 Krista Papista

Cyprus

An anarchy cafe/bar that has been here for a while. I started hanging there when I was 16. The owners are sweet, providing a safe space for queers, minorities and alternative kids. Love where it’s located in the heart of Ledras.

The walls surround Nicosia in a star shaped design. Originally defence walls from the Middle Ages, they were rebuilt by the Venetians to protect themselves from the Ottomans. I would follow the walls, and walk around Nicosia, the visuals along the wall reveal Nicosia in it’s chic, pure and decadent demure. 

My friend, Cypriot diva Chrysa Gregoriou, runs this shop of perfumes, serums, candles and aromatic healing products she makes with her own hands, using herbs she finds in mountains and in the Cypriot countryside. Walk from her shop around Nicosia, downtown to the old town. Here you can entertain yourself observing modernist sandstone houses and buildings from the 70’s, luxurious psychedelic designs, a few that have been sadly neglected.

A sci-fi-looking church designed by Neoptolemos Michaelides, right next to
my childhood home. The church bells were the soundtrack of my life. Do not
go at night as right-wing teenagers hang around and they not a vibe. During
the day, it’s nice to get a mushroom koupa and Freddy espresso from zorbas
next door and sit there. There are not many people unless there is a memorial
or a funeral. It’s quiet

A Middle Eastern forest that I grew up playing and walking around in. It has helped unlock mine (and my parents') thoughts and ideas plenty of times while we've been jogging and walking. It’s quite big and diverse in terms of plants and trees, changes dramatically from winter to summer. There is a big lake with ducks, turtles and frogs. Love the frog sounds. Also a lot of beautiful cats.

Historic street filled with memories of lust and after hours of my teenage years — palm trees, go to bar Ermou Dihoro to grab a beer, walk around the boarder to observe our beautiful, chic, melancholic city.

Traditional Cypriot Tavern, with Cypriot meze, so fucking tasty.

Incredible archeological museum that displays many artefacts from island excavations, from pottery to sculptures from the ancient civilisations.