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LEMESOS CASTLE
On day three we checked out of the Palm Beach Hotel and drove
an hour to Lemesos. There, we visited the Lemesos Medieval Castle, which features pottery, weapons/armor and decapitated skeletons. It was built
before the end of the 12th century to defend the town. It became famous when Richard the Lionheart, King of England encountered a problem with his ship at sea, and stopped in Cyprus. He ended up getting married in Lemesos and making war against the Byzantine Empire which, at the time, Cyprus was part of. He took Cyprus away and sold it to the Templar Knights who in turn, sold it to the French. The French added a Gothic room
to the castle but made few other changes. Cost of entry to the museum is CYŁ2.
KOLOSSI CASTLE
A short drive
down the road through orange groves
is the Kolossi Castle
(cost of entry
CYŁ1). This castle
was bare inside
but what I liked most about it was its atmosphere and view. It reminded me of Blarney Castle
in Ireland, minus the crowds. And the view
here was much better than those at Lemesos Castle.
BOTTLED WATER
Out front of the Kolossi Castle was a food/souvenir stand, which sold bottled water for just .30 (.69 cents US). That's roughly the same price I found at all the stores I went into and even some of the hotel mini bars weren't priced much higher. I mention this because I appreciate when a country or hotel doesn't rip you off on one of the world's most natural resources.
WINE MUSEUM
Near the Kolossi Castle is the Erimi Wine Museum
(entrance fee CYŁ2.50). It's in Limassol, which is the second largest city on the island. There are hundreds of bars, hotels, and restaurants mostly catering to the British, who comprise Cyprus’ highest number of visitors. The wine museum opened in November 2004 and depicts the history
of wine on the island. The guide
was awesome, knowledgeable
and entertaining. I learned a surprising fact: Did you know that Cyprus is the second country in the world to make wine? The oldest wine-making country in the world is Iran (Persia – they started in 5,000 B.C.). A ceramic jar discovered in 1933 was tested in 1985 and it was scientifically proven that it was a wine flask that dated back to 3,500 B.C! It turns out that back then, wine was considered a divine gift and was eaten with bread. That's right ... eaten. The wine was thick like honey. After the tour and a short film came everyone's favorite part: wine tasting. It takes place around the bar
on the ground floor. Though I am not a huge wine drinker, we all loved their dessert wine called St. John Commandaria. It's been called "the king of all wines" by a former English King (sorry I can't recall which one). It sells here for CYŁ9.50 ($22). Cyprus Wine Museum, 42 Paphou Street, Limassol; tel.: +357-25 873 808.
FACT: There are 52 major wineries in Greek Cyprus.
KOURION ANCIENT SITE
Not far from the wine museum is the historic site of Kourion. Kourion was believed to have been one of the most important and glorious ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. The stone Kourion Amphitheatre
dates back to the Bronze Age. It was once used by the Romans for animal fights and gladiatorial contests. These days, it's used to host open-air theatre and live music performances. The setting is perfect; it overlooks the coastline
with jaw dropping views. The building
to the left of it was excavated in 1938 and thought to be a palace from the Roman Period. Archaeologists believed that it was drastically altered in the 3rd and 4th centuries. The floors contain some wonderful mosaic patterns
and the welcoming inscription reads: "ENTER TO THY GOOD FORTUNE AND MAY THY COMING BLESS THIS HOUSE". For more information on the Kourion, see this website.
APHRODITE HILLS RESORT
Our group went up to the Intercontinental
Aphrodite Hills Resort for
lunch.
Now this place is phat!
