Today, the Republic of Cyprus is 50 years old - a bit younger than me! :-) So, all Greek Cypriots celebrate their Independence Day from the British rule. Considering that more than 45% of my country's territory is still under illegal Turkish occupation, this 50th Independence Anniversary shouldn't really be a day to celebrate. First of all, Cyprus is 100% Greek with a relatively small Turkish-Cypriot population. Turkish-Cypriots have nothing to do with the Turks who illegally inhabit a Greek Island. The Turkish Cypriots are our brothers and sisters and personally, I love them dearly. This said, I'm not against the average Turk. My father taught me not to hate anyone and, although I experienced a brutal war at 16, I don't hate the average Turk. I just want all Turkish troops out of my country1.
In a lighter vein, I tried not to feel disappointed when Alkis told me, yesterday that our long weekend away was cancelled because something came up at work. But I do understand that sometimes work comes first. Although I am usually an early riser, I did sleep in today and I think I'll have a siesta this afternoon as well! We have planned a late night out today..... Any plans for the weekend?
Oh sorry to hear about the cancellation.
And happy birthday Cyprus :-)
Posted by: Agnes | October 01, 2010 at 03:44 PM
Happy birthday Republic of Cyprus! Hope we can think and be more wise for the years to come...
Posted by: Phivos Nicolaides | October 01, 2010 at 07:46 PM
Happy Independence Day! I hope that you will enjoy your long weekend anyway. You are right, sometimes work comes first. This is my first weekend off work in a long time, so I have planned a night out with some friends tomorrow. We are going to a greek restaurant!
Posted by: Alexia M | October 01, 2010 at 08:08 PM
Happy Birthday Cyprus!! Right now, I'm enjoying a quiet evening at home. I hope to be able to go fishing tomorrow and eventually ...go back to blogging!
Posted by: Constantinos | October 01, 2010 at 08:55 PM
Happy BDay to Cypress. Best wishes to you and your people. - Hugs, Mark
Posted by: Mrkmakth | October 02, 2010 at 12:52 AM
let's hope that the next 50 years will be more peaceful in a reunited Cyprus
Posted by: Sophia | October 02, 2010 at 09:57 AM
Independence Day calls for celebration regardless of political problems. It is above all the celebration of democracy. Although it hurts to see almost half my country's territory illegally occupied by Turkey, I am very glad to live in a country where the voice of the citizen is heard and where I feel free to express myself in public and choose my own life as i want it to be. So let's celebrate democracy, freedom of speech and freedom of the individual.
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | October 02, 2010 at 12:41 PM
Buon compleanno a Cipro!! This weekend I hope to finish one of my most favorite paintings: Segreta Belezza.
Posted by: Lisa A | October 02, 2010 at 01:47 PM