Summer in Cyprus: Danny's advice

Danny Sierra( in orange)

Junior

Journalism and Electronic Media

Went to Cyprus, Athens, Egypt, Israel in summer, 2009

DISCLAIMER

Let me start off by saying that Cyprus is a beautiful and unique place to visit. However, there are some minor things that can easily be overlooked by the “not-so-thorough” traveler and turn into ugly and awkward situations for you and your friends. I learned all of these the hard way, so that hopefully you won’t have to.

Tip 1. If you have allergies at home, go ahead and do yourself a big favor and pack some Claritin or Allegra in your suitcase

I know you’re thinking, “Cyprus is so dry. It’s practically a desert! Surely I won’t be sneezing.” You’re being ignorant.

It is dry. That just makes it burn worse when you go to wipe the snot that’s falling from your nose for the thousandth time while stumbling through the mountains of Omodos, unable to see anything through the itchy and swollen infernos that you used to call eyes.

Take a look around Cyprus and you’ll notice that every type of tree imaginable seems to be growing there. This might be a coincidence, but it could also be an evil scheme. With so many species of plants intermingling together on this island, who can stand a chance at breathing freely? No one. Even more troubling is the fact that Cyprus is home to a wide range of plants that aren’t found anywhere else on Earth. How do you defend against that?

Take your medicine. You may be leaving the grass and pollen of wherever-land, but you may also be entering the mothership. Don’t take chances.

Tip 2. Wear sunscreen every time you attempt to “get your glow on.”

Unless you got your base tan over the mouth of an active volcano, it doesn’t stand a chance here in Cyprus.

Tip 3. Don’t pack like you’re going to a lock-in at the community pool.

Cyprus, while being undeniably tropical, is not freaking Cocoa Beach. If all you bring are flip-flops and board shorts, you’re going to have a hard time getting in to the dressy bars and nightclubs in the downtown areas of Nicosia and Northern Cyprus.

And ironically, the owners of these hot spots will turn you down by simply saying that you’re “not on the list,” making it ever more unclear as to why you weren’t allowed in. So, instead of asking your roommate to borrow a pair of khakis, you’re flipping through a Greek phonebook offering restaurant owners 20 euro and half a Toblerone to be added to a “list.” Add in the fact that clothing is about three times more expensive in Cyprus than in the U.S. and you have an inconvenience large enough to make you forget that you haven’t breathed through your nose in three days.

Tip 4. Remember all those tight shirts you love to wear because they show off your awesome bod?

They won’t be so flattering when they’re drenched in the sweat that will inevitably be pouring from your chest, back and armpits. Enough said.

Tip 5. They charge you for water over here!

So if you’re at a restaurant and you’re trying to keep it cheap, stupidly ordering a “free” water is bound to end in heartbreak and humiliation. The smug look on your face as your peers throw down 2 euro for a beer will disappear when you have to shell out 3.5 for a tiny bottle of Cypriot H2O. A complimentary glass of Saint Nicholas, like Santa, is just too good to be true.

Ask Danny

Send Danny any question about Cyprus trip or study abroad experience, he will have an answer for you.

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