A woman who has run a seafront hotel for the past 60 years has closed her doors to tourists to provide a “home from home” for Ukrainians.
Nitsa Michael, 84, who runs the Seaward Hotel in Weston-super-Mare, left her home in Cyprus in the 1960’s before her family fled in 1974 as Turkey invaded.
Based on her family’s experience, she said she wanted to help Ukrainian people, when the Russians invaded.
Ms Michael said: “I felt for them… me and my family hope we’re helping them.”
Trellows Estate Agents Cyprus Seaward Hotel
The family reopened the seafront hotel, on Knightstone Road, following its closure during the pandemic.
Ms Michael said it made them “happy” as they “just want to help” the refugees.
Her daughter Michelle Michael said some people seeking help had arrived at the hotel using Google translate.
She said the family was very grateful some of the Ukrainians could speak English and said they had chatted with others over WhatsApp “just reassuring them so they know when they get here they’re going to be safe and they’re going to be taken care of”.
Yuliia was one of the first refugees to arrive at the hotel.
She left her home in Berdyansk in south eastern Ukraine when the explosions started.
She said: “On 24 February , it was very loud and very bright and I understood that it is war.
“I left a very bad situation because they haven’t gas, they haven’t heating and they haven’t Ukrainian money because they can’t pay with cards because they haven’t internet”, she added.
Michelle Michael said the family was grateful to local people for donating clothing, unwanted iPads and laptops.
“Together we’ve been able to contribute to hopefully a very good start for the refugees”.
Cyprus has become the first EU member-state to achieve 100 per cent 5G population coverage, even in its remotest areas, Cyta announced on Monday.
The announcement came after the network reached the village of Sykopetra in Pitsilia, the final stop to achieving 100 per cent coverage.
A small ceremony was organised by Sykopetra community to celebrate the instalment of the last 5G antenna in the network, in the presence of Research, Innovation & Digital Policy deputy minister Kyriacos Kokkinos and other officials.
Acknowledging Cyta’s key role in the country’s digital transition, Kokkinos said that “the immediate availability of networks and services in every corner of Cyprus contributes to enhancing the country and its people’s digital maturity, and by extension to shielding the resilience of its economy”.
Commissioner for mountain areas Costas Hambiaouris said he was pleased with Cyta’s commitment to providing cutting-edge technology even in remote areas.
“Cyta is one of the key pillars in the efforts to create a basic development policy for mountain areas, which concerns the promotion of the digital transition, the effective creation of infrastructures and the development of services, with the aim of modernising the mountainous areas and improving the technological accessibility, both for the residents and for the businesses,” he said.
“This is an achievement no other country has reached so far,” Cyta president Michalis Ioannides said on Cyta reaching 100 per cent 5G population coverage across the island.
“For us at Cyta, it is important that all Cypriots participate in the digital transition. Because we are one country, in the same speed, equal in the world of communications”.
For his part, Cyta CEO Andreas Neocleous said that growth is for everyone, and nobody should be left in the sidelines.
“Technology and its benefits can now be accessed all over Cyprus, even in its most remote areas, proving that for Cyta actions speak louder than the words”.
Sykopetra community leader Charalambos Charalambous, thanked Cyta for not leaving the mountain communities behind, noting that technology is a basic condition for them to be able to continue to grow and progress.
Mark Whitfield and jazz double bassist Ari Roland will join local veteran Charis Ioannou
Music lovers are in for a treat this May as world-renowned musicians from New York are travelling to the island for three unmissable performances. Acclaimed drummer Joe Farnsworth, Grammy award-winning guitarist Mark Whitfield and jazz double bassist Ari Roland will join local veteran Charis Ioannou for a high-level, straight-ahead jazz experience.
Stopping first at Sarah’s Jazz Club on May 10 and 11 and then at Raven’s Music Hall on May 12, the performances promise to be nights of jazz wonder. The four musicians are leading forces of contemporary traditional jazz and have collectively performed with legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Art Blakey, John Marshall, Cedar Walton, Diana Krall, Mary J Blige, Chaka Khan and Sting.
