Return to Kyrenia after 35 years - Impressions

swannee7


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 394

Message Posted:
26/10/2009 19:50

Thank God Kyrenia castle was still in place as was the old harbour. At least I hadn't lost my sense of direction after 35 years! SO many changes, obviously, and looking at the coastline (west) from the sea the full impact of land grabbing for building developments is most noticeable, more so when seeing how this impacts on the lower slopes of the Ky.Range. There were 2 main impressions I was left with after thoroughly 'exploring' Kyrenia and beyond. 1) the TRNC really is a YOUNG nation in every sense. Hardly any senior citizens to be seen (say, 55+) and I came across the same in Famagusta area. 2) For a country/state that so depends on tourism and its spin-offs to keep it solvent, and with the majority of tourists/home buyers/owners being Brits, I was amazed at the lack of understanding of our language. Most of the young Turks I came across couldn't communicate in English - from hotel staff to shopkeepers, bus drivers to restaurant waiters. (cont'd)

swannee7


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 394

Message Posted:
26/10/2009 20:00

(cont'd) This indicates that the education system in N.Cyprus is failing the kids with a too-narrow system of learning. 'What Johnny doesn't learn - JOHN will never know' springs to mind. Re other impressions, was highly impressed with the state of all the road networks and signposts etc. Of course the volume of traffic is significantly lower in the North than down South and that's bound to affect things. Was also v.impressed that all the major Kyrenia historical landmarks (e.g. the castle, harbour area, St.Hilarion etc) were high-lighted, literally. Loved seeing all those places illuminated at night (though that must be quite a drain on the electricity grid supplies!). I was only a visitor, not a resident, so my 'take' on the areas I visited are bound to be different from those people living the life out there. Its also a brief note of my impressions and I've actually learned a lot more from the posters on this forum over the past few months! (cont'd)

swannee7


Joined: 21/08/2009
Posts: 394

Message Posted:
26/10/2009 20:04

cont'd) Overall, most of the changes I noticed where in keeping with the times. They seem to have done pretty well in dragging themselves into the 21st century on the tightest of budgets. I suppose rather like the UK, they've printed money to help get things done when foreign currency wasn't too readily available. Anyway, those are my thoughts. Cheers!

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
26/10/2009 20:21

hi swanee7 , not so much lager louts about either eh , no mcdonalds , kfcs , pizza huts , you can stroll around anytime you like without worrying whos behind you , long live kktc .