Cyprus diary (2022 — in work)

My story begins ordinary: I am a tourist in Cyprus, because of the respect to the locals, I learn the first phrases in Greek: “good morning”, “how to get to the beach?”, “may I have a glass of wine?”, “thank you”, “how much does it cost? “… But over the time and experience I live, it gives me more and more amazing things, more questions, stories, exercises. Why are there so many words in Greek that mean “love”? Why does “slowly” express the entire everyday philosophy of the Cypriots? Why is the Groomsman at the wedding — common name and not always positive? Why is “tomorrow” most often not tomorrow at all? Why is the capital of Cyprus the last divided capital in the world? Each of these questions will become a separate chapter in my story seven years long.

I suppose that through the study of the language I’ll find answers to my questions, I’ll be able to delve into culture, history, traditions, the specifics of society, and ultimately I will answer myself the question “why did I choose Cyprus?!”

Καλιμερα! Ένα καφέ παρακαλώ!

Kalimera! Ena cafe paracalo! — Good morning. One coffee please!

In the morning, tourists go to the beach, and Cypriots go for coffee, so that they can drink it for a long time, retelling gossip, news and scolding the government. Every village has a cafe, and every city has a million of. Cypriot are coffee fans! In winter they drink it hot, in summer — with ice. When the seasons change, coffee changes for everyone at the same time, like a clock change, but according to the weather.

Κιπριακο καφέ — Cyprus coffee

Ζεστό/κρύο — hot/cold

σκέτος — without sugar

διπλό — double

μέτριο — sweet moderate

η θάλασασα — sea

παραλία — beach

πόσο κοστι μια μιαπλώστα? — How much is a sunbed?

Σιγά

Siga siga. Quieter, slower, nowhere to rush.

This capacious word fits the whole island. It is used everywhere and always, infuriates tourists and those who have just moved, lulls and sets in a positive mood the locals and those who have assimilated. Siga, where are you in a hurry?!

Το κρασί

To krasi — the wine!

White, red, rosé, sparkling, dry, dessert… Cyprus has indigenous grape varieties and unique wines. Marafeftiko (red), Xynesteri (white), Mataro, Mavra and Komandaria (red dessert), NOT wine UZOoooo (anise vodka).

Μου αρέσει το κόκκινο — I like red

Α'σπρο — white

Ο'μορφο τραγούδι — beautiful song

Ακόμη λίγο — a little more

Μπορείτε να καλέσετε ταξί — can I call a taxi?

Είμαι παντρεμένος — I am married

Καληνυχτα! — good night!

Μένω εδώ

Meno edo — I live here.

The first winter was a surprise. Snow in the mountains, summer on the coast, in the house something in between snow and summer — plus 18 °C. There is no central heating in Cyprus, houses are heated according to the capabilities and abilities of the residents. Suddenly I found out that my bungalow has no solar panels, no hot water, no warm blankets, no carpets, no life in winter. Surprise!

Κρύο — cold

Τα βουνά — mountains

Λογαριασμός ρεύματος — electricity bill

Ακριβός — expensive

Πρώτος χειμώνας — the first winter

Βρέχει — it’s raining

βρέχει

βρέχει

χωρίς ζεστό νερό — no hot water

oμορφα λουλούδια — beautiful flowers

όμορφος κήπος — beautiful garden

όμορφο ηλιοβασίλεμα — beautiful sunset

Το σπίτι μου.

To spite mu — it is my home.

My family, my friends, my village, my neighbors, my life turned upside down.

Ν κόρη μου — My daughter

Το σχολείο — School

Ο σύζυγος έρχεται για το ο Σύζυγος έρχεται για τα Χριστούγεννα — Husband will come for Christmas

Ο γιατρός — a doctor

Ν φίλη — friend

Ο σκύλος — a dog

Ν Γάτα — a cat

Το χωριό μου — my village

Ο ταχυδρόμος ειναι Ανδρεασ, δεν μιλάει αγγλικά — postman Andreas, does not speak English