“Cyprus audiences can look forward to hearing our unique sound,” said Whitfield, “which is a representation of the geniuses who came before us and our creative impulses for the future!” Their upcoming shows will combine his intelligence and creativity, the straight-ahead jazz drumming of Farnsworth, the rhythmical virtuosity of Roland, and the uplifting sound of the accomplished local favourite Ioannou.
“We are coming with a lot of love, lots of joy, and always #timetoswing,” commented Farnsworth. “We will play with all the knowledge and feeling we have!”
Joe Farnsworth / Mark Whitfield Quartet
Musicians from New York perform live. May 10-11. Sarah’s Jazz Club, Nicosia. May 12. Raven’s Music Hall, Limassol. Doors open 8.30pm. Show starts 9.30pm. Presale tickets €25 (available at venues), at the door €29. www.soldoutticketbox.com Tel: 95-147711, 99-614100
Interview with Savvas Kyriakides from the Great Britain Cyprus Business Association
A brief background to the man behind this successful association
In this interview, I ask Savvas a little bit about his background, what inspired him to start the UKCBA and what his greatest challenges have been. Starting from a small group of businesses, his networking skills now include a whole spectrum of businesses, in Cyprus and in the UK. We at Trellows joined in 2021, the benefits to our company have been incredible, thanks to Savvas, we have benefitted from introductions to companies that have contributed to our exponential expansion.
Great Britain-Cyprus Business Association is a business association that will help promote your company and allow our members and subscribers in both Cyprus and Great Britain to view your potential. We organise business events, road shows and private business meetings. We also introduce your company to our members and associates.
Cyprus offers opportunities in new, proven and reliable markets to secure the future of your investment. Likewise, Great Britain also has a flourishing economy with opportunities available in all areas. This collaborative approach will allow a more selective access for British business entry into the Cyprus market by sourcing important contacts in legal, tax, accounting, real estate, general and precise information as how one can conduct business transactions in the Cyprus markets. In the same instant, Cyprus companies will enjoy the same opportunities into the UK market.
We aim to help create business relationships between Great Britain and Cyprus companies with view to mutual financial gain. We will provide vital and up to date information provided by established business owners and professionals in the UK, to support such relationship.
By applying for membership into Great Britain – Cyprus Business Association, your profile will automatically be enhanced, and your business image will be instantly known to all our members. Great Britain – Cyprus Business Association will keep our members updated with topics of interest, news items and details of all fellow members.
There is always room for new markets and our association provides our members the opportunity to reach these markets and grow even more.
The aim for Great Britain – Cyprus Business Association is to bring business opportunities closer to its members through marketing, networking, meetings and introductions between affiliated companies from Great Britain and Cyprus.
Great Britain – Cyprus Business Association was formed from ideas that were cultivated during conferences that were organised by us, which was established with the aim of bringing Cypriot enterprise to Great Britain and promoting investment in Cyprus. We have organised events at London venues where prominent guests were invited from Cyprus and the UK as speakers and panellists to discuss and debate the benefits of the Cyprus economy and its investment potential. Sponsors have also attended to promote their products.
If you would like further information, or if you would like to join the UK Cyprus Business Association, visit their website HERE
Bouzouki nights are a quintessential part of Greek and Cypriot life. The community in the UK and indeed in other countries around the world remain connected to Cyprus through culture, lifestyle and last but not least, through music.
Frankie Champ has become a ubiquitous with Bouzouki nights in London. Now that we have finally exited the recent pandemic, these events are back in full swing, with the next one scheduled for the 1st of April 2022, at the Penridge Suite, Bowes Road, N11.
Frankie always selects people who are well known to the community for his events, from the DJ of a famous London Greek radio, to independent musicians who are well known for providing the music at a wide range of functions, including Greek weddings.
