Brave New Dawn?

We were up well before dawn this morning. Wake up call at 3.00am which was midnight UK time!

As we departed Ercan airport the sun was just up illuminating the N Cyprus flag carved into the Kyrenia Mountains behind Nicosia (Lefkosa). We have seen this several times on our trip and even seen it illuminated at night. Beyond it you can see the N coast.

There has been lots of talk whilst we have been here about the talks for a solution to the issues of this divided island. Things are freer now as you can cross the border but it is hard to see reunification coming easily. There are so many issues, not least the language but the younger people seem to be optimistic and are talking about when it happens rather than if. The old lady I spoke to yesterday doing the embroidery was more cautious.
When you see this flag, an inversion of the Turkish flag with which it is seen flying everywhere and see how clearly this can be seen from across the green line by the Greek Cypriots in the south, you realise exactly why it was put there. The quote is said to be an adage of Ataturk 'How Happy is he who can say he is a Turk.'

I do hope the island does reunify peacefully not least because would mean you could fly directly to the north without going via Turkey. It has been another long and wearying journey which takes some away the pleasure you have just experienced.
Still the sun was shining in Manchester!

I have loved Northern Cyprus and have no issues with the Turkish Cypriots themselves who were very pleasant and friendly.
Highlights were beautiful Kyrenia on the north coast and the nearby St Hilarian Castle and Bellapais Abbey in the Kyrenia mountains. I liked the mediaeval town of Famagusta on the east coast too and the wild Karpas peninsula.
It has been lovely to get away for a week of warm sunshine and share these places with some new and friendly people.

Thanks for following me folks in my commenting absence and for all your stars. I can't deny it was also nice to have a bit of break from the Internet for a few days too.