Cypriot Culture

Hello everyone, today we didn't do much. We are still just adjusting, so it is appreciated they have a scheduled event everyday and the rest of the time we can hang out and explore. I am feeling much better than yesterday and my temperature hasn't gone above 100* today, so that's relieving. On a miscellaneous note, the pic of the vitamin C- "Emergency C" packets I uploaded yesterday were for Mom. I thought she might enjoy knowing that they have those here, too-but they are in Greek of course!

I thought you might be interested to know a little more about the people here-the Cypriots themselves. I have had many interactions with them so far and have a good sense of their temperments on a general scale. For one thing they are HORRIBLE drivers. Like they put Mass drivers to shame. I have yet to see a cop car anywhere and the driving rules seem to be rarely followed. They drive at insane speeds, pull U-turns in the midle of the road, park on the side walks, park where ever and how ever they want, enjoy drinking and driving, etc. As if the fact they drive on the opposite side of the road..in the opposite side of the car, was enough of a detterant to attempt driving here, their driving habits are just not worth the risk. Not that I would ever need to drive anywhere; the public transportation systems are so accesible and on a daily basis everything is within walking distance since we are in the capitol city. I believe they said the population is about 250,000 living in the city. Besides driving skills (or the lack of), they are really friendly and unique people. They are always willing to help out, answer a question, or a offer friendly greeting. Instead of saying "hello" or "hi" they say "hallow" (that's what it sounds like anyway) or "ayas." And "refrescos" means "thank you." Everyone I have spoken with is understanding and patient with the language barriers and don't get annoyed or something like we do in the U.S. (I'm picutring working at Water Country,with all the hispanic people, when I think of that).  When we go out to eat, even at somewhere casual like the gyros place I posted pics of, the employees are friendly and tend to give you more than you paid for and have brought us samples of meats for free. People are also very willing to share benches, make room at a crowded table, or simply give up their seat. Another interesting thing that may sound silly is how similar societal roles are to the US. Mom's have signs in their cars saying things like "Baby on Board," teens walk around like they rule the world, and couple's enjoy walking through the city window shopping. For some reason I expected the culture to be more different than similar to the US. Cypriots are also extremely fashionable. Seriously, they always are so done up! Sometimes I feel like there is some big modelling show going on because everyone is so beautiful and stylish. Even our program coordiantors are always sooo trendy! They are all super skinny, have their hair and make up done up like a model, and their outfits are...almost outrageous. It's like Carey on Sex in the City or Lady GaGa! It's not surprising Cypriots start speaking English immediately when we walk up to them because we look so different in the way we dress and interact with one another. I have also realized that Americans really are obnoxious compared to Cypriots. Cypriots do talk loud and fast (picture an Italian or a Spanish person speaking), but they are typically polite and somewhat reserves; not Americans. We enter a shop or bus and we have a lot of presence, in the way we talk, act, and interact. Well, it is getting late here and I'm starving! Tomorrow we are trekking through the Troodos Mountains which are supposedly covered in snow and freezing-will update tomorrow night (Cyprus time) on how that goes with no boots or warm gear!