It's named after the Greek goddess of
love because the resort/residential community overlooks the rock (Petra tou Romiou) where Aphrodite is believed to have emerged from the Mediterranean Sea. FYI: Houses in this area begin at CYŁ500,000. Aphrodite Hills opened in 2005 and the development company spent close to $300 million USD! Sprawling over 578 acres, it’s a 5-star deluxe intercontinental hotel that has 290 rooms
and some even have private pools. There's a superb 18-hole golf course
with an Indiana Jones-esque adventure hole. Golf is relatively new to Cyprus. The first public course was built here in 1992 and this is the island's third course (a round of 18 costs CYŁ73). There are tennis courts, an upscale spa, and a little village with shops
and restaurants. They even offer kids clubs for children and teenagers. The place reminded me of Laguna Hills, California. And like Laguna Hills, the beach is nearby but it requires a shuttle. The buffet lunch
was excellent
as well as the service. I look forward to staying here one day. Room rates range from CYŁ130 ($300 USD) to CYŁ1800 ($4,100 USD) a night. Aphrodite Hills Resort, 3, Aphrodite Avenue, 8509 Kouklia, Cyprus; tel.: +357 26828000.
CYPRUS DELIGHTS
On the way
to Paphos where our next hotel was located, we drove along the coast. I was amazed because a portion of it looked exactly like the Palos Verdes coastline, which is near where I live in Los Angeles. We stopped in town to pick up some Cyprus Delight candies (Americans know them as Turkish Delights but don't you dare make the same mistake I did and say that to a Cypriot!) There are many
companies that make these candies but we stopped off at Aphrodite Delights, where we enjoyed a tour
of the facility. A box of these sweet treats goes for CYŁ1.75. For more info see AphroditeDelights.com.
ELYSIUM BEACH RESORT
I was little bummed we weren't staying at the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort but the moment we pulled
into the Elysium Beach Resort
those feelings faded away. The Elysium hotel is sweet! The resort is intended to offer visitors an experience of the rich history
of the island and they do just that. You'll notice
the fine service the moment you walk in. Guests are welcomed
with orange juice
and cold towels
sprinkled in rose water. There
are 250 rooms
in the four-year-old hotel. Each room includes a balcony or a terrace and the bathrooms
are made of marble, with soft towels and Molton Brown toiletries. There are two sections of the hotel; one is family- and business traveler-oriented. There's a conference center that can accommodate up to 400. The other section
is a bit more refined and does not allow children under the age of 16. This section of the hotel has its own private pool but the main pool
is massive and just steps away from the small, black sandy beach. Kids love this place because there's plenty of open space, a children's playground, two pools, a slide and a game room. During the high season, all five of their restaurants
are open and Cava restaurant was named Best Cyprus Dining by Time Out magazine. The hotel has everything adults need too: free wireless Internet (which works only in or near the lobby), an excellent fitness center, library, gift shop, hair salon, spa, tennis courts and an outdoor amphitheatre. The grounds are perfectly manicured with olive trees and plenty of rosemary bushes. The hotel is rated 5 stars but I would give it 4 or 4 ˝. Staying here won't break the bank; room rates begin at CYŁ60 ($139) and includes
an incredible breakfast. Elysium Beach Resort, Queen Verenikis Street, Paphos, Cyprus; Tel.: +357 26 844444.
VIDEO
Here's a 5-minute Johnny Jet Video
of my entire trip to Cyprus (part one and two are included). It's also on YouTube, so it only takes a few seconds to load (though the quality is not as crisp). We also have all the Johnny Jet videos
ever made on their servers.
*If you heard about us somewhere else or have the link to the story please email Johnny Jet media and let us know where!
SOME OF LAST WEEK'S READER AIR-eMAIL
Dear Johnny, I stumbled upon your page regarding Cyprus. Just to keep it brief, your information regarding the history of Cyprus is incorrect and very misleading. This is the type of information that has created the stereotype of Cypriots and Turks simply hating each other, which creates a very obtuse way of thinking. I am Cypriot and know my country's history. Your information that Cypriots and Turks have been fighting for thousands of years is wrong. Turkey, throughout history has been an aggressor with many european countries. Simply put, Turkey feels as though Cyprus belongs to them and they have tried to do everything in their power to obtain it (with the ultimate illegal occupation in '74). Cypriots and Turks in Cyprus got along very well before the invasion. When the illegal invasion occurred, Turks living in the south of Cyprus (and that were born there) were ordered out of their homes and moved to the north, and Cypriots living in the north were forced out of their homes, and left as refugees after a very traumatic night invasion (speaking from experience). In other words, segregation ...The British, Greek and Turkish governments all had a hand in this invasion. Thousands of Turks that lived in the south of Cyprus and were even born there, disagree fully with what Turkey did. Claiming that Cypriots and Turks did not get along in Cyprus is the type of propaganda that was purported by the Turkish government.
