"A Tale of Two Cities" Nicosia by Ramonq

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus, but sadly, it is a divided one and the remaining city on earth to be partitioned by border fences. The city is divided into ethnic lines, Turkish in the northern section and Greek in the south. The difference is quite noticeable. The Greek side is part of the European Union with all the trappings of Western living. You'll see row upon row of big-name high street shops at Makarios Avenue and Western style coffee shops and fast food establishments inside the old walled city. The Turkish side is a step into the oriental world of bazaars and narghila smoking cafes under the watchful eye of the towering minarets. For culture vultures, Nicosia is an interesting case study of society as a whole; and of the desire of humans to belong to one. Etched on the mountain in the Turkish side is a bold pronouncement in Turk "I'm proud to be a Turk -Kemal Ataturk" while the Greek side makes an understated declaration by displaying Greek flags on top of buildings and orthodox churches. As a neutral foreigner, you are able to visit both areas and experience the differences between the two societies.