Friday, February 17, 2012


Girne (Kyrenia) - No matter where we travel, I don't think I will ever tire of watching the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine or a frosty pint of beer.
After an afternoon of exploring North Cyprus, our friends took us to the old harbor in Girne (Kyrenia) to relax with a beverage or two. We didn't have time to climb the Kyrenia Castle ruins - dating to the early 1500s.
Look at the boat's reflection in the clear water.
Instead, we just sat down at one of their favorite haunts, Cafe 34, and ordered some drinks and snacks. I also enjoy people watching, and many people were milling about soaking up the last of the day's sunshine.

Couples walked their dogs.
Children screamed for cotton candy.
Women in typical-Turkish style walked by wearing their 4-inch heeled boots.

Then, we noticed a group of bikers nearby. According to the black leather jackets, the group was members of the Hells Angels of Turkey. Immediately, I thought photo opportunity, so I started shooting away.
The Hells Angels of Turkey
In the background, you can see a bit of the old castle.
Who knew these guys were in Turkey or even in North Cyprus for that matter? Apparently, there is a car ferry you can take from the mainland of Turkey to North Cyprus.

Just goes to show you - always have your camera ready because you never know when the opportunity will pass you by otherwise.
Güle güle!
Iyi yolculuklar!

Before you walk down to the harbor in Girne, you probably will pass by this church. I don't know its history, but I always find it interesting to see Christian sites like this in a predominantly Muslim world.

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5 comments:

Julia said...

The biker community is really big in Southwest Turkey and some of our bar friends are members. The Anatolian Tigers. They all descended on Fethiye last summer for an International Tattoo Festival and Hayko Cepkin was the headline singer. LOVED watching all the bikes cruising along our road.

I'd got for the frosty beer to watch the sunset. ;)

jaz@octoberfarm said...

who knew this about the hell's angels?!!! hahaha..my post was like pork punishment to you! have fun in germany and eat as much as you can!

Joy said...

@Julia, that is so interesting! I guess I will have to pay more attention when we travel, but honestly this is the first time we've seen them. Very cool!

@jaz, We are heading to the airport in just an hour. =)

Andrew Graeme Gould said...

That first image is simple but so beautiful, as is the last. And the Hells Angels? I suppose that's all part of globalisation...

Megan Fox said...

Thank you so much for writing such an inspiring travel story! It's so cool! I would say that hospitality, accompanied by authentic smiles and friendly faces, is what characterizes Cypriots. I've never seen so many strangers who were ready to help and were so polite with me. These long Cypriot sunny days in a stress-free atmosphere and beautiful surroundings were the best days of my life :)