Arrival into Greek-Occupied Cyprus: A Day of Exploration

Weather Update: Sunny, High 12°C

Elevation Above Sea Level: 220 Metres

Today, I woke up to a bright and sunny day in Cyprus with the temperature at a comfortable 12°C. After enjoying a hearty breakfast that felt more like a pizza, I was ready to embark on my walk to the border—the Ledra Palace Crossing.

The Border Crossing: A Scene Straight Out of a Movie

The Ledra Palace Crossing felt like something straight out of a movie. On one side stood the gates of the Turkish-occupied area, plain and unassuming, while on the other side, the Greek-occupied area opened up to a lively scene. The difference was immediate: shops, bars, and vibrant activity greeted me as I stepped into the Greek side.

It was a beautiful day, so I decided to pause for a while and soak in the surroundings. I treated myself to a refreshing beer, enjoying the view and the pleasant atmosphere. After about an hour, I set off on the 2.8 km walk to my hostel, Nex Hostel.

Finding the Hostel: A Minor Setback with a Pleasant Surprise

The walk to the hostel was straightforward, and I arrived without much trouble. However, there was a small hiccup when I realized the booking I thought I had made was for the wrong dates—March instead of today! Fortunately, the hostel staff were accommodating and quickly adjusted my reservation. They managed to find me a lovely room on the top floor, with a great view to boot. After being shown to my room, I decided to head to the balcony to relax and take in the scenery.

Exploring the City: A Bit of Confusion but a Lesson in Local Culture

Later on, I ventured out to explore the nearby shops. But when I arrived in the area, I was taken aback to find most of the shops closed. At first, I thought I had mixed up the days, questioning whether it was a Sunday. But no, it was only Tuesday! I shrugged it off and decided to head back to the hostel.

On my way back, I realized I had lost my way. I thought I was heading in the right direction, retracing my steps. But when I reached the orange tree I had ducked under earlier, I realized I was officially lost. Thankfully, I found a small shop that offered free Wi-Fi, so I could check my bearings. The hostel was only a few streets away, just a five-minute walk.

While I was at the shop, I asked the assistant why so many shops were closed. With a smile, they explained that it was lunch hour, and it was customary for shops to close for a break at 3 PM. It was a reminder of the laid-back pace of life here.

Back at the Hostel: A Chat with Alex from South Korea

Once back at the hostel, I treated myself to a couple of beers and struck up a conversation with Alex, a fellow traveler from South Korea. I was curious about his name, and he explained that he had chosen the name “Alex” because it was easier for people to pronounce. He’s in Cyprus on a business trip, patiently waiting for his visa to enter Turkey. He’s been here for a month, making the most of his time while he waits.

A Day in the Life of a Tenacious Traveler

Today may not have been packed with excitement, but it was still a day of exploration and learning. For a traveller like me, it's the small moments—getting lost, chatting with strangers, and discovering new cultures—that make the journey worthwhile.

I hope you’re enjoying following my travels and that you’re feeling a part of this adventure. Stay tuned for more, as I continue to explore this beautiful world, one step at a time!