How excited am I to be here in a new destination! I was definitely ready to say goodbye to Turkey. There were so many things that I didnโt like about the area, my Airbnbโs, and in general feeling uncomfortable. But that is behind me now. Here are my first impressions of Paphos Cyprus.
Windy
Oh my, I was aware of the forecast before my arrival, which is why I booked the transfer from the airport. Exiting the plane onto the tarmac were the first blasts of wind. It howled all through the night and all the next day.
On my walk to the grocery store the following morning, I was concentrating on staying on my feet! I love a good wind, but wow that was an interesting and fun walk!
Friendly
The first night of arrival, I met my hosts sister. I couldnโt have asked for a friendlier person to show me the unit. Heading to the grocery store the next morning, the staff I met are amazing! From the baker to the checkout clerk, people here are so nice to me.
Walking down the street, if I make eye contact and even hint at a smile, I get one reciprocated. How lovely is that!
Clean
Other than some leaf litter from all of the trees, the streets are clean! Garbage is neatly piled near the dumpsters, contained in bags. It sounds so strange now that I am typing this out, Iโm thinking why do I care so much? But little things like this really effect the impression I have and how I feel living in a destination.
Flowers
There are flowers again! People care about the upkeep of the front of their homes and have little planters and gardens that are tended to with love. The city has pride and takes care of the medians and little areaโs have been beautified to make the village feel welcoming and loved.
The Sea
I have a magnificent view of the Mediterranean Sea and having been down to the shore, it is amazing. Very wild and unmanicured, this stretch of coastline is rugged and real. I am going to have fun climbing over boulders and around tide pools, looking for adventure at the shoreline.
I feel good here. Peaceful, warm, safe, a little remote, for I am half an hour drive from the city. I am actually in a little village called Chloraka. I will have to figure out the bus and my legs will get a good workout but I look forward to exploring this friendly oasis in Cyprus.
