Concerns re. Attitudes

G&DinCyprus · #1 (**permalink**) 2nd January 2008, 01:57 PM

I have been reading some of the posts on the site, and am becoming increasingly concerned re. the comments some people are posting about the unpopularity of the British in the south of the island. I had been led to believe that Greek Cypriots are a friendly and welcoming people, but now I'm not so sure! If people's experiences are so bad, are they severe enough to make them consider moving back to the UK?

susanne · #2 (**permalink**) 2nd January 2008, 07:24 PM

hi my name is susanne my husband and i have an apartment due for completion march 2008 in orokolini Cyprus anyone out there know anything about area?

jeffrey Streets · #3 (**permalink**) 3rd January 2008, 05:03 AM

In response to the recent letters over the attitude of the Greeks depends greatly on the attitude of the person writing the letters. I lived in London and disliked it due to various reasons and others loved it. You disccuss different places with people and they say "I would not like to live there" eventhough they have not been there. The two comments about the Greeks are from personal experiences of which we do not know the circumstances. Others love the South and the Greeks. I personally dont like the Turks because I have worked with them....but not all are bad and that goes for every Nationality. If all the expats keep to their little clicks and do not want to mix with the locals then you should be prepared for comments. Would we not do the same?????? I have had no problem when I have visited and a friend of mine who has lived there for 10 years have Greeks has the childs Godparents. It all depends on you and your attitude and dont take other peoples comments as gospel because we do not know the reasons. In all Nationalities there are good and bad and if you respect them they will do the same. After all it is their country and some expats think they own the place.
Try it yourself.

yummymummy150 · #4 (**permalink**) 3rd January 2008, 08:48 AM

YES Good and bad everywhere.We are the in comers try to respect there ways.I have good friends Cypriots.And we are mostly made to feel welcome in Cyprus.But if you go with the veiw of us and them and dont try to mix you can get stuck in a little England not what i want.

BabsM · #5 (**permalink**) 25th May 2008, 06:45 PM

My husband and I have been coming to Cyprus for years and we moved over here a month ago. We have found the Cypriots to be warm and friendly people. They have been nothing but welcoming and appreciative of our efforts to learn and use the language.

But if you are moving over and want to integrate then you need to mix with the Cypriots, not just the Brit ex-pats. You need to use the local shops and the local tradesmen and attempt to learn and use the language.

yummymummy150 · #6 (**permalink**) 25th May 2008, 06:49 PM

Glad you are enjoy your knew life Babs, hope to join you at end of year.
Tricia

BabsM · #7 (**permalink**) 25th May 2008, 07:31 PM

I hope you make it. Perhaps we could meet if you are in my area? We have been preparing for the move for over 18mths. It was a lot of worry, stress and heartache but worth it, so far!

Veronica · #8 (**permalink**) 25th May 2008, 09:11 PM

We have lived in Cyprus for 4 years now (The Paphos area) and after the first 18 months we sold our orginal property be get away from the Ex pats we were surrounded by. They were stuck up, Cliquey, and in many cases downright unfriendly.
We now live in a village that has fewer Brits in and the people around us are friendly and hospitable. We have made many good friends among the Cypriot community.
They are more than happy to be friendly if we make the effort to meet them halfway.

BabsM · #9 (**permalink**) 26th May 2008, 03:42 AM

Well said Veronica! What you say about the villages is what we are beginning to notice, even though we have only been here a few weeks.

The only anti-Brit sentiment that we have heard seems to come from the ex-pat community. None of the Cypriots have made us feel unwelcome. Although I get the impression that this may vary from area to area.

Chris & Andrea · #10 (**permalink**) 26th May 2008, 10:10 AM

That's exactly the reason why we wanted to purchase a village property. Having recently visited Polemi we found both Cypriots and ex pats equally as friendly. We had a long chat with a local farmer, soon to become our neighbour, who whilst spoke little english was extremely warm and friendly. He seemed very proud of his chickens! He was also a surprising source of information as to what land had been sold for development in the immediate vicinity.
Speaking to one ex pat in particular, collecting her children from the local school, she wasn't into being into the each other's houses attitude. As Tricia said we're the 'in comers' so don't ask for favours unless you earn it by an open willingness to intergrate. Even appropriate greetings and expression of thanks in the native tongue go a long way.
Regards, Chris & Andrea