What we noticed in Cyprus

Neutral

At first, we were naturally confronted with driving on the left, which was quite a challenge. But after a short adjustment period, we also got used to the special rules of the roundabout. Once you understand the rules, you find them much better than in Germany.

The architecture of the houses is completely different from Germany, very simple. Even the relatively new houses often look run-down.

At first, we were surprised to see metal supports sticking out of the tops of most of the flat-roofed houses. As we later learned, the parents are preparing to build an additional floor for their daughters once they reach marriageable age. This apartment will remain the sole property of the daughters indefinitely, regardless of the outcome of their marriages.

Drinking water seems to be scarce here. If you need water in the apartment, you first have to flip a switch, which apparently activates a pump, until water flows, more or less.

Only in the kitchen is there a small tap from which potable water is supposed to flow. Hot water is generated almost year-round by a solar panel on the roof. In winter and on cloudy days, you have to flip a switch that then produces a specific amount of hot water.

It feels like every third car is a pickup truck or SUV.

Very nice

The crystal-clear water with its blue to turquoise shimmer is perfect for snorkeling and diving.

The coastal landscapes with their fascinating rock formations, whether in Paphos, Pegeiya, or at Cape Greco.

The many small villages in the Troodos Mountains with their countless wineries, some of which produce top-quality wines. We even had the pleasure of tasting a Chardonnay that had been aged for a year in oak barrels.

The way people eat in the many small tavernas, where sometimes the mother or grandmother is still in the kitchen, is simply amazing. You absolutely have to try the diverse meze. It felt like we always had almost twenty small dishes. They're usually only served to groups of two or more. This variety of small dishes is simply overwhelming. They serve just about everything imaginable. For example, olives of all kinds, various dips and sauces, tzatziki of course, bread, stuffed vine leaves, a variety of vegetables, chips (fries), and of course, the whole range of meat dishes. The often very sweet desserts were also a must. Once, by chance, we had the pleasure of trying a "black nut." This is a walnut, shell-on, that has been preserved in sweet syrup for an extended period. The sensation on the palate is incredible. The shell actually becomes perfectly "al dente."

What we enjoyed most was the hike through the Avacas Gorge (Kerstin will surely report on it later), the buggy ride through the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, the snorkeling, the independent trip along the coast in a speedboat, and finally the Quadro restaurant in Agya Napa, an absolute must-do.

Not so nice

There are many unfinished construction projects that mar the landscape. The building architecture is predominantly simple and uniform. Think cigar boxes. Or square, practical, and good.

The installations of water tanks, solar panels, and satellite dishes found on every building, whether single-family or multi-family homes.

In some tavernas, the individual courses of what should be a leisurely meze are brought to the table by the waiter at breakneck speed, so that you feel compelled to eat faster because the entire table is full. It's simply a shame.

Often, in contrast to the vegetarian dishes, the meat was so overcooked that you feared for your teeth.

Several uniformed locals in various ticket booths, probably government officials, made it abundantly clear through their conspicuous rudeness that we were not welcome.

Despite the mountains, the landscape becomes very monotonous in the long run. The same dusty rock formations appear over and over again, with the same sparse vegetation, where present.

Feel free to check out our other reports about Cyprus as well.