Living Cyprus

Looking at Standard and Poor's Downgrading

2011-12-07T23:55:43Z

Staying true to the positive theme we are trying to maintain on IheartCyprus I feel that we can look at the Standard and Poor's downgrading the of Cyprus's debt rating as a positive. I realize it is never a good thing to be graded lower but in this issue I for one can find a positive.

If you look at any grading system you see that grading is done as a tool to help the person or country being graded, to realize where there current standings are, see their strengths and weaknesses and move on from there. Usually this happens on a number of occcasions in order for tracking progress and decline.

Being a part of the Cyprus business class I understand that there are some issues that are troubling my particular profession that are being ignored and not taken seriously by anyone in the government. If these issues were taken care of then things can be much better not only for my profession but many other related fields and the whole country. So despite my lack of total understanding of Standards and Poor's system and how they evaluate and grade a country it seems to me they have to be right in downgrading Cyprus.
My optimistic side hopes that the people in Cyprus responsible for fixing these problems do so. To look within for answers instead of blaming others of conspiring against Cyprus. There is always room for improvement. Lets take this attitude and tighten our belts and get to work. We can do this and if we can't do it now we can try again in the next elections (without a revolution).

Unfortunatley I don't think they are. They are laying the blame on outside source who are plotting against them. President Demetris Christofias said that the goverment holds no reponsibility for the down grade. We just want to say please listen Mr. President and lets take some action now while we still have an "A-" since there is a chance for more slippage which they have stated

My Facebook Page "iHeartCyprus"

2011-12-05T03:01:10Z

For the last hour or so my heart rate has been racing. My facebook page has apparently been hi-jacked! I am writing this post in the hopes that it will help me calm down and make me believe that I actually have some say so in the outcome and bring everything back to normal.

This whole thing started when I emailed the URL of my Facebook page iheartcyprus to a friend about the most recent picture that we just posted. A few minutes later my friend called me saying there is nothing there. The page is blank and there are no pictures at all. I did not have a computer near me and spelled out the name making sure that he understood that it was dot com forward slash iheartcyprus one word. "Yes, everything is right." My friend is American so I made sure to spell Cyprus not Cypress "Hill" which many make that mistake.

Before our conversation ended I was looking at the same thing he was. This: notice the URL

At the same time I can still find my page by clicking on its links from this site and other places. The page is here now http://www.facebook.com/pages/Iheartcyprus/151592254903302 not as easy to remember. I started thinking that my page was stolen or hi-jacked. I made a comment on the wall but as soon as I left the page and came back the comment disappeared. I tried to like the page to see if then my comments would stay and therefore be heard. The same thing, the comment was gone and there was nothing I could do.

Next I clicked on the help section which leads down a couple of pages to narrow the selection to where I finally found a place to "Submit a Bug Report" which I did. A few minutes later I received an email from The Facebook Team:

Hi,

Thank you for submitting this bug report and taking time to help us improve the site. Unfortunately, we are unable to respond to every bug report individually, but we are reading them.

Screen shots often help our team diagnose problems that users are seeing. If you did not send a screen shot with your report, please follow the directions listed here:

http://www.facebook.com/help.php?page=971

Once you have saved the screen shot, attach it in a response to this email. If your issue is unfamiliar to our team, we may contact you for more details. If we have identified and are troubleshooting your issue, we will not need to contact you for more details.

For more information about issues currently affecting the site, please visit the Facebook Known Issues Page at http://www.facebook.com/KnownIssues. We appreciate your patience and feedback as we work to improve your Facebook experience.

Thanks,
The Facebook Team

I respond with screen shots and explain everything again. I then noticed that the new page is now a community page and the title of the page is I Love Cyprus. There is already a Facebook page that is called ILoveCyprus so why take my page for the community page if that's what Facebook did. If the page was not Hi-Jacked maybe it's just a glitch and the page will be back to normal when I wake up tomorrow. I hope.

