Amerigo Vespucci to dock in Limassol

Cyprus Mail reports that a beautiful Italian ship “Amerigo Vespucci” will dock in Limassol for four days, starting this Friday.

THE ITALIAN navy training ship “Amerigo Vespucci” will dock in Limassol on Friday for four days during which it will be open to the public Friday, Saturday and Sunday .

[…]

The Amerigo Vespucci has 26 sails and can reach a speed of 12 knots and often takes part in Tall Ship races.  The vessel usually carries around 450 people during training voyages.

 

Explosion at Cyprus naval base

I woke up earlier than usual today.  It was hot and my air condition wasn’t working for some reason.  It turns, the power was gone.   Not just my apartment or building.  Driving through the city to work, I saw a number of traffic lights not working.  People at work from all over Limassol confirmed that they experienced a power cut as well.  What happened?  Apparently, there was a huge explosion at Cyprus naval base.  People say there was an ammunition stock that exploded.  Rumor has it that 10 to 12 people are presumed dead.  There is extensive damage to the area, including the power station, where the fire broke down.

The news are scarce at the moment.  Here is a link I found that confirms some of the rumors I’ve heard around the office.

NICOSIA, Cyprus — A Cyprus Defense Ministry spokeswoman says around 10 people are feared dead following a massive explosion at a naval base.

Aliki Stylianou could not immediately confirm the cause of the explosion which occured at the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base on the Mediterranean island’s southern coast on Monday at around 6:00am (0300GMT).

State television CyBC is reporting that the explosion also caused numerous injuries and extensive damage to homes in villages near the naval base.

Police spokesman Michalis Katsounotos said that a fire at a nearby power station has been contained.

 

Update: Here is an article from Cyprus News.

World largest statue planned for Cyprus

Cyprus Mail reports:

WHAT MIGHT be the world’s tallest statue is being planned at a Russian backed development off the coast of Limassol.The 135 metre statue of an angel named The Kind Angel of the World is being planned at Monagrouli, about 20km from Limassol.The development is being planned by a Russian foundation, the International Club philanthropists and Patrons of Europe and will include a conference centre for 1,300 delegates, a ‘presidential’ convention centre for 300 delegates, a theatre and banqueting hall. It will also include a number of cafés and restaurants.

Just to put this thing into perspective:

The statue itself will rise 135 meters from the ground, and visitors will be taken up via lifts. Inside, or atop, the head of the Kind Angel a restaurant/café will offer spectacular views.Currently the world’s tallest statue is the Spring Temple Buddha in China, which is 128m high. New York’s Statue of Liberty is 93m high.

This sounds like an ambitious project which, when completed, will provided a much needed boost to Cyprus tourism.

 

British stand-up comedy tomorrow night

Stand-up comedy is a rare occasion here in Cyprus.  Especially so for the comedy in English.  Tomorrow night (April 4, 2011) is you chance to attend a stand-up comedy event with not one, but four UK comedians!  The gig will take place at Kingston’s Rock Bar, next to Rio Cinema.  Tickets are 15 EUR.  Doors open at 20:00, comedy starts at 21:00.  There is even some sort of Keo beer promotion.  For more information call +357-99400363.

Here is the line-up:

Volkswagen Tiguan 2011 for sale

A good friend of mine is leaving Cyprus, and selling his brand new Volkswagen Tiguan.  He made a webpage with some details and more pictures.  If you are interested or know any who might be, please spread the word.  The contact details are on the page as well.