Cyprus day 2 was a success! We started off the day visiting the trading company and distribution warehouse Vassos Eliades. This company was so welcoming and after learning about their operations and business practices I can absolutely say I was impressed. The partnerships with Nestle and Nespresso were interesting to learn about, but what wowed me the most was their dedication and action towards sustainability. Vassos Eliades is not only one of the biggest import and trading companies in Cyprus with over 5300 clients and suppliers from 19 countries, but they also have the most efficient and modern distribution center on the island. This warehouse has thermal insulation, solar tubes, photovoltaic energy, and a geothermal system, all of which decrease the CO2 emissions from the building. The warehouse is so efficient that they have zero net CO2 emissions, and this year they met the EU’s sustainability goal for 2050, 25 years ahead of schedule. I enjoyed the chance to learn more about supply chain management and distribution from Vassos Eliades, and I hope more companies strive for similar environmental goals as this amazing company!

After our first company visit, we returned to UNIC and received a lecture on the history of Cyprus from Dr. Solomou. We learned some of this information from presentations prior to this trip, but Dr. Solomou really brought it to life. He is very obviously passionate about Cyprus’ history, and it showed in his teaching style. I learned so much about the development and how history has impacted the culture of the country. One of the main focuses was how often the island has changed hands over the years. Cyprus has belonged to a long chain of civilizations; Egyptians, Myceneans and Achaeans, Phoenicians, Assyrian Egyptians, Persians, and Alexander the Great before finally being controlled by the Romans.

The Romans were very focused on engineering, and developed the first internal heating in Cyprus. After the Romans, the Byzantines gained control and built many monasteries on the Island. After that, along with a brief interlude with Richard of the Lion Heart and the Kight of the Temple, the Frankish took over. The Frankish Queen was asked to give the country to the Venetians, and when she refused her husband and son were murdered. She then gave over control and in return received a palace in Venice. During the Venetian rule, it was expected that the island would be attacked so walls were built, and the island was fortified. Unfortunately, even with the preparations, the Ottomans were still able to invade. During this rein the first school was established in Cyprus. Eventually the island was given to the British in exchange for protection and support for the Ottomans. This lasted until 1960 when Cyprus gained its independence. I learned so much from Dr. Solomou’s lecture, and I’m so grateful we had this opportunity. I can’t wait to learn more about Cyprus!