Cyprus - Nicosia/Lefkosia continued

 

Tired and hungry, it was time for lunch. We both had burgers, as that was what was on the menu where we had plonked ourselves down. They hit the spot as did the lemonade and beer.

Of course that attracted the local

cats.

We had seen these for sale in the market and I had thought them a form of sea sponge but they were loofah sponges. Not from the sea, but a form of gourd.

Re-energized, we continued to wander and found the craft market

located in a former inn. Photo by Rick.

Each of the inn's rooms were now individual stores

selling jewelry, mosaics, baskets, wood burning, leather ...... Rick labelled it a tourist trap but it was one place where you could see all of the local handicrafts.

I saw a few yarn stores, didn't go in, and lots of crocheted items in the craft market.

Before crossing back over we stopped for some Turkish Delights. Now that was a tourist trap, but a delicious one.

A marked difference on the Greek side of the border.....still shops, but not just for tourists, restaurants were larger and airier. It felt like what it is, a vibrant, busy, capital city.

We walked back to the car to drop of the Turkish Delight and then went looking for the Cyprus Museum. Past an, as yet, inaccessible archaeological sight

next to the 1970s bunkers and gun placements.

Not easy to find, just this plaque beside the entrance. This museum holds the best of the archaeological finds from all over Cyprus (those, of course, that haven't been whisked off to some other country)

The museum was surprisingly hot

and we were quite tired,

not a good combination but

we were still amazed at the pottery, tools, tombs, statues and jewelry that had survived conquerors, earthquakes, grave robbers and time.

My favorite - a collection of terra cotta offerings all found around one altar.

Back to the car and of course we managed to hit Nicosia's rush hour. Stopped in traffic, Rick was able to take this sign. We had seen signs with instruction to cross at the "Pelican Crossing" and thought it really weird. Turns out it mean Pedestrian Light Controlled crossing (PE LI CON) and the term originated in the UK.