Today, we had an action-packed itinerary, which included a bus ride to Famagusta and then to the beach for some fun. Within the short hour we had with our tour guide, she explained the geography and history of the area as well as the cultural and religious significance. Cyprus was divided into the Republic of Cyprus, which is the south, and the Turkish-controlled north side, which we passed through the checkpoint. She also highlighted the agriculture of the land, including citrus orchards and vineyards, which explain Cyprus’s exports such as halloumi cheese and wine. Also, I found it very interesting to learn about the Larnaca Salt Lake, where I was introduced to the migrating flamingos that rest there throughout certain seasons. 

Walking around Varosi and Famagusta was such a crazy experience because I had never imagined a whole city that was once lively could be wiped instantly. There were tons of abandoned buildings that were all destroyed from the windows to the foundation of the building. The whole atmosphere was very dead and silent, creating a haunting illusion to its unfortunate past. Ropes were stretched across the entire town as a safety measure for tourists so that they wouldn’t risk getting injured in the buildings. This town also creates a heavy emotional impact on most people who used to live in the city. After walking around Varosi, we made our way to Famagusta to walk around and explore the old town. The streets were full of markets, cafes, and there were mini shops for people to shop. I also learned about the Venetian Walls which surround the city, and are made of stone structures dating back to the 16th century.  I understood that even though the town has been slightly tweaked as a tourist attraction, the city continues to provide a historical experience.