Queer experience: open, outspoken and angry
In an intense expatriate Cypriot, THEO PANAYIDES finds a woman open to difficult things who only felt free after leaving the cultural desert of Limassol and a violent childhood behind
‘...
Probably Cyprus’ most unpopular academic
Professor and activist Hubert Faustmann tells people what they don’t want to hear on Israel-Gaza, Russia-Ukraine – and the Cyprus problem. As he tells THEO PANAYIDES, he works best when ...
Demolition expert doing his bit for development
THEO PANAYIDES meets a family man who has built his business up from owning just one truck. Just doing his job in the never-ending urban sprawl, recycling as much as ...
Guitars, beers & tears: the life of a rock star
In a working musician who picked a guitar up 50 years ago and hasn’t put it down, THEO PANAYIDES finds a safe pair of hands with countless famous friends and ...
Charity head with a talent for friendships
In a good networker and meticulous woman THEO PANAYIDES meets someone equally at home with rich donors and struggling patients, trying to encourage the rest of the world to do ...
Transport minister on a mission against emissions
From congested streets to turning 60, the transport minister is determined to enjoy life. THEO PANAYIDES finds out how
As I drive back to work from the transport ministry in Nicosia – ...
Successful YouTuber says it loud: Try harder!
THEO PANAYIDES listens to the remarkable story of a Limassol-based social media star who channelled his need for control into creativity and blurs the lines between gender fluidity and trolling
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‘Who are you?’, asks bubbly Paphos artist
THEO PANAYIDES meets a woman 20 years after she first arrived on the island, and finds a creative using art to tell the stories of those less fortunate
The old town ...
Weird and wonderful world of a tiny shopkeeper
In what could be termed as junk, one man finds collectible treasures. THEO PANAYIDES speaks to a permanent expat rescuing Cyprus’ modern history one discarded landfill piece at a time
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Dancer with a taste for maths and kissing
In the driving force hoping to bring the European Capital of Culture to Limassol, THEO PANAYIDES finds a woman who loves numbers, and inviting the audience in to a performance
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Cultured gelato maker talks migrants and ice cream
In a master gelato maker, THEO PANAYIDES finds a cultured man unimpressed with the sweet in Cyprus, and doubtful over the future of Limassol
We talk about migrants and ice ...
Proud of a 40-year service with UN
In the highest ranked United Nations official born on the island, Agnieszka Rakoczy meets a man with a varied international career spanning from the depths of poverty to narrowly missing ...
Cyprus naturalist at home with other animals
A grand project is being planned from a small home in Geri, where an obsessive, single-minded man is trying to know everything. At least about the island, finds THEO PANAYIDES
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Limassol culture maven with an alternative vibe
In a low-key prominent Limassolian who has led the biggest cultural hub on the island for over 20 years, THEO PANAYIDES finds a woman open to new ideas, and experiences
Everyone ...
Impetuous ex-journalist finding contentment through animals
In a former tabloid journalist THEO PANAYIDES finds an impulsive woman, mentally tough and an animal lover who his now tired of peeking into other people’s lives
We’re ...
Farmer and distiller appreciating life in a mountain valley
An award-winning spirit maker who has spent his life in the kitchen now spends his time in the hills of Limassol cooking up drinks unusual and regular, finds THEO PANAYIDES
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From Eoka fighter to art collector
In a diplomat and lifelong churchgoer involved in a significant phase of Cyprus’ history, THEO PANAYIDES finds a man focused on culture and the value of education
It was back ...
Positive-thinking coach turning misfortunes into blessings
In a life coach who has just published a self-help book, THEO PANAYIDES finds an ‘ordinary guy’ who is chatty, candid and enthusiastic about the power of positive thinking
The ...
‘Old soul’ at the forefront of a fast-growing sport
A laid-back Texan has wooed Spain with his favourite pastime – disc golf. It’s cheap, it’s popular and now he has turned his sights on Cyprus, he tells THEO ...
Ex-diplomat recalls 40 years in the inner circle
Born to Limassol ‘aristocracy’, former ambassador to the UK Alexandros Zenon came of age during the Turkish invasion. THEO PANAYIDES meets him as he reflects on his affection for Churchill, ...
Beloved Cypriot artist’s lifetime of persistence
In an open-hearted man whose friendships and feuds are legendary, THEO PANAYIDES finds a famed print maker with works spanning from postage stamps to the Pushkin Museum
It’s a ...
Mexican grande dame of indigenous dance therapy
THEO PANAYIDES meets a dramatic woman, not held back by convention, who follows a globe-trotting life bringing the benefits of pre-Hispanic traditions to the world
The name is majestic in ...
Charismatic DJ unifying people through music
The force behind AfroBanana tells THEO PANAYIDES how he was named after his grandpa and, through a life of chaos and interaction, is best known for creating narratives on the ...
OnlyFans creator selling her material, not her body
THEO PANAYIDES meets the only Cypriot woman openly selling her wares on OnlyFans, posting videos and other adult content. A competitive woman of many parts
It shouldn’t have to ...