Limassol, Cyprus, November 5
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
Well, is a bright sunny morning as we approach Limassol. Smooth sailing again last night, we haven’t had any bumps along the way so far. Breakfast over, and we’ve taken on the pilot for entry to the port. Our tour isn’t until after 10.30 and is entitled ‘Nicosia - The Last Divided Capital City’. Had 12 tours to choose from but this one sounds interesting and because we’ll be in two countries we need to carry passports for the day.
Limassol is the second largest city in Cyprus, located on Akrotiri Bay, is the biggest Cypriot port in the Mediterranean transit trade and is also a most important tourism, trade and service providing centre in the area. To the west of the city is the Akrotiri Sovereign Base area, part of the British Overseasl Territory of Akrotiri and Dhekekia. Limassol became the major seaport of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974. Guess I’d never thought of Cyprus as being a big wine area but apparently Limassol is the base for many of the island’s wine companies, serving the wine growing regions on the southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains, of which the most famous is Commandaria! Seems the wines and cognacs that are produced are of excellent quality and have won several awards in international exhibitions. Industries here also include dressmaking, furniture, shoes, prints, electrical devices etc.
We’re heading to the new port which is 11 meters deep and can accommodate 10 ships! So, Limassol is a most important port, has the largest ship management service centre in Europe with more than 50 ship management companies located in the city.
Back on the ship and ready for yet another dinner. Although our tour was only 5 1/2 hours it was still tiring, drove over an hour to Nicosia, and first stop was at the Cathedral of St. John the Theologian, the main church of the Church of Cyprus. The church was built in the fourteenth century at the site of Benedictine Abbey of St. John the Theologian that had been founded by the House of Lusignan. It’s very ornate, frescoes and gold everywhere, it still operates as a church on Sundays and the Bishop presides! No photos allowed. Next stop was to the Museum, some beautiful artifacts there dating back hundreds of years. I just wish I could remember all this from my ancient history days at school! Nicosia is a nice town, with modern buildings and housing. We weren’t taken to the border, despite taking passports, apparently could walk there but there was barely time allowed. Our guide was as good as useless, he was like a motor mouth all the way, I knew Greeks were good talkers but this man told us everything three different ways!!!! And then again!! We were dropped in the old town for about an hour, decided to have a coffee and a panini which was really nice. Everyone speaks English - not unlike being in Latrobe St!!
We went straight to the pool bar for a mojhito on arrival back at the ship - funny but before I came on board I was really looking forward to the delicious cocktails such as mojitos and piña coladas but having tried both again I think I’m over it!!! The wines are lovely in the dining rooms, had a beautiful white from Alsace in the French restaurant last night. Have decided to eat in Compass Rose, the main dining room tonight. It’s a beautiful room and the menu is always good - feels like being on a ship in such a room. The specialty restaurants are great but don’t have the same atmosphere in my opinion.
Dinner was delicious, can’t beat the grilled Dover sole!