I guess I am writing this for finding a solution. Maybe one of you have experienced this before and can give me some insight because I have not found it. Not on Facebook or on Google. The other reason for writing this is because if for some reason I don't get my page back, this post will be my screaming the unfairness of this act. I have put much work and effort to build this page. I had the name. I was told to have the right to turn it from a random page with a bunch of numbers into an easy to remember name of your choosing you had to have 25 likes and the name to be available.

I did that and continued to where we are at 170 now.

I know this can't be right and I will not go quietly. Not here anyway.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots Occupy the Buffer zone

2011-12-04T22:32:35Z

The occupy movement from around the world inspired Cypriots from both the Turkish and the Greek side of Cyprus to occupy the Buffer zone on Ledra street and protest against the division of Cyprus.

On 15^th of October they had their first meeting in the buffer zone. It was no violent protest – they just collected a bunch on armchairs, hung posters and played music, trying to emphasize the peace between two sides. Slowly, more sofas and armchairs came around, then a number of tables, a donation box and a mini kitchen. And finally, a decision was made to bring tents and camp in the buffer zone.

“We’re doing this to show everyone that we can live together peacefully and that we do not need the UN to control us. The buffer zone represents a small united Cyprus if you like.” – said a Turkish-Cypriot boy of about fourteen; whom I met at the protest yesterday. Having followed the protest since day one, my initial thought was that they can last for maximum a couple of weeks and will then disperse.

I could not be more wrong. It has been nearly a month, and if anything, they have expanded enormously. The support they have is tremendous – many adults and children alike who crossed the borders offered their support, brought food, donated money and spread the word. Anyone is welcome to come to the buffer zone any time of day, but I would recommend coming on Saturday since that is the day most of the people gather there. Don’t worry, you won’t be checked by the UN since you are not crossing the border.

This Friday, however, things were slightly different. Two years ago, a boy was shot by the police, and every year there is a walk to the embassy of Greece in his memory. Combined with the Occupy Ledra Street movement, thousands flocked out to the streets and walked, shouting out slogans of equality and solidarity. Many of the protestors then came to the buffer zone and relaxed. The UN came to watch them but since they are not doing anything illegal, no one could be prosecuted.

I asked different participants of the movement about how long are they planning to stay there. “until the borders are opened” seemed to be the general opinion. One of their posters says – “excuse us for the inconvenience – we are trying to change the world. United we stand” emphasizing the spirit and the determination of both communities to be united and “make love not war”.

However, some have been hostile to the movement. A number of nationalist movements came and ripped their posters apart and screamed insults at the protestors. Instead of being offended, they tried to engage in peaceful dialogue and change the “racist “opinion of the nationalistic group.

Summing up, I encourage anyone who has such an opportunity to come and visit the protest. Even if you do not agree with the idea of a united Cyprus, it’s worth it to see their determination and will to make a change.

Cypriot Occupiers Be Strong

2011-12-03T17:38:16Z

The occupy movement that is sweeping through many countries this year has found some movement in our divided capital. Although Cyprus is a small island we have our fair share of issues. Most Cypriots have not been really concerned with many of the issues that are in the headlines. The many previous attempts to reunite the island are played out like a soap opera with both sides going back and forth for decades and never finding a way for this small population of people coming together.

The people need to demand the end and by occupying of the Lidra St. buffer zone they are making an effort and there are many resources available. There is a websites that teach you how to occupy. http://howtooccupy.org/ There are Cypriots in the UK that are having a Invisible Green Zone sit in in solidarity with their people back home http://www.facebook.com/events/251007488286531/

Unlike what happened in the Arab countries, Cypriot occupiers and even Wall street occupiers have not lived under such hardships and many of the reports actually claim the opposite, that many of the people are from well to do families. Whether the movement makes a differance or not there are reasons for change and these tactics may be the only way to get things done. Waiting for the old leadership to grow old in order to get change is not an option. There is concerns in Cyprus that must be addressed and Cypriots need to speak up now and demand a resolution to the division of this tiny island. Cyprus can play a leading role in peace throughout the region. They can show the Middle East, Europe and the rest of the world how Christians and Muslems can live side by side happy and prosperous

I get ahead of myself and start sounding very optimistic. I just have hope.

