Ocean and Culture in Cyprus

by Rita Porter
(Kaneohe, HI, USA)

My family knows the blue of the sky over the Pacific Ocean, and the blues of the ocean itself, from aqua to the deepest royal blues. They are familiar with our local Island culture and history. I would love for them to experience the blue of the Mediterranean while they are still young. Even in our information age, with literature, photos and videos at our fingertips, nothing can replace the experience of place. For me, there is no place like the Mediterranean, and no place like Cyprus. Our Island home, Hawaii, does have similarities, being a cultural melting pot, a beautiful land with its own local cultural, languages, foods, ethnic groups, history and culture. I wish for my family to experience and appreciate these things in Cyprus also. There is no substitute for being there, and we wish to explore the beaches, ocean, archeological sites, hear the language, smell the flowers and foods, soak up all this unique island has to offer.