This album is just a glance at a few places in Cyprus, a part of a 4 day trip, which was enough for visiting only a part of the island.

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterrenean Sea. It lies near the shores of Asia, but is usually regarded as European for cultural reasons.
Tourists flock to Cyprus mainly for its beach resorts, but the island is worth visiting also for its beautiful mountains, charming villages, secluded Byzantine monasteries and abundance of historical sites.

Cyprus is divided between two republics with strong affinity to Greece and Turkey.
The larger one is the southern, Greek Cyprus, known simply as Cyprus, and is a member of the European Union.
On the other hand, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognized by any country except Turkey.

In complete contrast to what the guidebooks say, Northern Cyprus seemed bustling and full of life, while Southern Cyprus, as seen in this album, was quiet and somewhat gloomy (the weather has added that impression). However, the latter was probably due to an Orthodox holiday. Different views of Southern Cyprus will appear in 2 future albums.

As this album is being published, the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders are in the first steps of new negotations, which are aimed at bringing peace between the two communities.

Troodos is the biggest mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island. Troodos' highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters.

The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slopes.

The Limassol Carnival is an essential institution and great tradition in the city of Limassol (Lemesos) in southern Cyprus. The carnival is actually a 10 day festival filled with joyful masquerading.

The carnival ends in a Grand Parade on the last Sunday before the Orthodox Lent. The Parade attracts masses of people in all ages from accross Cyprus, many of whom are wearing costumes.

Here are a few photos from the 2008 Grand Parade, which lasted over 3 hours. Dozens of floats, groups and individuals have performed to the sound of cheerful music, in a celebration filled with color, creativity, humor, and mostly joy.

Video of the event: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utNRL5xbxCo&feature=related