If this is something that intrest you then head over to any of the links in this article.

We have exactly this being talked about by young Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Follow the movement here http://twitter.com/search?q=%23OccupyNicosia

Иностранцы на Кипре

2011-11-27T16:24:17Z

Переезжать из одного места в другое всегда сложно, потому что надо оставить прошлое позади и привыкать к совершенно другой атмосфере. Трудно жить на Кипре если вы не ознакомлены с традициями и привычками людей живущих на этом маленьком острове. Вам надо иметь ввиду множество вещей если вы все-таки решитесь переехать туда.

Для начала, подумайте над тем в каком городе вы хотите жить. В Ларнаке живет много англичан ибо там у них военная база – поэтому в этом городе большинство английских школ, клубов и так далее – те кто говорят по английски там не потеряются. Большинство русских находится в Лимассоле, поэтому там очень много русских кафе, магазинов и русскоговорящего персонала. Никосия, наконец, собрала в себе много разных национальностей. В столице собрались все университеты Кипра и их студенты со всего мира. В целом, киприоты очень дружелюбны к людям любой национальности кроме турков. К сожалению, из-за длительных конфликтов, турки являются персоной нон-грата на греческом участке Кипра.

Из моего опыта, довольно трудно перенести перемену климата. Переезд из холодной и копошащей людьми Москвы в очень жаркую и спокойную, размеренную Ларнаку было довольно шокирующе. С другой стороны, кто не любит солнце? И еще, потому что Кипр такой маленький остров все намного ближе, и жизнь намного более размеренна чем в большом городе который полон жизни.

Почти все на Кипре говорят на английском языке, поэтому не бойтесь что вас не поймут. Агенты недвижимости будут рады найти специально для вас дом вашей мечты, и что самое важное, переведут все документы на нужный вам язык. У Киприотов нет никакой дискриминации или предубеждении, поэтому можете переезжать спокойно – законы Евросоюза гарантируют вам равные шансы с другими при поиске работы.

Мне надо сказать что все люди живущие тут довольно дружелюбные, что не удивительно так как каждый год к ним на остров приезжают миллионы туристов. Но, если вы собираетесь сделать Кипр своим постоянным местом жительства, то вам надо будет сделать выбор – либо вы становитесь «иностранным киприотом» и выучить кипрский диалект, научиться готовить традициональную еду и в целом общаться с киприотами, или вы можете найти «земляков» и общаться только с ними. Естественно можно делать и то и то, но я очень советую выучить язык и адаптироваться к культуре, так вам будет намного легче.

Если вы решите остаться с «земляками», то вам будет довольно легко найти тех, с кем вам будет интересно. Например, в Лимассоле есть много Русских магазинов, клубы по интересам, русские дискотеки и так далее. Поэтому у вас не будет проблем в поиске тех, с кем вам будет интересно.

Но, мне надо упомянуть и о «фашистских» группах. Их очень мало, но , все равно они есть, и их можно поделить на две категории. Первые не знают ничего о других культурах и национальностях кроме своей, и поэтому верят стереотипам о каждой национальности , например то что Русские пьют много водки. Остальные считают что Кипр принадлежит Греции, и здесь должны жить только греки. Я думаю что вы их вряд ли встретите, но предупрежден – вооружен. Наслаждайтесь!

Dog care in Paphos

2011-11-27T15:32:33Z

Q - Can you send me the name and all info about the place that looks after your dog in Paphos?

A - Dogs mingle together but she has them separated by size in different rooms of her house. They are allowed to sleep on sofas, chairs, rugs, wherever they like. They are let out a few times a day to play in garden. She asked us for a deposit when we reserved a place. She's quite thorough and takes down all the info about them ie. what they like, microchip number, vet you use, vaccinations, etc. and asks you to sign a form saying it's okay to take them to Dr. Inna if they get sick - Dr. Inna is the Russian woman vet - very good with animals. Dr. Inna is an excellent vet and lives not too far from Susan. Lady's name is Susan. Email: snooze@cytanet.com.cy I think it's called the "Barking Mad Hotel." Telephone: 99181502 Skype: snoozeincyprus

Living as a foreigner in Cyprus

2011-11-20T15:16:26Z

Moving to a new place is always hard because you have to adjust to a completely new environment and leave your past behind you. Living as a foreigner in Cyprus can be quite tough if you are not accustomed to some of the islands traditions, habits and hazards. There are many things that you have to keep in mind when you decide to move to such a small community.