On this occasion, artists will include Tas Diastello and Mixalis Theodosiou, who are, as expected, very well known for their music and entertainment at these events.
For bookings contact Frankie Champ on 07881 364442
Every March, the endless landscape of Episkopi village in Paphos offers spectacular views. The area boasts nature trails, diverse flora and fauna, ancient ruins, hermit’s caves, rivers and streams and a rare enormous rock that predates humanity. The Ezousa valley, where the village is located, has inspired many paintings and works of art, and the area’s serenity appeals to those seeking the vivid sounds of nature.
Episkopi village and its rock
Located on the outskirts of Paphos town, Episkopi has become a magnet for many locals and visitors, who are drawn to the area to marvel at its imposing rock, standing 70 metres tall. It is often referred to as the ‘Meteora’ of Cyprus – a term used to describe Greece’s monasteries built on natural sandstone rock pillars – and is one of the most interesting geological formations in Cyprus, and arguably one of the largest, formed millions of years ago after the African tectonic plate was separated, and Cyprus emerged from the sea.
“Apart from being the largest monolith in Cyprus, it is also environmentally significant due to the fauna and flora that it supports,” says Charalambos Charalambous, President of the Community Council of Episkopi. “Rare and endangered species can be found here.”
According to Charalambous, chasmophytes grow in the crevices of the limestone rock, which are found in only a few locations across the island. “Verbascum levanticum is the most distinctive of the chasmophytes that grow here. It is also worth noting that the rock is the only location in the Ezousa valley where such flora can be found.”
Episkopi’s pole of attraction is also of great ornithological interest. It is home to various species of bird, such as the Cyprus wheatear with its distinctive black and white plumage. The peregrine falcon has also become a resident of the area.
The Ezousa valley is certainly one of the most beautiful valleys in Cyprus. Because of its high ecological value, it has been included in Natura 2000, Europe’s largest coordinated network of protected areas, providing a haven for valuable and threatened species and habitats.
Founded in 2012, the Episkopi Paphos Environmental Information Centre aims to highlight, promote and protect the ecological and cultural characteristics of the area. “One of the centre’s key objectives is to contribute to the sustainable development of the area,” says the centre’s acting director, Mary Beth Trotter.
“We offer information about the geology, flora and fauna of the Ezousa valley through high-quality photographic and video material on display, including touch screens, dioramas and unique collections,” she adds. “The centre is surrounded by a botanical garden where visitors can observe the area’s significant plants, organised into thematic groups.”
The history of the villageAs a self-funded initiative, the centre is reliant on ticket sales and funds generated from the sale of self-care and environmentally friendly products available at the centre’s exhibition shop.
Originally known as Komi, the village was given the name ‘Episkopi’ during Frankish rule when the Orthodox Bishop of Paphos relocated his headquarters there from Polis Chrysochous. Another version of the story suggests the name came from the inhabitants “keeping watch on the top” of the rock, safeguarding the village from invading pirates.
Oozing charm and brimming with historic architecture, the village exudes friendliness and hospitality. Primarily composed of winding, narrow streets dotted with flowerpots, quaint stone houses and overhanging balconies, the village also features the surviving ruins of a small monastery dedicated to the Holy Cross, established in 1192.
According to tradition, St Hilarion was a resident of the village in 371AD, leading an ascetic life in an underground cave. Episkopi’s ‘modern’ church, which is dedicated to the saint, was built on top of the rock, and offers panoramic views of the valley below.
“The area of Episkopi is ideal this time of year,” says Mary Beth Trotter. “It is wonderful to explore the village and the valley on an organised walking trail.”
According to Mary Beth, the village of Episkopi is a treasure trove of varied fauna and flora, as well as remnants of the island’s cultural heritage. “Nature trails are a delight for the senses, especially in the springtime when visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of nature.”
