Our correspondent
Despite reports in the international media of drone attacks on the British military base in Cyprus, daily life in the tourist areas continues as normal. In Ayia Napa, the situation is almost imperceptible, says Swedish Linda, who lives and works on the island.
In a phone interview with Greek News and Radio in Florida, she describes how life is going on as normal, that tourists are still arriving every week, and that the concern is mainly among people outside Cyprus. She also shares her experiences of life on the island, suggests the best times to visit Ayia Napa, and gives advice to Scandinavians thinking about traveling or moving to Cyprus.
Η Linda reports by phone that life in Ayia Napa is as usual, despite the drone attack on the British base in Cyprus, and that tourists are welcome.
How have you experienced the situation in Cyprus after the latest drone attacks against the British base?
I am in the Ayia Napa area. Nothing has been seen here at all. Living here and moving around the area, nothing has been observed.
It's more visible in the media. Sometimes I wonder if I'm in the same place as what they show. I've received so many messages from my friends in Sweden. They ask me how the situation is with the bombs in Cyprus.
I tell them: there are no bombs here.
There were some people in the hotel who started asking questions. They wanted to know where the shelters and the safe rooms were. That's how we found out, because we hadn't thought about it before.
Otherwise, everything is as before.
Do you notice any concern among locals or tourists?
More among tourists than locals.
Is the situation still ongoing?
No, at least not from what I see among tourists.
There have been some cancellations of trips from people who were coming on Monday for example. I know that Ving had about 500 cancellations of trips to Cyprus, but those were for future dates as well.
Are tourists still coming?
Yes, every week.
Do you feel safe living and working on the island?
Yes. I've wondered if there's anything strange about me not worrying. But I'm not worried.
Now that the media is talking about shelters, we've given it a little more thought. But there aren't shelters for the entire population, and many are used as garages or for other purposes.
I feel safe. Maybe because I'm Swedish. If something really serious happens, I feel like I could go back to Sweden.
Do you notice any difference in your daily life?
Not among the locals.
So life goes on as normal?
Yes. It's like nothing happened.
Are tourists welcome?
Yes, absolutely. They shouldn't be afraid.
What would you say to tourists thinking of traveling to Cyprus?
I can't know what will happen in the future. But the Middle East has been a region of tension for many years and Cyprus is very close. Despite all this, nothing has ever happened in Cyprus.
My husband, Yosef, was from Lebanon. There has been bombing and conflict there for many years, but it all depends on which area you are in.
Now it seems that the target is the British base and not the populated areas. Of course there may be civilian injuries, but here where I am, nothing has happened.
If I had heard bombs here, I might have reacted differently. But here everything is calm.
What would you say to Scandinavians who are thinking about traveling to Cyprus?
Everything is as before. There is really nothing to fear.
How do you react when you read in the Swedish media that there is concern?
I think it's too much. How can they say that when they're not here?
They may be interviewing some people, but it still seems excessive. When they write that planes or military forces are being sent, some people think that something big is going to happen. But these are just preventive defense measures.
They also informed us that there would be a siren test. At that time some people believed that something was going to happen, but it was just a test.
What do you think is the best time to visit Ayia Napa?
September, October and November. From mid-September the weather still remains very hot.
I would say that December is also wonderful.
What is the difference between summer and spring or autumn?
In the summer there are a lot of people on the beaches and in the streets.
In spring and autumn there is more space and the climate is more pleasant.
Are there quieter places for those who don't want to party?
Yes. In fact only the bar street is the main entertainment spot and part of Nissi Beach during the day.
What places would you recommend in Ayia Napa?
The port and the new marina of Ayia Napa. There are not so many people there.
Is Ayia Napa a good destination for families or mainly for young people?
It is also absolutely suitable for families.
Which bars or clubs are popular for young people looking to have fun?
Scandinavians love the BAR DE THEATRE bar. There is also Pirates and other places on the bar street.
Which restaurants would you recommend?
I would suggest going to Sotira and eating at a traditional Greek Cypriot tavern called Musikos, about ten minutes from Ayia Napa.
I often go to Hokkaido or De Medici, where they serve Asian or Italian cuisine.
What is the best thing about life in Cyprus?
Weather and climate. They make life easier.
Do you miss Sweden?
Yes. I miss the forest.
Would you recommend that more Swedes move to Cyprus? Why?
Yes. Because of the climate and the quality of life. In the winter in Sweden people lock themselves in. Here you can live outside more all year round.
You may not earn that much money, but the quality of life is high.
What have you learned from life in Cyprus?
That you shouldn't stress. Cypriots don't stress in the same way.
I also believe that in Sweden we often take some things for granted because there is a lot of support from the state.
What activities can Swedes do in Ayia Napa?
In summer everything revolves around the sea: diving, snorkeling and boat trips.
But the nature is also wonderful. I discovered it more in the winter. You can go hiking in Cape Greco and it is very beautiful.
What Scandinavians should definitely try when they come;
They must try Cypriot meze.
Is there any hidden "treasure" you would recommend?
The sea is the greatest treasure.
For example, Turtle Beach in Protaras.
What is your best advice for someone who wants to move to Cyprus?
Don't compare Cyprus to Sweden. It's not Sweden. You came abroad to experience something different.
Sometimes things move slower here, but you have to enjoy the climate and life.
Do you miss Sweden?
Yes. I miss the forest.
photo LaraKoptseva, https://pixabay.com
