After our first night in Limassol, the logical next step was to drive back to the other side of the island to see Famagusta. Particularly, the abandoned remnants of the city have only been recently opened to the public in the last few years. With a nearly two-hour bus ride, our amazing tour guide, Georgia, provided many profound insights into the land surrounding the Green Line, conveying a message of Cyprus’ perseverance in continuing life after so much tragedy. Which really hit home when we passed by the village of Pyla, which is the only remaining place where Greek and Turkish Cypriots live in harmony after the invasion. Hearing this gave me hope that one day, a peaceful resolution can be made making Cyprus whole again.

Upon first exploring Varosi, it was as if we had been transported back in time to 1974. Seeing the shells of buildings that once had such strong life as Georgia described made it unbelievable to think that this once beautiful city had succumbed to such a fate. We then moved to the nearby old city of Famagusta, which resides within the old Venetian walls. Seeing the life of Northern Cyprus and comparing it to life on the island made me realize that the only thing still dividing the island is governmental powers. Though getting to climb the top of the walls and see the entirety of the old city is a sight I will not be forgetting any time soon.