* I am in Turkish Cyprus at the moment.
It is poorer than the Greek part of the island, but it has many, many more non-European immigrants, especially Black Africans and Pakistanis. Does any one know why?
The economy in the South depends on flogging coastal real estate to foreigners. Some of the developers write their advertisements in four languages, which, due to my nomadic lifestyle, I can read.
English – The best that Cyprus has to offer.
Russian – Wonderful opportunities.
Chinese – Specialistists in obtaining permanent residency and a European passport.
Arabic – We will get lifetime European residency for you.
There are some Chinese, Pakistanis and Afghans in the South, but not that many. The Afghans are easily recognisable by their propensity for spitting everywhere. The Eastern Europeans in the Immigration office in the South looked as if they has been terrorised in spite of the fact that, as EU nationals, they have a perfect right to be here. The non-Europeans seemed to receive a good deal more courtesy.
Despite Cyprus’ recent history, it is surprising how many people in the South are PC. Until 1974, the Greeks and Turks in Cyprus lived together. It didn’t work out well as the population of the South soared by 30% when, after a war, the Turks in the North kicked out all the Greeks.
The North s also a great deal less Islamic than I had expected. Few of the women wear headscarves. My wife and I have also been watching a Turkish fashion show that makes Jermeny Kyle or Jerry Springer look OK. It’s called Iste Benim Stilim. Google it and scream.
