Physical Features…. The island consists of two mountain ranges that cut the island from east to west. The Troodos and Kyrenia Mountains. There are beaches, plains and rivers. There are asbestos, copper, gypsum, marble, timber, pyrites etc. 40% of the land in Cyprus is cultivable. Meadows and pastures amount to 10% and irrigated land in Cyprus is 350 square kilometers. The island is subjected to a modern amount of earthquakes and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Climate of Cyprus, is temperate with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters.

More pics…….

Traditions and Culture The school year at most institutions begin in early September and ends in mid-June. Cypriot teenage girls are very much protected;  dating doesn't usually happen until they're at least sixteen or seventeen. Children are allowed to drink with their families from a fairly young age Chocolates, good quality diaries/pens, or a simple souvenir from your country are some good gift options. .

More Traditions ….. 06 January, Epiphany 'Fota'. The 12th day of celebrates the baptism of Christ and celebrations take place in all the harbours The Anthestiria Festival is a celebration for spring and flowers. Commandaria Festival.  Celebrates the start of the grape harvest.

Economy Tourism is the #1 economic activity in Cyprus. Most of the service industries are based on tourism. Cement manufacturing, gypsum production, beverage processing, metal products, light chemicals, paper and wood are also key industries. Main Cyprus imports are machinery, agricultural goods, and petroleum products. Main Cyprus exports are packaged medicine, helicopters, copper wire, passenger and cargo ships. Personal income is about $21,600yr.in the Greek Cypriot area and at $7,135 in the Turkish Cypriot area.

More Cyprus Facts Cyprus is a Republic. The President must be Greek and the V.P. Turkish. Greek, Turkish and English are all spoken. You can expect to live 77.65 years in Cyprus. Common disease is hydatid disease (echinococcosis). A parasitic disease of tapeworms. Population: Approximately 1,000,000 people. Capital city is Nicosia. Aphrodite’s Bath and Rock are in Cyprus. Hence it is called the Island of Love. Climate in Cyprus is recognized as the most healthy and mild on the planet There are cats everywhere!!!

Fly Me Away!!! Halifax to Larnaca Airport = $1, 114US It will take 17h 8m with 2 stops. One in Philadelphia and the other in London. Used FlightHub Airlines: American Airlines and British Airways

It’s A Small World After All Connections – Canada has an embassy in Nicosia Canadian military acted as peacekeepers during the civil war. 1964 – 1993. Cyprus was a British colony….so was Canada. English is spoken in Cyprus. Canada and Cyprus are members of the UN. Canadian contractors hired to build roads, power stations and drill gas wells. Nova Scotia lobster is eaten in Cyprus. We get grapes, avocados and olives and olive oil from Cyprus. Many Canadian tourists travel to Cyprus. Greek and Turkish restaurants in Halifax.