Cyprus

Country Information:

There are roughly 1.2 million people living here and the official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. The majority of Cypriots practice Orthodox Christianity.

Jim’s Perspectives:

Loved my time in Cyprus in 2015, mostly because of the cool stuff that happened while I was there. We visited some small villages, and happened upon a film crew shooting a popular TV show. As I walked by the set, the Producer asked if I would be part of the next scene. My role was to pretend I was ordering something in the restaurant, while the actors exchanged lines at the table next to me. My guide was amazed that I got to be a part of this scene and a few months later recorded it on his television and sent it to me!

When visiting Cyprus, adventurers enjoy the Troodos Mountains for its skiing, hiking, and natural beauty, as well as the Kato Paphos Archeological Park, one of the most important archeological sites in all of Cyprus.

One unique fact is that Cypriot legend claims that the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, was born from foam near a rock in present day Aphrodite’s Beach. Making Cyprus the original island of love!

Chile

Me with the Arancibia family, Hector, Paulita, Erika Valparaiso, Chile in 1981 During the summer of 1981, as a rising junior at Boca Raton High School, I applied to be an exchange student with American Field Service, or AFS. I was accepted into the program and...

Eritrea

Country Information: Eritrea stands for “Red” due to its proximity to the Red Sea. The capital is Asmara, and 6 million people live here. Main languages are Tigrinya and Arabic, followed by Tigre. In the country’s more commercial cities, more English speakers can be...

Comoros

Beautiful Sunsets in Comoros! Jim's Perspectives: In the 12th-century, the Arabs came to Comoros and brought Islam with them. They also brought their leadership structure, instilling sultans around the country. Until the French arrived in the 17th century, seven...