Going to Larnaca, Cyprus

Unlike Canada (especially Alberta), there are very few long weekends here (December 2008 was an exception more public holidays than working days!) As happens with all the Muslim holidays it seems, it was announced on very short notice that Saturday will be Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)'s birthday. For the private sector, this means Sunday is a public holiday.

PBUH = Peace Be Upon Him. This is a phrase used to refer to certain deceased people of significant importance (Wikipedia).

Since I have been working like a dog for what feels like an eternity and after speaking with a co-worker about her vacation to Thailand next week (can you say green with envy?!), I decided I need to have another travel adventure too.

So this weekend I am going to Larnaca, Cyprus. Why Larnaca you may ask? Or more importantly where is Larnaca??? Well, south of Turkey, west of Syria, north of Egypt, east of Greece. As for why? It is relatively cheap, it is relatively close geographically, it does not have complicated Visa requirements and it is (apparently) the best diving in the region! I'm there!!!

Fact Sheet:

Official Title: Republic of Cyprus

Capital: NicosiaPopulation (million): 0.79

Total Area: 9,250 km2

Currency: 1 CAN$ = 0.38 pound (CYP)(2008)

National Holiday: October 1, Independence Day (1960)

Language(s): Greek, Turkish, English

Government of Canada Travel Advisories website:

There is no Official Warning for this country

Most Canadian visitors to Cyprus do not experience problems. Exercise normal security precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Cyprus is an independent country that continues to be divided into two de facto autonomous areas and, contrary to United Nations resolutions, into two separate zones. The Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the internationally recognized authority, exercises control only in the Greek Cypriot southern part of the island. The northern area operates under an autonomous Turkish Cypriot administration.

Exercise caution, as driving standards are poor. While modern highways link the major cities, rural and mountain roads are often narrow, winding, and poorly maintained. Enforcement of traffic laws and regulations is inconsistent. Running of traffic lights, speeding, and tailgating are common causes of accidents.


Canada Cyprus relations:

Canada and Cyprus enjoy close bilateral relations through our shared membership in the UN and many of its agencies, the OSCE, and the Commonwealth where the ongoing dispute between Greek and Turkish Cypriots is regularly discussed. Canada has been very active in seeking a negotiated settlement of the Cyprus question since it first deployed troops as a major contributor to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) when it was formed in 1964. Before the withdrawal of the Canadian contingent in 1993, over 50,000 Canadian soldiers served in UNFICYP, 28 of whom lost their lives while deployed.
Trade and Investment


Bilateral commercial relations with Cyprus remain relatively modest. Canada’s exports are mostly machinery, wood products and vegetables. Canadian imports from Cyprus are mostly ships and boats, machinery and edible fruits and nuts.