Visiting the city of Larnaca was the most touching cultural aspect of the trip thus far. We began by visiting the church of Lazarus. Before this trip, I was not very religious, but eager to learn more about Greek Orthodox, the religion I was born into.
The story of Lazarus dates back to when he was said to be resurrected. When Jesus was crucified, people blamed Lazarus, so he fled to Cyprus. Preaching his religion to these people, he was appointed a bishop, or leader of the area. After Lazarus passed away, this church was build over his grave. The most beautiful thing I have experienced this trip is the gold plated interior of the Lazarus Church. I learned about the icons of religious figures of the Orthodox church and the meaning behing my religion. Along with this, I experienced other cultural aspects of Cyprus. I met a patriotic man at a restaurant as well as masters of craft at the village of Lefkara.
Pride in Cypriots
A major observation throughout this trip is the fact that many Cypriots have left their country for various reasons such as jobs, but ended up returning later in life. One example of this is an owner of a restaurant whom I had a thorough conversation with. This man mentioned that he spend most of his life making money in the United Kingdom, and after most of his family perished, he returned to open a restaurant business in Cyprus. The waiter at this restaurant explained how he was content at this country and had no desire to visit other countries such as the Unites States. After listening to both of these people, I realized that Cypriots truely love their country.
The Work Ethic of the People of Lefkara
This magnificent village is the home of the last generation of truly masters of craft. A local quoted that they are the last generation of craftspeople since their children are studying to have different jobs. In other words, these crafts are not profitable anymore.
Somebody that truly stuck with me was a lady named Aphrodite. She spent her life mastering the art of baking. Aphrodite repeated over and over that she doesn’t just make cookies, but they are far more meaningful. The designs on these biscuits had an astrological meaning, and if anybody tried to replicate her art, they simply couldn’t.
Along with Aphrodite was a man who spent his days crafting silver into jewelry. I watched as his beaten hands perfectly carved a plate of silver into an egg. After the tour, my first spot was to buy a piece of jewelry in honor of the hard work of this village.
Lastly was a group of people who spend hours a day creating linen material. Especially with the industrial world we live in, making textiles by hand is not a way to make money. Like I said though, these people do not make their creations for money, but to carry the culture of their area.
Conclusion
Through my learning of the Orthodox religion and the culture of the people of Lefkara, my visit to Larnaca was the most meaningful day thus far in Cyprus. I felt truly connected to the people of the country. Not once was I not curious about my surroundings when walking around.