Firstly, consider where you live. It can be fair to say that Paphos and Larnaca are British-loving towns; both with two English schools and British bases in Dekelia, anyone English speaking will easily find their way around there. Limassol is a more Russian dominated place – many of those who come from the ex-USSR have chosen to live there, hence the large number of Russian restaurants, shops, etc. Finally Nicosia is a mix of many nationalities: being the capital and hosting most of the islands universities it is open to anyone of any origin. In fact, the Cypriot people are not xenophobic at all, the only nationality considered persona non-grata in Cyprus is the Turks, due to a long history of conflict.

From personal experience, I can say that the climate change can be quite hard. Moving from cold, always busy and full of life Moscow to small and very, very hot beach-town Larnaca was quite shocking. But hey, who doesn’t love the sun? Also distances were made so much smaller and life so much more calm, every minute spent in Cyprus is pure bliss in comparison to a hasty big city.

Every town welcomes tourists and foreigners alike, since Cyprus in an offshore zone which is a big attraction for foreign businesses. Almost everyone speaks very good English, so don’t worry about not being understood. Property developers are happy to help you choose your dream home, and what is more important they will translate all the documents into your requested language. There is also no job prejudice, which means that any foreigner can rely on fair competition – meaning their nationality plays no role in the application.

I have to say that Cypriots are very friendly people, which is not surprising after being exposed to millions of tourists every year. However if you are planning to permanently reside in Cyprus you have to make a choice – either you become a “foreign Cypriot” which involves learning the language with a heavy Cypriot dialect, cooking traditional food and mingling with the Cypriots, or you find your native community and stick with them. Of course one can handle both at the same time, but I would strongly advise learning the language and adapting to Cypriot culture, it will just make your life so much easier.

If you prefer to communicate with those who share the same nationality as you however, its fairly easy to find communities and groups of people who speak the same language and join them. For example, Larnaca has it’s own British radio, an English language newspaper, a book-reading club for English speakers and many, many other activities one can enjoy with those who he or she feels comfortable with.

Being completely fair and honest, however, the anti-foreigners groups have to be talked about. They are a small minority but they do exist- and they can be split into two categories. The first ones have not been exposed to any other culture than their own and therefore wrongly believe that the worst stereotypes apply to every person of a certain nationality. The others just moan about how Cyprus is Greek and has to be populated only by Greeks. Like I said, these are a minority and chances are you won’t come across even one during your lifetime in Cyprus, but forewarned is forearmed. Enjoy!

Here are some good motivations to visit Cyprus

2011-11-19T20:46:47Z

This island has long been the holiday destination of choice for tourists from all over the world. The sun and the warm beaches are main factors yes, but there are so many additional reasons why you should consider Cyprus. You will definitely be returning to this sun kissed island paradise!

Read on for more about the some good reasons why you should visit Cyprus...

You're assured a warm welcome: Cypriot people are well known for their hospitality and friendly nature. Anywhere you go on the island expects a warm and peaceful atmosphere. Check out any of the many Festival events that take place in Cyprus and you will see what we imply. The celebrations go long into the night, and a superb time is guaranteed for all! One of the biggest summer festivals is the Limassol Beer Festival in July.

Amazing Beaches and Exotic Resorts: Cyprus is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts to be found anywhere in the world. Rest guaranteed you will have clear blue waters and golden sands. There are lots of the major resorts at Paphos, Protaras, Ayia Napa, The Akamas Peninsula and Limassol. Each of these resorts is home to incredible beaches just waiting to be explored!

