Column from Cyprus: Traditions and Reflections

In a column from Cyprus's most historic newspaper, the columnist reflects on his impressions of Limassol and discussions with friends about their daily lives.

He mentions a regular restaurant where patrons have the same table and order the same dishes. Once, the owner offered "strouthouthkia," a Cypriot name for sparrows, raising questions about the consumption of protected species, such as ambelopoulia (blackcaps).

He learns that "strouthouthkia" are small migratory birds, sylvia, which are a traditional but illegal and strictly protected delicacy. Their poaching provokes strong reactions.

The columnist announces a journalistic journey to the occupied territories of Cyprus, to the places he visited in the 80s for the BBC. He remembers the advice of his then director, Benny Amar, to leave his heart in London. During those reports, he interviewed Denktash and Akkinji, UN officials, mayors, professors, and ordinary people.

He recalls the nights in Kyrenia, writing and crying, with the help of Mrs. Tzemel who brought him coffee, calling him "Cypriot, my brave lad..."