Please let me know if you have any questions at all, I am more than happy to answer them. If we have correct information about something, we can fully understand it in its truth.
Thanks, Andrea
This newsletter was full of fabulous details for traveling abroad as I am off for a whirlwind two week trip to Italy on the 22nd! I'll send along some pic's upon my return. And for the rest of your readers - passport advice is key as my passport (a renewal) took 3 months and two weeks to get back! Tiffany T - Jackson, WY
I'm glad to hear that your dad is doing well and has a good prognosis. It's very difficult to see the ones we love in such trauma, as well that you know. My best wishes for your dad and continued happy travels to you and yours. Sounds like you're headed for Turkey. If so, hope that you did the Blue Mosque and the bazaar and stayed off the train (crowded!!); like the Tube. Burt S – New Jersey
Fabulous newsletter....my son and some friends are traveling to London on British Airways, so lots of good advice here. Many Thanks. R Rogers – Fort Lauderdale
I met you down in Cancun at the Club Med opening. I have been reading your newsletters for a while now and this one was particularly good. First off, I am glad your Dad is doing well. I've been through those scary times and it is no fun.
Your explanation of how you can upgrade and get a hold of Delta was great. I also got a laugh out of the lady sitting behind you on BA. I think that airline is the worst for room. I'm also so curious why many of the international carriers at Tom Bradley make you take your luggage somewhere else to do the screening. After waiting there you usually have to wait in a long line for the security. The last newsletter was also interesting with your encounter with the [beautiful] woman next to you. The personal touches in your newsletter are great and make for an interesting read. Sherrie C - Los Angeles, CA
That's fantastic news on your Dad! That must be quite a relief! David G – Chicago, IL
I love your newsletter and of course you know my thoughts and prayers have been with your Dad (dig his poetry). Have a wonderful journey, we will all be watching you from DD&P!!! Take care and be safe. Lisa S – Norwalk, CT
I've been a long time subscriber and I love your newsletters!!! I feel like I know you and your family. I'm happy to hear that your dad is doing well. And I know what you mean about wishing you had a wife and kids – my wife is incredible and her love and support have gotten me through many tough times, like what you described with your dad. There's nothing more valuable than the love of a good woman, especially during difficult times. During your travels, you probably have all kinds of experiences, your flight to Brazil is a perfect example but what's real is what happens at home. You and this Brazilian woman were obviously not meant to be, sometimes what we really need is right in front of us but it takes us a while to realize it. Sounds like you have a wonderful family and I'm sure the right woman is out there for you. Thanks for letting us readers in on your life. I look forward to your stories. P.S. who's you're dark-haired friend? I've seen her a few times in you're stories (I think it's the same woman, I recall a few beach shots!) – she's beautiful! I want to hear more about her!!! Andy S - Chicago
Liked your article and especially liked the details about BA and getting from airport to London. I wish your father continued better health daily. Rose M - Memphis, TN
Impressive!!! Makes me want to invent a reason to go to London. Barbara M –
Another great article/newsletter and thanks for being so honest about your experience in coach class on BA. I was glad to hear that your time in London was more enjoyable. Also really glad and relieved to hear that dad is doing so well!! You must be relieved as well. Keep up the great work, we all really enjoy following your Global Jaunts and International perambulations! Best wishes – M. Tilley – Sarasota, FL
You don't know me but I just had to send u a quick message. You see I ran across the tribute to your mom online. I wanted to tell you that I was so touched. The more I read the more I cried and smiled at the same time.... I'm sorry for the loss of such a wonderful woman and your words had me in tears....I smiled through my tears b/c I could see and feel the love u shared with this wonderful woman...You were truly blessed. Mandy – Nova Scotia, Canada.
*Please note that we reserve the right to post excerpts, perhaps edited, from your message on the Johnny Jet website and newsletter. We will not use your full name without your express permission. If you'd rather not have your message posted on the website or newsletter, just say so and it won't be.
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