January 2021
Well, as I sit here last minute as always, wondering where to start … What’s On, this year has been challenging to say the least, What’s Off being more apt, I’ve tried to keep it happy, after all that’s what Cyprus is all about … it’s paradise and I love it with a passion … so let’s start by saying Happy New Year to all our sponsors and of course followers and I’m the eternal optimist but 2021 can’t be as shite as this one … can it? … and as no one can predict one month ahead and stricter restrictions due on 7th January I’m hoping by the end of January this month’s editor’s note will be more apt, so …
Huskey Sledding
It’s January, and normally, in this ‘versatility to the extreme’ country we live in, you can snow board in the Troodos Mountains in the morning and just over an hour later you can be swimming in the Mediterranean Sea … but this year that’s ‘if they let us’ … of course you could do it the other way round, then you can get into some Après Ski and chill in bespoke hotels up in the mountains and then get in a bit of Husky Sledding in the morning and check out a sunset on another beach in the afternoon tomorrow!
Topping up the Tan
January is of course my favourite month mainly coz it’s the season of my fav fruit, Cypriot Oranges, perfect if picked from your tree on a chilly night, the aroma of fresh citrus irreplaceable. Not forgetting the new potatoes, Mmmm! At the moment there’s no heat haze, so the air is still really fresh and clear, so I’ve already started topping up the tan at breakfast out back by the pool and this time of the year I love it when you can see the northern range of mountains, so vividly, and don’t you just love it when everything is so green. Oh, it also means the summer is getting closer, the days are getting longer and warmer and I reckon we’re living in the best climate in the world!
Barbies & Quilts
January also gives all our seasonal workaholics the chance to catch up with friends, light a few barbies on lovely fresh sunny days, chill a bit, or gather round an open fire on chilly nights, crack the ice for a Bailey’s and catch up with the year’s events, the topic of conversation this year is what didn’t happen? and tbh in Cyprus nothing will surprise us, anymore … oh, and did anyone else notice, we went from summer to winter in just a few days? OMG! its cold at night, I even had to put the duvet on in December, unheard of!
Skiing Season
As I said its skiing season, with The Troodos Mountains normally covered in snow, probably through ’til March … It’s a totally different Cyprus up there, the real Cyprus, and in the winter it really comes into its element … Ski and board equipment can be hired if you’re into spontaneity and some of the accommodation is a dream, total tranquillity comes to mind! For more info www.skicyprus.com …
Let it Rain
I love all the storms, so I say “Let it rain”! we need all the rain we can get! and btw we only get an average of 35 rainy days rain a year, so who cares? … Cyprus is of course is an all-year-round destination. Well fact is, we’re moving in the right direction, expecting visitors to increase by 60% in the next few years targeting 5 million visitors a year, naturally this can only happen by increasing the number of tourist beds available, which is totally evident and making Cyprus an all-year destination, by providing more Things to Do for our visitors!
Thinking Ahead
I still think we could do with a few more golf courses, especially on the east coast to match the 5 up west. More and more sports clubs are choosing Cyprus for their winter training sports facilities and training grounds and a few more theatres … We’re destined to be the new Monaco in the med with at least 3 more new marinas are on the way and leisure complexes and boutique hotels with luxury spa’s and, well, you get my drift. This of course will increase winter tourism. I know it’s on its way, all you have to do is believe, and rely on private enterprise 😉 oh and I’ve got loads of ideas if you’re interested?
Cultural Cyprus
I also love the way Cyprus has become more cultural … helped of course by Paphos hosting of The European Capital of Culture back in 2017, and I think Cyprus has finally got the cultural bug and we’ll continue to see an increasing swing towards the modern world and it’s natural and cultural inevitabilities … click here for a more extensive cultural guide by the C.T.O …
Winter in Cyprus
Naturally we all miss the vibe of the summer, but I do love the peace and quiet on those fresh sunny coastal walks with the dog, those lovely off sea breezes and spray, invigorating to say the least and the sunsets an array of colour … likewise a stroll around one of our many harbours or fishing shelters and of course their fresh fish tavernas …
Easteries
There’s still a few restaurants open to provide traditional Cypriot cuisine and just about every other cuisine you can think of, currently only for takeaway or delivery … there’s normally plenty of bars and stylie cafes serving proper coffee, with lovely open fires and those tall gas heaters, many providing live entertainment …
Kids & Grown Ups
Unfortunately Paphos Zoo isn’t open, so too The Camel Park in Mazados, near Larnaca, both must be finding it very hard to feed all those animals at the mo … Also the Cyprus Maze in Avgorou, and even kids play parks like the awesome Sayious Adventure Park, in Asgata, Limassol are also currently closed …
Shopaholics
It’s also shopping season, culminating with the February sales, which are starting earlier every year, I think they started on Black Friday this year … Ladies, check the stylish Brouska and guys, BrouskaBlue in Paphos, Larnaca and Nicosia or The unisex in style Y2K in Napa and Protaras or London Clothing Company, who have shops all over Cyprus …
Tattoo Time
Did you know, you can pop over to Cyprus, with accommodation and get a tattoo for less money than staying at home … check out our tattooists …
The Network
The new Website is looking cool, it’s over 1,600 pages and more than 25,000 photos and videos! Our Facebook page is our daily stuff, with links to our website and YouTube Channel and not forgetting everyone following us on Instagram and Twitter … Tell your friends about us … I Hope you find what you want! if not, phone me! … or go www.whatsoncy.com and try a one-word search!
Finally
I just want to close by saying again I wish you a big Happy New Year to everyone that have helped make this network the official best guide to Cyprus !
And really finally
if I can leave you with just one tip for January … make sure you do at least one thing you’ve never done before!
2021 is gonna be my favourite year 😉
Na Da Bou’men !
Tony Dynamou
Cover photo: courtesy of www.pixabay.com
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