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I've just returned from Cyprus.

It's a wonderful place to visit. North Cyprus is currently Turkish occupied, and more difficult to travel to, but well worth the visit.

The south is still under Greek rule and has different feel. It is also a bit more expensive (part of the EU now) and has just developed differently over the past 30+ years than the other half of the island.

If you can stand to see the heartbreak and tension a split land can have on the people of a small island, there are plenty of resort laden beautiful coastlines to visit all over the island. And, if mountains are your thing, the coastline rapidly gives way to mountainous regions. Despite being so small you can cross the island in any direction in less than 3 hours, the tallest peaks reach in the neighborhood of 1600 meters above sea level. Bountiful hiking, beautiful wineries and vineyards, and incredible towns etched into steep and rugged hillsides (with narrow lanes and beautiful architectural buildings) abound.

And with both the Turkish and Greek influences, as well as any neighboring regions, there is plenty of food of every type and for every palate.

I spent a week, and given that it's one hours flight from Cairo, I believe I may return if the opportunity arises. I was not able to SCUBA dive on this trip, and if I get my open water (advanced) I think I'm going for the shipwreck on the east coast.

There's not much more to say. Just finished one week off for Spring Break, and now work 11 straight weeks with one "three day weekend" only. (There's actually a one day weekend in there, so it's going to be a grind - especially after a year full of breaks.)

And, I've updated my picassa web albums, for those of you thiat enjoy the visual nature of the posts. There are mini photo stories available as always via the Picassa slideshow features.

Until next time,

Scott