As Green Monday officially marks the beginning of the spring season, an excursion to Episkopi will offer the perfect landscape to fly one’s kite (weather permitting, of course). Alternatively, one can stand at the foot of the island’s largest rock and capture a memorable selfie for the nefarious reason of making other people envious of what Cyprus has to offer.
The Cypriot who’s life has been dominated by dance
Cypriot Culture
From learning to dance in the living room to teaching Greek steps around the world, one local choreographer’s life has been dominated by dance.
https://youtu.be/L83Bq0DN-9M
It is one of the most memorable and meaningful scenes in the history of black-and-white cinema. An opinionated, stubborn, impulsive, but most of all passionate Alexis Zorba (played by Anthony Quinn), is asked by his boss, Basil (played by Alan Bates) – a Greek intellectual who longs for a more authentic existence – to teach him how to dance.
With a surprised expression on his face, Zorba responds, “Dance. Did you say, dance? Come on, my boy.” And the film famously concludes with both men dancing enthusiastically on a beach in Chania, Crete. Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, the film made Zorba the Greek a household name and brought global recognition to the sirtaki folkdance.
For over two decades, renowned choreographer Christos Shakallis has been teaching the Zorba dance and sharing his passion for Greek and Cypriot folkloric dances with audiences around the world. His deeply personal, and introspective work creates something memorable and powerful, raising awareness of his cultural identity through dance.
“The job of a choreographer is to find what is personal to them,” says Christos. “Stories are told through dance, and the dances created to communicate them are based on my personal experiences, beliefs, interpretations, and feelings.”
As someone who has choreographed and danced in competitions around the world, Christos’ approach to creating and choreographing new dances is refreshing. “The art-making process always fuels my soul,” he explains. “I have a deep and intense connection to dance. When I go into that creation process, I enter a transcendent place, and the juices start to flow.”
Born in Nicosia in 1972, Christos grew up in a dance environment where his parents immersed him in the art of dancing. “I owe my love of music and dance to my parents, especially my father, who was my greatest influence for a number of reasons,” Christos says. “He also demonstrated that success is earned through hard work; he inspired and taught me to always believe in myself, and that nothing was impossible.”
“In the early 1970s, my father’s passion for dance inspired him to open a dance school in our living room, teaching Cypriot and Greek folk dance classes.”
It was only a matter of time before the at-home dance studio moved to larger premises, laying the foundations for the Shakallis Dance School that exists today.
After graduating from high school and completing his military service, Christos enrolled in the prestigious London Studio Centre, a British dance and theatre school, focusing on classical ballet, contemporary dance, jazz dance, and musical theatre. He furthered his dance education, adding Spanish, Latin, and Freestyle to his dance portfolio, and is now an accredited member of the International Dance Teachers Association and one of the few salsa dance diploma holders.
Since joining the family business in 1995, Christos has choreographed and participated in several local festivals across the island and has become a popular dance personality on Cypriot television, and teaches at the European University.
One of his most defining moments was the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, where he represented Cyprus alongside singer Evdokia Kadi. “Eurovision was big and brash, with a vibrant mix of cultures, art, humour, and languages,” Christos states. “I had a great time being part of the world’s largest musical event, representing our island.”
After his father’s sudden death in 2014, Christos decided to carry on his father’s legacy, taking over as managing director of the Shakallis Dance School alongside his sister, Elena, who is the school’s artistic director and lead choreographer. Today, the school has five studios in the Nicosia district that teach all disciplines of dance.
But his reach extends beyond Nicosia. As founder and active member of Salsa Cyprus, a colourful annual Latin dance and music festival that attracts thousands of visitors, Christos continues to find ways to promote the island as a dance tourism destination his Cyprus Tango Meeting is the largest tango event on the island, attracting some of the world’s most renowned maestros and deejays. Christos was also instrumental in choreographing a simplified version of the sirtaki dance as part of Ayia Napa’s Guinness Book of Records attempt.
