Christmas day in the disputed North

Spent Christmas in the capital city of Nicosia which is divided between the Greek South and the Turkish north. We went to both sides which is separated by the Green Line United Nations zone. It was an interesting process going into the disputed north with two checkpoints, one on each side separated by a 50 foot buffer zone. We went from Christian churches to islamic mosques in a matter of minutes. The Turkish north is not recognized as a legit country by any nation except Turkey. Cyprus has a very complicated history which is too long to summarize here, but lets just say they've been taken over more times than Larry King has been married.

While at a restaurant in the Turkish north Paul met and shook hands with a former President (Supposedly). He amused a nearby local by immediately sanitizing his hands after the handshake.

Turkish coffee anyone?

great coffee shops everywhere

Northern Flag

green line, markets and street scenes

great street art

best döner kabob