When was the last time the country of Cyrpus crossed your mind? It certainly isn't a nation we hear much about in the daily news. (Actually, is this the country to which many Americans were evacuated this past summer during the Israel/Lebanon conflict? So, maybe we do hear about it occasionally...) Anyway, this week I met Maria, from Cyprus. It was so interesting to listen to her tell me about her country. I learned so much since I pretty much knew nothing about Cyprus prior to this. She happens to be a Greek Cypriot but there are also Turkish Cypriots. For many years, these two ethnic groups lived together in peace even though they had different religions (Greek Orthydox and Muslim). In 1974 there was some unrest between the Greek and Turkish leaders which, eventually, led to the division of the country. There is now a UN monitored buffer zone dividing the Turkish northern 1/3 of the country and the Greek southern region. Turkey is the only country which recognizes the northern region as an independent country and only the Greek part is part of the EU.
Talking to Maria prompted me to research Cyprus on the internet. There are amazing ancient historical ruins and and great beaches. Now Cyprus has made it onto my list of places I want to visit someday. Anyone want to join me? :)