Arrival

Embarking from Des Moines Airport
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Greetings from Nicosia!

I have arrived safe and sound, and even with little flight complications! Our flight from London Heathrow to Larnaca Airport was delayed by a bit, but only half an hour or so. When we finally got off the plane after about 24 hours of travel for most of us, everyone was pretty tired. It helped that when our feet landed on Cypriot soil, we were welcomed with 65 degree fahrenheit weather and bright sunshine! Even better, was discovering the amazing apartment I would be staying in. A stucco building with expansive balconies and black iron railings. Our apartment has 3 balconies total! =D We lucked out with a corner unit.

It helped that when our feet landed on Cypriot soil, we were welcomed with 65 degree fahrenheit weather and bright sunshine!

Sunny Larnaka Airport
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I'm already discovering that the island is full of history and hidden little treasures. Most exploring has been on our own in the neighborhood immediately around us, and the University of Nicosia (formerly Intercollege). There isn't much grass since the island is so dry and there are big patches of land randomly scattered through the neighborhoods. Seems like it's definitely a developing area though, there's at least one new construction house right across the street from us, maybe more but it's hard to tell when they don't all look the same! We found a few parks that actually have grass and trees, and are planning on using the spots for studying once it gets a little warmer. It's still jacket weather here, but at least no snow! Jealous?

Our living room/balcony
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All of the professors and coordinators with the program are really nice and helpful. A couple of them, although originally born in Cyprus, have lived in the United States for at least some amount of time. I think that helps them understand the differences and possible difficulties really well.

We took a bus down to the Old City that used to be encased in walls today. The streets were very narrow, and that Mediterranean influenced architecture shone through the buildings brightly. We stopped to see where the Arch Bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church lives, and it was certainly a grand building! The church there is one of many with frescoes covering interior. We also got to see what an old residential building typically looked like. Essentially an enclosed courtyard downstairs and the people lived upstairs, tell me that doesn't sound amazing?