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Cyprus is the Mediterranean's third largest island and the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Close to Greece, Turkey and Syria, it has much strategic importance. Named after large copper reserves on the island, it is a favorite vacation spot of Europeans. Its calm lifestyle was shattered in 1974 when it was invaded by Turkey and, today, the island is partitioned into both Greek and Turkish sectors, monitored by the UN. A small British military compound is also on the island. #90 pictures the Rock of Aphrodite, where, according to legend, the goddess of love rose from the foaming waves. #s 91-93 show the underground Tombs of the Kings, a cemetery at Paphos, dating from the third century BC. |
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Our guide (94) during the day's shore excursion was unlike any we have ever experienced before. Dressed in high heels, wearing a spaghetti strap dress and carrying a little lace parasol, we found that more photos were being taken of the guide than the sites. Our major stop of the day was at the House of Dionysius, a third century BC Roman nobleman's villa. There, an extraordinary collection of floor mosaics (95-100) are visible with more excavations yet to come. These mosaics, largely depicting Greek mythology, are considered the finest in the Mediterranean. #101 shows one of the many fine beach areas of Cypress and we were told that because of the variety of terrain on the island, it is easily possible to ski in the mountains in the morning and swim at the beach in the afternoon. #102 shows the Byzantine church of Ayia Paraskevi, a typical Greek orthodox church. |
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