Despite his passion for Latin dance, Christos has remained true to his roots, teaching local and international audiences the zeibekiko, arguably the most popular and beloved dances and rhythms in Greece. “It may take two to tango, but only one to dance the zeibekiko,” Christos explains. “Dancing zeibekiko does not convey joy or passion; rather, it is a journey into one’s personal abyss.”
Christos claims to have rechoreographed the dance using his own technique, elevating it to a new level. After posting his own version of the zeibekiko on YouTube and going viral with millions of views, he was invited to Russia to teach the zeibekiko and the sirtaki dances as part of the National Ballet Kostroma’s 30th anniversary programme.
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away,” Christos declares. “I could not imagine my life without dance.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a dance teacher, according to Christos, is the moment when a student is finally able to perform a certain skill after months of practice. “I love it when someone walks into the dance studio for the first time and asks me to teach them the sirtaki or the zeibekiko, to which I enthusiastically respond, come on, my boy.”
Enjoy a fun-filled family day out at Waterworld in Ayia Napa, the largest water park in Cyprus. Your admission ticket offers all-day access to the park’s attractions, including thrilling water slides such as the Aeolos Whirlpool, Thunderbolt and Lightning, and Quest of Heracles, plus various swimming areas, wave pools, Jacuzzis, and a lazy river. Full-day Waterworld Water Park Admission Ticket in Ayia Napa Get your adrenaline pumping on the Aeolos Whirlpool, Thunderbolt and Lightning, and Quest of Heracles water slides Cruise the lazy river, make a splash in the wave pools, or relax in the Jacuzzi Enjoy a family day out, with activities suitable for all ages and abilities Self-guided tour offers greater flexibility
Ayia Napa’s most popular attraction since 1996
Take a dive into ancient mythological Greece with family and friends and make your mythical adventures an unforgettable reality! Welcome to WATERWORLD the largest themed waterpark in Europe, here in Ayia Napa! Spend an incredible day with your family or friends! Unbeatable Fun.
WaterWorld Themed WaterPark is the premier leisure destination in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. The perfect option whether you have an occasion to celebrate or looking for a fun day to spend with friends and family.
You can spend the whole day without getting bored, with more than 30 waterslides and attractions for all ages and wide selection of food and beverage outlets!
Waterworld waterpark – where myth becomes reality!
Waterworld waterpark opened it’s doors in 1996 and has been winning awards ever since, now boasting 25 International awards. Over 4.5 million guests have visited the park which is the largest themed waterpark in Europe and one of Cyprus’s biggest attractions. With over 21 thrilling rides for all ages, the park is themed on ancient Greek mythology.
Top attractions include Chariots chase, Aeolos Whirlpool, the River Odyssey and Poseidon wave pool.
Children are well catered for with the Atlantis activity pool, Pegasus Childrens pool and the Trojan adventure. Those seeking a more adrenalin fuelled ride can attempt the Kamikaze slides, Drop to Atlantis and the fall of Icarus.
As well as the rides, visitors have the benefits of free parking, sunloungers and umbrellas, showers and changing facilities. Lockers are available for daily rental. All staff are fully trained and first aid is available if required.
Those spending a day at the park will no doubt want to eat something from the restaurants or snack bars in the park. There is a choice of self service full meals, pizza, fish and chips as well as a creperia and ice cream parlour.
Treat yourself to a VIP experience with the new THEA VIP suite or book a VIP cabana for poolside comfort.
Ayia Napa Waterpark Location
Waterworld Waterpark is located in the Macronissos area of Ayia Napa, close to the new Ayia Napa marina. It is reachable from central Ayia Napa and Protaras on the local bus route 101/102, or by taxi. There is a car park at the entrance for guests arriving by car.
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2023 Presidential Election candidate Achilleas Demetriades believes the global climate change concern should be urgently addressed. So that the divided island achieves its primary objective which is “A whole and green Cyprus!”.