Magnificent Tourist Attractions: Cyprus has a wealthy and varied history, with many civilizations thriving on the islands, from the Greek, Roman and Byzantine eras to the present day. Some of the most famous attractions on the island include Paphos Harbour and Castle, nearby Aphrodite's Rock on the south-western coast, Curium and Kolossi Castle near Limassol, the city of Nicosia and its very old and mysterious city walls, the wonderful Troodos Mountains and the delights of Northern Cyprus.

The Local Cuisine: Cypriot food is something that has to be experienced throughout your holiday. Typical Cyprus dishes are a merging of Greek, Turkish, Middle Eastern and African dishes. The main native dish is Mezze, which in general is a selection of Cypriot foods that make up a meal, and in total can include up to 30 small courses! Meze dishes usually contain meat and fish dishes, along with fruits and salad. If you enjoy fish, you will be guaranteed some fine dishes, as Cyprus is one of the most important fishing locations of the Mediterranean. Exotic dishes like squids, octopus and red mullet are popular catches of the day wherever you go!

The Local Wines: You want a good wine to add to your meal, so you'll be spoilt for choice in Cyprus! It is estimated that wine has been produced in Cyprus for over 4,000 years due to the favorable climate - the production of the sweet red wine called Commandaria, which has been produced for over 700 years. You can enjoy a wine tasting tour of the local winery estates. If you happen to be on the island at a time of harvest, you can enjoy the wine festivals that take place over the island, including the Limassol Wine Festival that takes place in August, and the October's Grape Festival in Afamia.

Fantastic Scenery and Adventure Holidays: Cyprus is home to some magnificent scenery. The island is a paradise for walkers and trekkers, and walking holidays can be enjoyed all year round. There is a great variety of walks available for the tourist, from hillside paths that are located in the Troodos Mountains, to paths along the coast and nature trails. Some of the best views available are in the Platres in the Troodos Mountains, together with the Akamas Peninsula. The Troodos Mountains is a place where you can ski in winter, and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Olympus. The wonderful villages throughout the Troodos Mountains are home to ten UNESCO listed world heritage painted churches. Panayia tou Araka is a classic example, located near the village of Lagoudera, Remember that photography is not permitted and all visitors should be suitably dressed.

Easiness of Access: Cyprus is a destination that is well served by the major airline carriers and airports of Europe. With a flight time of less than five hours from the UK and Ireland to Larnaca and Paphos Airport, it has never been more reasonable and easier to get to Cyprus!

Grand Nightlife. Cyprus is well known for its luminous nightlife, suitable for all tastes, so if that is your thing, you will be well catered for here. Ayia Napa on the east coast is a paradise for clubbers, with around 20 nightclubs catering for revelers. The nightlife in Larnaca is in the main located around the seafront and palm tree lined promenade. Limassol is similar to Ayia Napa in terms of nightlife but at a smaller scale. Paphos is more relaxed and offers great eateries, specializing in fresh fish from the Mediterranean. The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia, and this offers many bars, restaurants and nightclubs also! If you want a nightlife that is away from the beaten track, simply visit the fishing villages along the coast. You will be guaranteed a great welcome and a wonderful Cypriot experience.

Great Golfing: If you imagine a few holes on the green, Cyprus has plenty for you to think! There are four golf courses in Cyprus that are as good as championship standard, three near Paphos and one near Limassol. Tsada Golf Course, the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club near Pissouri and Secret Valley Golf Course arte located near Paphos. Vikla Golf Course is located at Vikla Village near Limassol. Korineum Golf Course in the Esentepe region serves Northern Cyprus.

Olden Heritage All Around You: Cyprus is steeped in history, and wherever you go on the island you are bounded by the ancient mysteries of the island. The museums of the island are a good place to start to learn all about Cyprus. Check out the Byzantine Museum, The Archaeological Museum in Ano Paphos and the Ethnographical Museum. The World Heritage Site at The Tomb of the Kings is a great place to view the relics of the Greek and Roman past that date back to the 3rd Century BC. The ruins of New Paphos will enthrall you - an earthquake destroyed this ancient city that dates from the 4th Century BC. Be mesmerized by the well-known Paphos Mosaics here at the Odeion. The restored open-air theatre has been restored. Center between Larnaca and Limassol are the stone-age settlements of Choirokitia.

