It was a beautiful summer-like day and I decided to take a trip to the other side. Wearing a T-shirt even though others are wearing long sleeves and behaving like it's winter. It's warm, dudes! I get through the passport checkpoint using my British passport. Greek side will not acknowledge that I'm a Turkish Cypriot perhaps because my TC ID has a London address. I need to get the updated one but it's all officialdom which I really hate and it costs money. This means that I'm treated like a Brexit nobody instead of what I really am,100% blood of Cyprus. It is a great piss-off and just petty politics which affects me, as I'm only allowed over there within certain day limits. It sucks. They say I can take out a Greek Cypriot ID if I like but it has to be done in London. See, friends, the utter stupidity of politics.
It is much nicer on the Greek side. The roads are in better condition and it seems brighter, cleaner, less scuzzy than our side. That doesn't stop the Greeks coming over here to do their shopping, go to the casinos and eat out. We are cheaper. Euros are more expensive. I have nothing against the people; they are lovely, nice and helpful, most of them speak English too.
This day, I treat myself to lunch at Wagamama's as I love oriental food - I have some Bao buns and kimchee, spicy and nice. I visit Marks & Spencer and buy red wine, nice snacks, other food items; visit the supermarket for some European cheeses, all things I cannot get on my side of the line. There are nice fashion shops like Zara ... it's expensive however it's like a day out in another country for me. I don't mind. I'm very proud of myself today because I found the bus station and found my way. I enjoy tackling these getting about issues. I feel independent and able.
I used to wish the island was not divided like it is. I used to wish it wasn't full of unnecessary graves or families split apart or land and houses purloined. I got over it, just another symptom of age, loss of "giving a shit". It never stops me from listening to the stories people will tell me though. Even now in 2023, people still want to tell their stories about that time, 1974 when our beautiful Cyprus split into two sides. Two tribes that went to war and the only fallout was the people. Never mind, happy Christmas, let's be positive and hope Bitcoin will go from strength to strength next year, soon coming. Thanks for reading and tipping friends. Be cool, be positive, smile because it makes your face look nice.
