A Long Weekend

I'm currently sitting on our porch with a laptop, a bottle of water, and a bag of raisins.


This weekend the GLS group went to Troodos, Paphos, and Limassol. The Trodos Mountains have the highest point on the mountain, Mount Olympus. This is NOT the actual Mount Olympus (which really bummed me out). The real one is in Greece. There are, though, some hikes around and up the mountain, including a hike by many waterfalls. I'm hoping to make it there during one of my free days.

On our way to Paphos we visited the Kolossi Castle, Kourion, and Petra tou Romiou.
Here are some facts given to us before the trip, and all pictures taken by moi (including the b&w ones).

Kolossi Castle


14 kilometers west of Limassol lies the Kolossi Castle, which is said to be the
best-preserved medieval castle in Cyprus. Lusignan King Hugh I granted the land to the Order of St John
of Jerusalem, known as the Knights Hospitaller, in 1210 which is most likely when the original castle was
built. The castle later became the Grand Master’s headquarters. In 1310 the Hospitallers transferred their
headquarters to Rhodes but kept the Kolossi stronghold as a commandery. The commandery became one
of the richest possessions of the Knights, producing wine – from which the famous Cypriot wine,
Commandaria, took its name – and sugar cane.

The Arab raids around 1425 damaged the infrastructure of the commandery. The current structure of the
Kolossi Castle dates from around 1454 and was probably built over the older fortified structure by Grand
Commander Louis de Magnac, whose coat of arms is visible on the east wall of the castle.


Kourion




Slightly west of the Kolossi Castle is the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion, one of the most spectacular
archaeological sites of the island. The magnificent Greco-Roman theatre was originally built in the 2nd
century B.C. and is now used for musical and theatrical performances. Other sites include:
- the House of Eustolios, originally a private Roman villa which became a public recreation center
during the Early Christian period.
- the early Christian basilica, 5th century
- the House of Achilles and the House of the Gladiators with beautiful mosaic floors
- the Nymphaeum (the sacred place devoted to the nymphs, the daughters of Poseidon) comprised
of structures that dealt with the irrigation of the city.
- the Stadium, 2nd century A.D., where Hellenic Pentathlons (running, high jump, long jump,
wrestling, and javelin) probably took place

Petra Tou Romiou (“The Rock of the Greek”): Birthplace of Aphrodite

According to legend, Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, rose from the waves in this strikingly
beautiful spot. The Greek name, Petra Tou Romiou, is associated with the legendary frontier guard of
Byzantine times, Dighenis Akritas, who kept the marauding Saracens at bay with amazing strength. It is
said that he threw this large rock into the sea destroying the enemy’s ships. This spot was a place of
pilgrimage for the entire Hellenic world. Aphrodite’s presence seems to have drawn other divinities and
notable mortals to Paphos. As legend goes, if you swim between the two rocks in which Aphrodite rose from, at midnight, during a full moon, nude, you will gain some of her beauty.



In Paphos we had lunch at the harbor and then continued on to tour the mosaics at the House of Dionysos. These mosaics are absolutely beautiful and Paphos is home to most square feet of mosaics that are still in their original place. Every Mosiac has a story, but I'm too lazy to write each out. A few photos below:




In Limassol, we set up shop for two nights. We stayed at the Arnisoe Beach Hotel which is across from the beach. The hotel itself was a three-star hotel, but honestly, we weren't there to spend our time in the hotel. The complimentary breakfast was also a lot bigger than I thought it would be (although no waffles!). It was so nice to finally be at a beach. On Saturday, I think everyone with GLS was at the beach for a minimum of half of the day. Everyone got color - some more red than others - but I didn't get burnt at all!! It was really nice to be able to relax.

Today, Rebecca and I woke up for sunrise, which was supposed to rise over the ocean, as it set the night before over the city. I am very confused as to why it rose and set in the same vicinity.


We then went to Lefkara Village, famous for its lace and silver works.

We are now back at our apartments, and unfortunately the supermarket is closed. Looks like it is cereal for dinner tonight!
On positive, our fridge is fixed, which means we can actually keep perishable items in our apartment!! Classes tomorrow and a midterm on Wednesday.