Kyrenia

Saturday

This morning we went to the Turkish side or the north side of the island.  Since I had recently done it for just a day trip, I remembered how easy it was to get there.  It still surprises me, though.  A group of seven of us picked the bus up near our apartments and we went to the city center.  Then we had to walk down Ledra street to the 'border'.  There you give them your passport and then walk on through.  It doesn't look any different at first, but once you get to Kyrenia it's a whole nother place!  We took a van to Kyrenia, which is the mountainous area on the north side.  It was a gorgeous view the entire time.  Then we got to our hostile, which is located in a harbor, over a restaurant.  It's an amazing location.  We put our stuff into our room (all seven of us had a sleep over) and then went back out to walk around.  Immediately, we passed a tandem paragliding shop!  My friend, Kayla, and I decided to do it about an hour later.  So we were taken up the mountain and each took turns.  It was an awesome experience that I will never forget-even better than a helicopter ride over Venice!  The rest of the day was spent walking around.  At one point we found a ledge to sit on for quite a long time, that overlooked the harbor.  It was gorgeous to watch the sky change.  We had a nice dinner and then went back to the hostel.  We were all planning on watching a movie together until the man in charge of the hostel invited us to hear his friend play authentic Turkish music.  We all went and sat at an outdoor restaurant along the harbor.  It was beautiful music and we all really enjoyed it.

Sunday

This day we got breakfast to go and sat by the water and ate.  Then we went to an old monastery and church with beautiful arches and scenery, overlooking the town.  After that we walked around the small town.  It is definitely a place I would love to go back to.  Then two older friends and I went to find a beach.  It was somewhat unsuccessful, but we did find a waters edge with the Kyrenia castle behind it.  It was yet another beautiful sight to see.  We spent awhile there and then left.  But I am SO excited to return to Kyrenia as much as possible.  Especially when it only takes 3 and a half euro to get there!

Paragliding!

View of the harbor.

Old Monastery/Church