Who: Connie and Floyd Shoemaker of Littleton
Where: Ergates, a village outside of Nicosia, Cyprus
Out and about: This traditional fournos (oven) bakes breads and slow-cooks a variety of dishes. Cypriot cuisine has been enriched over the centuries by conquerors and visitors to this Mediterranean island. During its 9,000-year history, Cyprus has been subjected to regional and world powers from the Romans to the British, from whom independence was gained in 1960. This was followed by Turkey’s invasion and occupation of a third of its territory in 1974. Nicosia, the capital, is Europe’s only militarily divided city with the Republic of Cyprus in the south, now part of the European Union, and Turkish Cyprus in the north.
Travel tip: Beauty, history and hospitality exist on both sides of the island. Must-sees in the south are Paphos, where, according to mythology, Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love, rose from the sea foam and Protaras and Ayia Napa, seaside resorts with fine, white sand and turquoise water. Also, travelers can now cross the Green Line in Nicosia, with passports in hand, to the Turkish Cypriot north to explore ancient ruins, churches, and seaside resorts which were lost by Greek Cypriots in 1974.
