Today we headed north towards Nicosia (Lefkosia) to locate the border crossing, or as its referred to here as the green line. There are 5 places to cross, and George chose Agios Dometios. We had a little difficulty finding it. Your first stopped by Cypriot passport patrol, requesting passports and the amount of cash you are taking to the Turkish side. Your only allowed to take 500 euros per person per day to the Turkish Republic. There weren’t many people crossing at this time. Then you progress through the UN buffer zone, then to the northern Cyprus passport patrol. We had to all get out of our cars, sign a small piece of paper that they stamped. George had to buy insurance for 20 euro. Then that was it. Wendy found it a little scary, but it really wasn’t too bad. There were clearly marked signs that said photographs were permitted. Once we passed the patrol, I shot a few. There were two signs, one said, it’s good to be a turk and the peace at home and peace in the world.

We headed for Kyrenia, which is also known as Girne here. That was a little confusing. We decided since it was still early to stop at the St. Hilarious Castle. It was situated at the top of the mountain and overlooked Kryenia. It was quite impressive and well preserved for something built in …..

The steps were quite steep, and in one section I decided I wasn’t going any higher. My fear of heights and not being in shape said no way. Everyone else went ahead and said there was a beautiful view. We saw the byzantine church, kitchen, towers, cisterns, and other buildings. It was said that Walt Disney’s production I’d Snow White was inspired by this castle. It was built on steep rock. You could hear the Turkish arm firing guns in the valley.

Our second stop was the hotel, Pia Bella, to check in and drop off bags. Very nice, and two pools. But we were only there for a few minutes before heading to Bellapais Abbey (the abbey of peace). The village was the home for some years of Lawrence Durrell, who wrote about life in Cyprus in his book Bitter Lemons. Carol said she read it, but I never heard of it. The abbey is said to be dated from the 13th century. We enjoyed the cloister and arches.

Our last castle of the day was the Kyrenia Castle on the sea. Built in 16th century by the Venetians. We saw the dungeon, and ship that was found in the harbor by the University of Pennsylvania Archeology and anthropology team in 1967. The ship was dated 4th century BC.

We went into tons to do some shopping. The strap on my bag broke, so I was hoping to find a cute backpack, but no luck. We went back to the hotel, and then dinner in a restaurant right on the sea, called Peanuts.we sat outside under headlamps and the water and lights on the rocks was beautiful.