Advertise Your Business in Cyprus

2011-04-29T21:54:00Z

Do you have a company in Cyprus or that does business in Cyprus?

Would you like to promote yourself or your company on this blog?

All you have to do is tell us about your self and what you do. If what you say is well written, not spammy and original we will post here under other Cyprus businesses category.

недвижимость кипре, дом на кипре купить

2011-04-18T18:20:00Z

сбывание свойства Кипра недвижимость кипре, дом на кипре купить Paphos

Road Work - Will it ever Stop

2011-04-04T17:53:00Z

I use to travel this road daily. The road works on road between Marathounda and Paphos - Been like this for months now.
How much longer will it take?

To get to town there's a diversion through the actual village of Konia.

Over Taken by Spam

2011-04-03T18:57:00Z

When I first created this blog, I was just trying to figure out my way around the internet and how it worked. It was offered free through Godaddy and I figured I had nothing to lose.

It took me days of messing around and just to have something showing up live. I knew there was good reason to start blogging because every where I read I was told to do so.

So when I wrote my first post in 2007 "Developers in Paphos Cyprus - our-experience-as-a-newcomer" I had no idea that I will be able to figure any of the things I was getting into, Cyprus, property sales or blogs and I did not know how effective or lasting my experience will be.

Jump forward to present and I am still trying to figure things out. I moved http://www.cyprus101.com to a new platform which came with an easy to use blog feature and so I began to use that. I heard that Wordpress had a lot of SEO Search Engine Optimization built into it and I started a blog there and another couple along the way. The big questions are:

What do I do with these blogs?

Do I delete and forget...and concentrate on one?

This particular blog seems to be getting an extreme amount of spam comments and this prompted me write this post. On daily bases I get these comments about as many subjects as you can imagine trying to aquire linkbacks to their website. Many of these comments seem to be automated by some build linking engines. I might have approved one here or there but I usually read them in the hope that there may be some real relevent feed back which I would not ignore.

If you are reading this and are thinking about aquiring a link from here, stop, I will not allow it unless you have something usefull to say. If you have something to share I will be glad to publish and provide a linkback otherwise stay away.

Luxury Villa for Sale in Aphrodite Hills - Paphos Cyprus

2011-04-02T02:11:00Z

At the top of the Aphrodite Hills Resort you will find this fabulous villa. Featuring panoramic views across the Mediterranean Sea and the fantastic 18-hole golf course.

The home is well laid out and spacious making it perfect for the modern family. The use of granite, stone, marble and wood has been fantastically intermingled and tastefully designed. There is also space and provisions for a home theater/cinema room.

The outdoor area is perfect with a fantastic infinity pool, relaxing feature waterfall, outdoor BBQ, sink and counter areas, lots of space for outdoor dining while enjoying the stunning views.

Full title deeds are available.

View this property and other Cyprus property for sale here.

Restaurant review: Odos Zinonos, Paphos

2010-03-23T21:07:00Z

by: Patricia Winter

Odos Zinonos restaurant is located in a charming old house in the centre of Pafos town. The sophisticated interior decor has soft lighting, elegant table-settings and very good, live Greek music.

Unfortunately, this is where the positive comments end.

Odos Zinonos’ menu is essentially interchangeable with countless other dining establishments in Pafos offering poorly prepared, mainly fried dishes in their mezes (a selection of many different foods in smaller portions). The mushrooms, zucchini, pork souvlaki (cubes of tender pork), lamb chops and louganiko (spicy sausage) were all fried. The chicken souvla (large pieces of chicken) was grilled but so overcooked it had dried out. Souvlaki, souvla and louganiko are traditionally grilled slowly over an open charcoal fire and, if cooked with care, are tender and delicious.

Service is not their strong suit, either. As we entered Odos Zinonos on a recent Friday night, there was a definite lack of hospitality, which is unusual for Cyprus. Our server was downright glum and the plates of food were just shoved onto the table. To make matters worse the music was so loud it was impossible to have a conversation.

