The Abode Of Gods

Paphos, the ancient home of Aphrodite, is steeped in folklore. A walk around the old town can turn into a journey to the past; all you need is a little imagination.

- Chirag Mohanty Samal

UNDER A CLOUDLESS Cypriot sky that matched the blue of the Mediterranean sea, I stood staring at the horizon. My thoughts momentarily drifted to Ulysses and his adventures at sea. His epic journey as described in Greek mythology must have begun in this part of the world (Cyprus shares its border with Greece and is culturally quite similar to the island nation). I snapped out of my reverie as fellow travellers urged me to take a snapshot of them against the stunning backdrop. An eager father, a tired mother, and two disinterested kids flashed their widest smile as I said, "say cheese".

My first day in the mythical island of Cyprus thus began without much adventure. I was in Paphos, the ancient home of Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty, and I was determined to see as many mythological spots as possible and unravel the stories behind them.

Frequented by scores of holidayers from around the world, Paphos is where ancient streets, churches, and ruins coexist with swanky malls and fancy restaurants serving global cuisines. Past meets present at every turn, and a strong cultural presence is evident in the island's traditional inheritance. Paphos is swathed in interesting layers that need slow and deliberate unravelling and here I was to embark on my own adventures like Ulysses.