I’m back, back at my second home. For now. No idea what is going to happen after Brexit, I’ve heard so much my head hurts.
But anyway, a week back home definitely helped to clear my mind and decide what I want to do next. I’m still not feeling my best but I’m feeling better.
Thank you for all the lovely messages you sent me after my last post. I didn’t post to seek attention or make anyone feel sorry for me, I’d hate that.
At the end of the day living here on my own, away from my support network is my choice and I accept the consequences but pretending to be OK, happy and cheery all the time when I’m not, makes me feel much worse so I feel much better now that everything is out in the open.
I didn’t get to do a lot of sightseeing this time as I spent most of my time with my family and best friends (for more of my snaps of Cyprus check my insta https://www.instagram.com/eleni_zenonos or one of the many accounts I follow to remind me how beautiful my homecountry is https://www.instagram.com/heartcyprus
but here are some of the highlights:
-Laiki Geitonia- Old Nicosia- A traditional neighbourhood in the heart of Nicosia surrounded by traditional buildings, cafes, taverns and several souvenir stores.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSTge-eAAwn/
If you happen to visit, make sure you walk down Ledras street for some nice food and go up the tallest building in Nicosia, on the Observatory where you get panoramic views of the city, including the occupied part (you can actually cross to the other side and see the other (occupied) half of the city and the rest of the island). Here’s a snap I took of the other half when I visited a while ago:
-Agios Iraklidios monastery in Politiko village. An old monastery (the church was originally built in 400AD, but the monastery was fully renovated in 1773) close to Nicosia. My mum’s favourite monastery, set in a peaceful, serene field with trees and flowers grown by the nuns there, who also make their infamous almond sweets. If you ever visit, you should definitely try them! And make sure you ask to visit the saint’s underground grave. It might feel a bit eerie if you are claustrophobic but how often do you get to walk around in a thousands years old underground cave?
If you go in the church to light a candle, turn to your right and go into the original part of the church. There is not much natural light but there are two small windows that let the sunshine in, it’s magical. I can’t describe the feeling but there is something special when you visit an old building that have been there for centuries, nurtured and loved by the nuns who are always smiling at you. You can see in their eyes how they’ve reached the higher levels of humility that fill their heart with peace and serenity.
In whatever mood you are, a visit will sooth your soul, regardless of any religion/non-religion views.
(Photos are not allowed inside the monastery, but if you want to see how it looks inside too, check Google images)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSLP5uBAROk/
-Panagia (Holly Mary) Chrisospilliotissa. A church/cave probably around since the 12th/13th century (there is not much information about it), built WITHIN a grand, imposing rock and covered in mural paintings inside. Every time I visit I wonder how on earth they managed to build it!
If you enjoy a bit of history and architecture I definitely recommend it. There are no words to describe it really so here’s a snap:
-Finikoudes- Larnaca. A road full of palm trees, with a variety of restaurants to choose from on one side and Finikoudes beach and the beautiful, recently renovated marina on the other (there are many many more nice beaches and sightseeing in Larnaca).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSOyPllgtqv/
There’s much much more to this little but beautiful island which I can’t possibly fit in a post but these are the highlights from my most recent visit. More next time I visit, which will be summer!
Hope you enjoyed this 🙂
Love you all x
Eleni
Lessons I learned after I turned 30 