Differences between Cyprus and Portugal

Every country has it’s particular and unique way of representing itself and now that I am living in other country I find some things are very different and funny at the same time.

THE HOUR

– First when I came here,I got a bit of jet lag because of the hour difference. Ok,ok… it’s not that much but it can still make you a bit confused about it at first sight. In Cyprus it is more two hours than in Portugal, so when I am already in the youth center with energy to do my work, my parents are waking up and noticing that they have the phone already full of messages from me.

OPA EXPRESSION

-Maybe from a more Greek influence, here it is very used “opa” as a bit of energizer to push people doing something and being very receptive of it, for example on the traditional dances. On the contrary, in Portugal, the “opa” expression is more when something isn’t working that well for a person. So, sometimes here I can’t even recognize anymore in what context I am using this expression.

GREETING STARTING THE KISS FROM THE RIGHT

-This was something that I was very confused and didn’t quite get it. In Portugal we always greet with two kisses but starting from the left and here the cypriots start with the right kiss. It was very unusual for me but soon I realized I was already doing the same, probably when I go back to my country I will be the strange one doing the strange greet.

DRIVING FROM THE RIGHT

-Not only the kiss is from the right but also the driving. I thought only the UK had this particular thing, probably it was something that the Britains gave to the Cypriots when they colonized this country(bad joke,I know).

The traffic made me very anxious at first. I didn’t know where to look or when to go. Now I feel used to it and I can pass the street without any fears.

Appart from this differences and others. We also have similarities. The traditional food is different but in the two countries is very good and tasty. And the people from this country are very warm and receptive. They always want to help and talk with you, it’s a bit like Portugal. Also, cypriots and portuguese people are always ready for a good party and a good nap.