'History is not there for you to like or dislike. It is there for you to learn from it. And it offends you, even better. Because then you are less likely to repeat it.' (Unknown).
There are two places in Cyprus that continue to show the impact of the 1974 conflict. One is Nicosia Airport and the other is Varosha, a suburb of Famagusta in the east of the island.
I visited Varosha a good 10 years ago. The 2020 openings were not on anyone's radar back then. Through contacts, I was given a tour of the streets, to see a place that I had heard about in family conversations. On the day of the tour, I wasn't allowed out of my vehicle and watched in awe at buildings and sights that I had only encountered on the internet. The tour was short and no photography was allowed back then. I did get to visit a place however, which even Cypriots couldn't visit back then. I was hooked and intrigued about the story of this place.
A policeman I knew had told me of a place in Varosha, which was a time capsule to the 1974 events. He spoke of a hotel that had places set, cutlery and plates laid out for non-existent guests, which were now covered in dust and mould. He had seen it with his own eyes. The name of this hotel was the 'Golden Sands'. This hotel was officially opened in 1974 and was considered state of the art and a good marker for tourist development on the island. It was only opened for a few months before it closed down, never to welcome tourists and visitors again. However, it is hoped that one day, it will reopen its doors.
In the 1973 Christmas episode of Steptoe and Son. The hotel is clearly advertised behind the travel agent, played by Frank Thornton. From this point, I was determined to tell the story of the 'Golden Sands', as it was considered the untouched hotel from 1974. Mystery surrounds the 36 acre structure and facilities. Hopefully the video will shed some light on this unique place.
"I may have been broken...but I'm still beautiful."
Thank you to the authorities in Cyprus and various departments for supporting this video project.
#Cyprus
#Abandoned
#Famagusta
#Varosha
#Ammochostos
#Untouched
#Hotels
