The world’s last divided capital. Episode 2: Northern Nicosia.

For many years, the border between the Turkish Cypriots and Greeks was tightly closed… From one side to the other, only high officials and UN troops were passing by. Then, a passing point was opened, the famous checkpoint called Ledra Palace, next to what it used to be the coolest hotel of united Nicosia. After that, foreigners were allowed to cross on the other  side, but only by foot and provided they returned by 6 P.M. If they arrived late, The Republic of Cyprus did not accept them anymore in Southern Nicosia.

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The world’s last divided capital. Episode 1: Southern Nicosia

The geo-economic situation after WW2 led to the emergence of some strange, distorted, artificial “capital cities” divided between rival countries with militarized borders and frightening walls, passing by straight through the core of some dwellings that are hundred or maybe thousand years old: Berlin was divided between East and West, so was Jerusalem and starting with 1974, Nicosia was split in two: Lefkosia and Lefkosa! The heart of the town was severed by a barbwire border defended by UN troops.

Berlin unified by choice, Jerusalem by force, so that it remained only one divided capital – welcome to Nicosia, the capital of the ”two countries” called Cyprus. read more…

Number One Valentine’s Day destination in Ibiza

Valentine Day’s is coming near… So, what about a dream trip to Ibiza, the famous Spanish party-island ? Here you’ve got some tips on where to enjoy Ibiza at the best… or the most romantic 🙂

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Things to do in Rome: sights, accommodation, restaurants and many other tips

Rome was one of those cities that I have always dreamed before it was possible for me to travel outside my country.  I was arriving for the first time in the Eternal City in August 1994. I had an Italian Transit Visa for two days, ripped away with hard work from the most chaotic consulate I have ever seen and I spent here six unforgettable days (it’s true, I did run up to Naples one day and another one to meet Michelangelo in Florence)… since then I have returned many times also because I have relatives in Rome! read more…

Meeting the End of the World

I received an email a couple of weeks ago. Nothing special, I receive dozens each day. It was from a guy called David Crennen who was going to Mexico for the End of the World and offered me to write a guest post on how this event was celebrated in the land of the Mayas. Wow, I really wished to be there ! But as I was supposed to be on the other side of the world (in Cambodia) and I could not be in both places in the same time, I accepted with a lot of excitement. Meeting the End of the World in Mexico… should have been cool. Let’s see what David says…

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