There’s a simple formula to running a successful restaurant: warmly welcome your guests, serve well-prepared food and drink in a comfortable environment (no ear drum-shattering music), and let your guests know you hope to see them again when they’re ready to leave.

Great service costs the same as poor service. Well-prepared food costs no more than badly-prepared food. Odos Zinonos, however, doesn’t seem to have quite grasped this concept.

Dori’s Restaurant in Paphos – Healthy, Hearty and a Delicious Alternative

2010-02-11T02:18:00Z

By Patricia Winter

Which one of the following would you prefer 1) a “grab and go” high fat/high sugar meal from one of the many fast food places around or 2) a delicious, healthy and freshly prepared meal?

I believe that I can guess which one most of us would choose – the second.

A few weeks ago we discovered Dori’s, a Lebanese takeaway that had recently opened in Paphos and provides just such an option.

Tender, marinated, spiced chicken breast souvlaki (kebab) served in large Lebanese pitta bread, filled to bursting with mushrooms, tomatoes, lettuce and pickled cucumbers. This can be ordered hot or mildly spiced, with or without garlic. If you’re not fond of chicken, there’s the tender, marinated beef kebab with garlic and spices.

Vegetarian? Try the fried eggplant and cauliflower with hummus, tomatoes, lettuce and pickled cucumbers, or the mix of vegetable and mushroom souvlaki marinated in a special sauce. Falafel (chickpeas blended into a puree and combined with various spices, rolled into balls then fried in oil, is also available as is labneh (strained yogurt with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, mint leaves, olives and olive oil).

Dori’s has a large variety of choices available including grilled, marinated chicken breast, baby fish and freshly prepared French fries.

We have ordered from here several times – it is always sparklingly clean, the service friendly and helpful and the portions are large. It did, however, take time to prepare our orders, so it’s probably a good idea, if you don’t have much time on your hands, to drop in and pick up a menu beforehand, then phone in your order 30 – 45 minutes before you need to collect it. Or, you could simply sit and relax with a soft drink or a cold beer and wait while it’s being prepared. Either way we think it’s worth it.

Dori’s, 13 Tepeleniou St. (that’s the one-way street where the electricity office is located, and Dori’s is on the right-hand side, a few metres before the electricity office), Paphos. Tel: 26 22 25 80.

Driving in Cyprus – More Fatalities Remind us to be on Alert at All Times While Driving

2009-06-04T01:58:00Z

Paphos has seen its fourth fatality in the last week (between May 23, 09 – June 2 09), and the eighth since the beginning of the year. Last Saturday, a 13-year-old student from the American Academy School died after the motorbike he was a passenger on veered off the Mandria – Yeroskipou Road. This death could have been easily prevented had he been wearing a helmet – sadly, he was not. Strict and hefty fines need to be enforced for these sorts of offenses so that we can save our young who are the main culprits and fatalities when there are accidents of this nature. No seatbelts, no helmets, driving under the influence and speed need to be seriously addressed so we don’t have to see another families heart break at the loss of a young life! Read More...

Ocean Basket Restaurant Review, Kato Paphos, Cyprus

2009-05-07T15:18:15Z

We arrived at Ocean Basket at Avanti Village complex in Kato Paphos on a busy Saturday night. The restaurant was filled to capacity but we still received a pleasant greeting while the door was held open for us by the restaurant staff. Indoor and out you can tell it is a franchise – I almost thought I was back in the US apart from the South African slang that is all over the menu and restaurant. It is nicely decorated with tables spaced properly so everyone is not sitting on top of each other. Another positive is that the whole restaurant is non-smoking – apart from outdoors in the summer or when weather permits. So, we were off to a good start!

The service was cheerful and efficient. We ordered a salad to start and then a set platter for two that consisted of: six mussels, 12 prawns, grilled fish, calamari and calamari heads for €25. There are 10 different platters to choose from all with similar offerings. These seem to be the most popular items on the menu. You could also eat straight from a pan of princess prawns that come with rice or chips or a similar combo if you choose. Chips or rice do come with everything and there are many other starter options and a la carte items also, but again these platters seem to be the star items and most customers seem to want to eat only fish and not bother with too many starters.

