Welcome to the new Her Campus travel blog at Leeds University. My name is Elina and I am a first year student of English Language and Literature. I love travelling for a wide range of reasons that you will find out as you read my articles. I have had the great opportunity to visit various places with family, as well as through European programs. I can’t wait to share my experiences with you and also to explore amazing places that I haven’t yet been to. I would really like for you to share any of your own experiences with me as well. Without further ado: let the journey begin!
Our first stop is my home country, Cyprus, which satisfies even the most demanding of tourists. According to the Greek mythology, Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, was born in “Petra tou Romiou”, near her main centre of worship, Paphos, in the island of Cyprus; this is why she is sometimes called “Cyprian”. According to the Greek poet, Hesiod, she was born when Cronus cut off Uranus‘s genitals and threw them into the sea and she arose from the sea foam. “Petra tou Romiou” meaning ‘Rock of the Greek’ is undeniably one of the best sights in Cyprus, because of its ties with mythology, as the birthplace of Aphrodite, and its natural beauty.
Other historical sites including ancient castles such as “The ancient Castle of Limassol”, “Kolossi” and “Papho’s Castle” also stimulate tourists’ interest. There are also many archeological sites, like “Choirokoitia”, dating from the Neolithic Period, others including “The Courio theatre” and the “Tombs of the Kings”.
Cyprus attracts lots of tourists especially in the summer, when they can enjoy the sunny weather and the sandy beaches. One of the most famous beaches in the island is the idyllic “Fig Tree Bay” beach in Protaras. In addition, Cyprus offers a great deal of entertainment for visitors to discover, there are fashionable clubs and live music venues called “bouzoukia” where people can listen to Greek music and have a great time!
Fig Tree Bay-Protaras
The Castle of Paphos
Another thing Cyprus is popular for is its delicious cuisine. Tourists are often delighted with traditional food like “souvla” which is meat cooked on charcoal, or perhaps “Koupepia” which are stuffed grape leaves, or a dessert called “soutzoukos” which is made of grape juice and almonds. Also, Cypriotes love eating halloumi cheese; which is really tasty! Cyprus has some traditional drinks like “zivania” and “koumandaria” for tourists to try.
Overall, Cyprus is a really attractive tourist destination because of its amazing beaches, historical sights, magnificent landscapes, delicious food and hospitable people. I will let you know now that I will end each article with a quote about travelling. As I have told you about my home country, I would like to quote G. K. Chesterton: “ The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land, it is at least to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land”.
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