Monday, April 28, 2025

ITALY: Palermo's Ballarò Market

Ballarò Market (Mercato di Ballarò) is one of the oldest street markets in Palermo.

It has been around for centuries dating back to at least the Arab period (9th–11th centuries).

Ballarò market reflects Arab, North African and even South Asian cultures.

It is in the old historical part of town with stalls packed into the narrow winding streets.

Ballarò is touted as the most authentic market in Palermo and is still used by many locals to buy fresh produce, meat, fish, spices, prepared meals and street food.

Which makes it a tourist attraction.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

ITALY: Sicilian Puppet Shows for Adults

Puppet shows in Sicily are a cultural tradition that originated in the 1830’s.

The Opera dei Pupi features large, elaborately crafted puppets that tell epic tales of medieval knights, battles, duels, sorcery, love, betrayal and honor.

Traditionally, crowds gathered in small neighborhood theaters to see their favorite heroes brought to life in nightly episodes that were full of suspense and flair.

They were like a medieval soap opera, but puppet-style.

The Sicilian puppet theatre is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Monday, April 21, 2025

ITALY: Panoramic View of Palermo from the Cathedral's Rooftop

Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, has a metropolitan population of over 1.2 million people, making it the 5th largest city in Italy. 
 
If you want to get a bird’s eye view of an old city, a great place to do that is from the Cathedral's rooftop.

In Palermo you can see that the city is nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea, Monte Pellegrino and the Sicilian Apennines from the cathedral’s rooftop.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

CYPRUS: Vineyards and Wine Making

Cyprus’ wine making tradition dates back over 5,000 years.

Vineyards contribute to the island’s landscape, culture and economy.

The Mediterranean climate with long sunny days, cool mountain breezes and fertile soil creates ideal conditions for growing grapes.

Vineyards are mostly concentrated in the central Troodos Mountains area where the altitude and terrain contribute to the unique flavor profiles of Cypriot wines.

CYPRUS: Mountains and Monasteries

Kykkos Monastery is one of the most famous and wealthiest monasteries in Cyprus.

It is located in the Troodos Mountains at an altitude of about 1,318 meters (4,300 ft for those that are metric challenged.)

Founded in the 11th century by the Byzantines, the monastery has stunning mosaics and frescoes showcasing traditional Byzantine artistry.

Over the centuries Kykkos Monastery has been a spiritual and cultural center

Today it still remains an active monastery and a major pilgrimage site.

Friday, April 4, 2025

CYPRUS: Nicosia - A City Divided by a Border

Nicosia is the capital city of Cyprus and is also the largest city on the island.

Because of the Turkish invasion in 1974, Nicosia has the dubious distinction of being the last divided capital city in Europe. 

The southern part of the city is controlled by the Republic of Cyprus and the northern part of the city is controlled by the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

The Green Line, a demilitarized zone (DMZ), cuts across the heart of the city separating neighborhoods, families and communities.

It is patrolled by the United Nations.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

CYPRUS: Mountain Villages


They say the mountain villages of Cyprus offer a glimpse into the island’s traditional way of life.

Nestled in the Troodos mountain range they are known for their stone-built houses, cobbled streets and stunning views.

In the summer they are popular as the cooler mountain climate provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

CYPRUS: Coastline

The coastline of Cyprus stretches for over 640 kilometers (400 miles.)

It has crystal-clear waters with a mix of golden sandy beaches and rugged cliffs.

The coastline of Cyprus has played a crucial role in the island’s history and culture.

Since ancient times, ports and harbors along the coast facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

CYPRUS: The Romans Were Everywhere

The Romans ruled Cyprus from 58 BCE to around 330 CE.

While in Cyprus they built roads, harbors, theaters, baths, aqueducts, temples and villas.

In 1962 a farmer ploughing his field in Paphos accidentally unearthed Roman ruins, specifically, the remaining floor mosaics of opulent villas.

These mosaics are considered amongst the finest in the world. They are vibrant records of the everyday life of the Romans as well as the mythological legends of gods, goddesses and heroes. 

The Archaeological Park of Kato in Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.