Now, the taste of the food and promptness with which it was served - despite how busy it was we got our salad within about 15 minutes which was fine, the standard salad one gets in Cyprus which is always fresh because of the great local produce. The platter arrived about half an hour after that. It was tasty, everything has either a buttery/garlic flavor or lemon which we added ourselves. It was hot and we like those flavors so we enjoyed it – there are other flavors you can have added when your fish is grilled depending on your preferences. All fish was obviously previously frozen as it is hard to find a variety and large quantities of fish in the seas around Cyprus. Chips are not our favourite food unless they are very fresh and hot, these were a bit soggy probably due to the oil that the calamari was fried in and the liquid butter that was all over the plate so it might be a good idea to ask for your chips on a separate plate if that bothers you.

Overall, we had a good experience. Pricing was average for Paphos, two can eat and drink for around 35 - 40 Euros. Some other great things about this restaurant is that it is open for lunch, also serves sushi, has easy and convenient parking and it is child friendly. If you have been to Ocean Basket in Kato Paphos, please share your experience – good or bad. We’d love to hear from you.

Sulumits Retsambew is reaching out for Links

2009-05-02T01:34:00Z

Sulumits is WAY up there now - on UK Google and US Google I am at spot number 2!!! I am in disbelief. I even stated that I am basically a self taught rookie and didn't expect to win, the contest was more of a learning experience for me. I am a better teacher than I thought I was apparently! I know I will probably drop down again but I am already a winner in my mind being in the top 10 at all. However, it would be even nicer to be in the top 3 at the end of it all. Now with that in mind, I am also asking for links if you want to help me out and help me possibly even (dare I say) win!? Or hire me!?

I am not even able to upload my story/entry myself at the moment because my family and I are in transition. We just moved to Northern Virginia from Cyprus (as I mentioned before) and my wife packed my FrontPage CD so I have to write then email to a friend in Cyprus to do it for me. So if you want to help keep a lone ranger afloat, make a comment, give me a link -something I am lacking - or if you are also doing this on your own give me a shout!

Big Drop for Sulumits - Same Day

2009-04-10T22:17:00Z

After having "Sulumits Retsambew The Legend" show at 16 earlier today. The highest place so far. I checked it just now and less than 12 hours later I went down to 95.

A week ago I would of thought I did something wrong or everyone finally passed me up, which I expected anyway. I feel like this time I will be back on where I was, or near to it by morning again. I may be wrong and I could end up down here for good but I hope not.

One reason for the optimism is 2 pages in front of the page I am pushing are ahead of my main page. One page explains the Sulumits Retsambew SEO contest on my site and the other is one part of the story that I submitted to Amazines.com and both don't have much work done to them.

Sometimes I feel like someone at Google plays a game with me every few days. Maybe a lot of people feel the same way. I will have to check out what other participants are experiencing in their entry.

I will keep you updated.

Sulumits Retsambew is moving up slowly

2009-04-10T14:03:00Z

If this continues I am going to sart feeling like I know what I am doing. Being ranked 16 may no be so great in many areas and it may not be great even in search engine optimization contest however, I think its fantastic!

I look at the Google results at least twice a day, in the morning when I wake up and at night before I sleep. I have been on the second page for a few days now and it sure feels good. Today at #16 is my best position.

My main strategy is to continue adding to my Sulumits Retsambew adventure and make it as good a story as I can. I have to say as the story grows, Sulumits is becoming a real figure in my mind. I have no idea where he is going next and what is about to happen to him. I have been adding a chapter at a time, usually a day or two after I write it. I have not been going back and revising and fixing the story as I would like.

It is very interesting watching some of the other contestants in the competition. There are many tactics being used and some seem so simple because the average person ( which I am) only sees what is on the computer screen. We don't see all the backlinks.

I have learned a lot and hopefully what I have learned will help me in my real business or maybe catapult me into a new and wonderful SEO career. HaHa Anyone hiring?