I’m Soulla Christodoulou, a UK Greek Cypriot author, and recently I embarked on a heart-warming journey to Cyprus, the Island of Aphrodite, the birthplace of my parents, and my ancestors before them, and a land rich with ancient history, modern history and tradition. This trip was more than a holiday; it was a return to roots, a rekindling of inspiration, and a celebration of love and hope for the future of this beautiful island and its rich tapestry.
The last time I was in Cyprus with my parents was in 2019, pre-Covid. Returning after five years was a warm and emotional journey, for many reasons, and part of me hoped an adventure was waiting for me. My baba is almost 82 and my mama will be 80 this summer and somehow this trip felt like something bigger than ever before and we had many unforgettable experiences. I was not only left wandering, but also wondering too. There was an urgency in me to do more and to see more and I felt so much deeper than I have before; the pull of my roots was stringer than ever.
Looking back now, from the grey of a wet summer in London, it was a magical holiday of two halves, of two vibes, and I am grateful to have experienced and immersed myself in many of the island’s gems; its history and culture. We uncovered off-the-beaten-path archaeological sites and nature trails, the freshness and open air of the Troodos Mountains, the beautiful beaches and white sands of Makronissos, the old town of Limassol with its quaint tavernas, bustling bars, Greek Orthodox monasteries and old mosques, and discovered a traditional welcome in Larnaca.
The Pull of Home
As I stepped onto the sun-drenched soil of Cyprus, I felt an immediate and profound connection; like an electric shock, one which made every nerve-ending tingle and brought me close to tears, happy ones of course, but also a melancholy rooted in all that Cyprus holds dear to me. The familiar scent of the sea, which I could smell as soon as we landed (Larnaca airport is on the coast), the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, and the echo of my parents’ stories, and their memories, in every corner of my mind filled me with a deep sense of belonging. A feeling of finding hidden treasures, which envelopes me every single time I return and that feeling is one which I will always welcome and never tire of.
The Awakening of Inspiration
During my holiday, I visited the charming villages of Vouni and Omodos, where cobblestone streets and traditional houses painted a picture of timeless beauty. It was here, in the heart of Omodos, that I found renewed inspiration for my writing in 2019. Surrounded by the very essence of Cypriot life, a chance conversation with a lady called Maria who was sewing in the street shaded by the walls of the house opposite her own, I felt the stories within me come alive with new vigour, and in 2022, The Village House was published.
My parents and I with my partner, Alan, found our way through the tiny streets to the restaurant we dined in five years ago. The owner, a Canadian Greek shared her story of falling in love with her husband in the village during a holiday thirty years ago. They got engaged after three days. As a romance author this was a heavenly story. The lady, Chrysoula, sat with us for a coffee after we finished our meal and I showed her my book, The Village House.
‘I love to read,’ she said. ‘Where can I buy your book?’
‘I will gift this one to you,’ I said. ‘And I will sign it for you too if you pose for some photos with me.’
A beautiful moment of shared family histories, identity and our love of books.
Captured moments: Omodos, Cyprus
‘My stories, (I have also written The Summer Will Come) rich with Cypriot history and culture, resonated deeply with Chrysoula; tales of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Cypriot people hold a special place in my heart just as Cyprus had found a special place in hers.’
Love for the People I Met
My visit was marked by numerous heartfelt encounters. I spent time with local artisans, tasted traditional dishes lovingly prepared by village elders, and listened to the melodic strains of Cypriot folk music. Each interaction reinforced my love for the Cypriot people—their warmth, hospitality, and unwavering spirit.
One memorable morning, I attended a meeting by the beach with a beautiful soul from a publishing house interested in publishing the Greek translation of The Summer Will Come. My heart filled with so much joy. Andri and I shared laughter and stories (she is a writer too), forging connections that transcended language and cultural barriers. It was in these moments that I truly understood the power of community and the deep bonds that tie people (and me!) to their homeland.
Hope for the Island’s Future
Cyprus, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, sandy beaches and turquoise sea, welcomed me with open arms, reminding me of the heritage I cherish most dearly and the family history that has shaped me. I knew adventure was waiting or me. My son and his girlfriend, who were holidaying in Larnaca too, gave me a new reason for loving Cyprus again and seeing it through their eyes; together we planned to visit the island’s capital, Nicosia, the last divided capital in the world.
Throughout my visit, and especially so when at the only pedestrian check-point in Ledra Street, Nicosia, I couldn’t help but take photos of my other historical-fiction book, The Summer Will Come by the monument and against a wall with the word PEACE on a plaque. Fifty years on… fifty years of a capital city being divided in two by the UN Green Line. Wandering around, the moment will stay with me for a long time and even after meeting family (refugees from the now illegally occupied north by Turkey, since July 1974) for a reunion dinner my thoughts were back at the Civil Rights Monument and the words PEACE.
A few days later I was visiting family in the refugee village of Polemidia, where my mother’s father’s family were housed, and are still settled, after fleeing Northern Cyprus in 1974. Talking to them I was struck by the resilience of Cyprus’ people, of my family, and their unwavering hope for the future. Despite the challenges the island has faced, there is a palpable sense of optimism and a collective desire for peace and prosperity. I hope it comes one day. One Cyprus for all Cypriots.
‘Inspired by their strength and determination I pledge to use my voice, my words, and my stories to bring attention to Cyprus’s rich heritage and its vibrant present. I left the island with a renewed commitment to celebrate and preserve its culture, and a hope that my writing would inspire others to discover and cherish Cyprus as I do and always will.’
A Journey to Remember
My visit to Cyprus was also a journey of rediscovery and renewal. It was a testament to the enduring pull of home, the awakening of inspiration, the power of love, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future. As I boarded the plane back to the UK, I carried with me not just memories, but a piece of Cyprus, shinier, brighter, deeply loved, that I know will forever influence my writing and my life.
I believe that in the heart of every Cypriot, whether on the island or abroad, there is a deep, unbreakable bond with their homeland. For me, this visit was a beautiful reminder of that bond and a promise of many more stories to come, inspired by the land of beautiful setting suns that will always be my home and the place where my heart is at its happiest.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about my love for Cyprus and hope you will connect with me on my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soullasays/) and join my newsletter (https://sendfox.com/soullaauthor)
With agabi (love)and filakia (kisses)
Soulla x
