You're moving to.... where?

Cyprus...is that by LA? How many times am I going to hear that one!?

When I first learned this was where my dear husband was taking me, I had to find it on the map (which is here: http://cns.miis.edu/research/cyprus/map.htm) and once I figured that out there were so many more questions. Many of which have been asked to me, so I will try to make a quick summary of what I've learned for those of you just now finding out my newest location.

Cyprus is a very old island (Copper in Greek, for the many copper mines) and has many interesting facts and legends (including that Cleopatra honeymooned there). Nicosia seems to have been the capital for a very long time, you can find the whole story of the city at: http://www.nicosia.org.cy/english/lefkosia_istoria.shtm -- but in our lifetime (1960) Nicosia became the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, whose constitution is based on the co-operation of the island's two communities, Greek and Turkish. Greek Cypriots make up about 80 per cent of the island's population and Turkish Cypriots 18 per cent. The remaining two per cent are Latins, Armenians and Maronites who at the time of independence opted to belong to the Greek Cypriot community.

Ankara invaded Cyprus in July 1974, after the restoration of constitutional order and the return of Archbishop Makarios III to in December 1974, the Turkish troops remained on the island. On 14 August 1974, the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus began and since 1974 the people of Cyprus have been experiencing the tragedy of a divided country, with the Green Line cutting in two the heart of the capital city Nicosia.

It is the 3rd largest island in the Med, looking more like southern Italy or Greece, rather than Hawaii: more arid than tropical. The Romans decimated the forests to create their navy, the trees were never re-planted and the terrian and weather became drier. Winters are close to home in weather (kind of wet, no need to shovel and mid 50s during the day) and it is hot in the summer, 90s on average. Due to the British occupation, driving is on the left, they eat 'streaky bacon' and 'chips' -- but I can't comment on the dentistry yet!