Culture Shock Cyprus

Channeling Mark Wang’s lecture on culture shock, I thought I would discuss what it would be like to live and travel in Cyprus and how to prepare for the inevitable culture shock associated with encountering any new place.

One of the advantages with living in Cyprus is the weather. The beach is literally at one’s doorstep and sometimes it gets so hot, siestas are a part of the everyday norm here on the island. Best to refine one’s cooling mechanisms before visiting.

Conversion to the Euro means living in Cyprus is more expensive than it used to be. A low employment rate amongst the locals, means that travelers should expect high prices and shouldn’t come short changed.

The country has a rich history and it is important to not consider that it is a place with a kaleidoscope of influences channeling traditions from Turkey and Greece to even Asia and Africa. Predominantly a Mediterranean living, it is a necessity to respect all the different cultures as the country’s past as a center of maritime still resonates today through the Green Line.

The people are friendly but just like any community, have a cohesiveness that should not be abused or condescended. Apparently news travels fast. Any misdemeanor done to one Cypriot will no doubt be known by another so it’s best just to be humble and not be your stereotypical ignorant party tourist.

However, don’t be fooled by opportunist locals who see foreigners as a money bag. At the end of the day, it is a dog eat dog world however being aware of potential snide acts can help make ones time in Cyprus all the more easier.

All in all, the best way to prepare for any culture shock is to know bits and pieces about the place as well as having the capacity to just enter with an open mind ready to absorb all the splendor the country has to offer.

Controversial Cyprus

As blog 2 concerns itself with the misinterpretations of Cyprus and focuses on the different layered perspectives it has to offer, I took it upon myself to analyse how the country was depicted in the media; particularly how it is marketed by Visit Cyprus Tourism .


A recent review of the advertisement’s effectiveness showed that many viewers associated words like love, relaxation, landscape and hospitality as a part of their essential knowledge of Cyprus. However, the positive aspects the clip manages to convey are far outweighed by the truth that is omitted.


A vital component of the country’s way of living, the ongoing struggle between Greeks and Turkish is completely absent. There are no mentions of the ENOSIS induced Turkish massacres nor is the dark truth that many current citizens were political prisoners or remain missing to this day.


The eye sore that is the Green Line which cuts through the entire nation is disregarded even though the heavily guarded military zone is potent to Cypriot life. It affects the flow of trade and is the separator which is responsible for the drastic economic discrepancies between the north and affluent south.


Visit Cyprus neglected to mention the effects of the recent . Cyprus Economic Crash . Those retirees who fell in love with the sea views and tranquillity (much like the advertisement pushes you to do so), bought properties with the intention to live their golden years  here, only to have their assets and life savings frozen indefinitely.


With this knowledge in mind, it is no surprise that some individuals recall the ad as too artificial and not a real representation of Cyprus. I guess it's just a lesson to be learnt, that what you see is not always what you get and underneath the beams of sunshine which radiate to the vacationers appeal for the ideal holiday are shadows which show a deeper and darker reality.

Capacious Cyprus

Cyprus is capacious and let me tell you why.

First let’s consider its landscape; from the ground to sky.

Sunshine and exquisite weather almost all year around,

An increasingly major tourist destination; there’s plenty to be found.

From crystal resort beaches of Agia Napa to virgin fertile land,

Mountain ranges and antique cities too; all lavishly grand.

Located in the Mediteranean , it has a rich and spanning history

As the center of maritime for its prime position in the sea.

Often a site of conflict, it’s contradictory of

Being known as the birthplace of Aphrodite; goddess of desire, beauty and love.

The biggest separation is that which occurred in 1974

When conflict between the Greek and Turkish arose like never before.

Mass displacement and blood shed, led to the creation of the Green Line.

A buffer zone between divided nations, it remains as a dismal sign.

Cyprus is capacious in that it holds an abundance of hearts.

Of those who are longing for unity, for a country that wasn’t torn into parts.

Constant conversations of yesteryear and where the people could live as one;

A nation omitted from segregation; Muslim-Orthodox harmony in the long run.

It also catches the hearts of travelers who are just looking for a good time;
An opportunity to bask in the surroundings and become in awe of the sublime.
To be engrossed in the vibrant festivals and general Cypriot life,
To experience an alternate being and escape from everyday strife.

For Cyprus is capacious as it contains a great deal

Of scenery, history and culture; it has so much to reveal.

Like a diamond with many sides, each face shining as it may,

So do the many layers of Cyprus, attract me to visit it one day.