Here are his views on this crucial issue:
“Climate change is on our doorstep. There is an urgency to address this global concern and Cyprus cannot drag its feet on this any longer. No individual state can tackle climate challenges on its own.
Our EU membership has already given us directions as to how we can act. Now we have to accelerate our pace in order to achieve the objectives of the “European Green Deal”.
End our dependence on coal and become climate neutral by 2050
Reduce by 55% greenhouse emissions by 2030, compared to 1990
Full energy potential in new buildings, limit energy loss in existing buildings
These can be achieved through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the new EU Funding Program 2021-2027. This time, we must apply these two development programs in a different manner to the short-term policies of the past, which have not laid the foundations for the future.
In the past few years, Cyprus has not made any real progress towards any of the goals relating to viable growth, as these are set out by the EU. Strategies and plans of actions have been drafted by the Anastasiades government but have ended up in a drawer.
Citizens have paid a heavy cost for delays and inaction by the government in adopting and implementing laws on managing pollutants and waste.
This government is wholly responsible for the absence of the appropriate infrastructure and incentives and unfortunately, even today, there is no coordination between the relevant services and the distribution of responsibilities.
Can we change this? My answer is a definite yes. Through a modern coordinated state which will serve the citizen we can work hard to achieve these goals, to bring Cyprus to the forefront of the effort to tackle climate change, instead of lagging behind.
A quick turn to Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Cyprus’ climate helps to fully exploit the production of solar energy. One may very well wonder how other countries, even in northern Europe with a lot less sunshine, have managed to turn so fast and so successfully to RES.
The state must take the lead. Public buildings, ministries, other government buildings and schools should bring into effect the Directive on saving energy. No carbon dioxide pollutants; instead, photovoltaics and special insulation.
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), the island’s biggest electricity production plant, must determine irrevocably its strategy to stop using mazut and use a more friendly fuel to the benefit of the consumers and reducing the levy incurred by the state.
Develop a circular economy and biological agriculture.
The green movement concerns us all. We want to make a big investment in our island and our people, particularly in the new generation, using European know-how and available financial resources.
The protection of the environment is a new right! I advocate amendment of the constitution which will ensure the respect for the environment as an individual right for the citizen.
If individual parties or indeed the state violate legislation on the protection of the environment, they could be brought directly and effectively before the courts. Violation of the law should relate to all policies concerning the environment, including policies on areas designated as Natura.
Our primary objective is “A whole and green Cyprus!”
One Cyprus, united, free of Turkish troops, should be in a position to develop its ecosystem as a single entity.
Our children will be able to work throughout our island.
The state will regain control of its natural and environmental wealth to the benefit of all its citizens.
We will be in a position to address the big environmental challenges our country is facing, which do not stop at the ceasefire line, including the planning and managing for dangers arising from climate change such as fires, floods, drought, desertification and coastal erosion.
This is the whole green Cyprus, that we all deserve.”
January 2022 recorded a spike in Cyprus inflation, rising to 5.4% on an annual basis, according to official figures, in line with the trend recorded in the rest of the eurozone.
It is reminded that in Greece the European Union-harmonized inflation was measured at 5.5% year-on-year last month, according to Eurostat.
At the same time, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Republic of Cyprus decreased by 0.53 points, falling to 104.57, compared to 105.10 in December 2021, according to the state’s statistical service (CyStat).
The largest increases, when compared to the index of January 2021, were recorded in the categories of electricity (up 26.3%) and fuel products (25.3%). The categories of housing, water, gas and other types of fuel recorded a 14.1% growth, while in transport there was a 13.3% increase.
The categories of transport, housing, water, electricity, gas and other types of fuel had the largest effect on the change of the CPI, ranging from 1.67 to 1.91 points.
On a monthly basis the largest rise was recorded in agricultural goods (4.3%) and the biggest drop was noted in clothing and footwear (-12.7%).
