Frank and Joan's news for 15 May 2006 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

Our adventures in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continue....

Before taking a look at this weekends newspapers you have to see this picture of George's grandson which George sent on. George is trying to convince us all that he is the spitting image, good looking, witty, quiet, a real ladies man. Who is he trying to kid, this guy really is good looking!

I showed you the big cactus in Stewarts garden and this morning when we woke we noticed that one we had planted in an old wheelbarrow was in full bloom. Now that's what I call a flowering cactus. These flowers only last for the one day but are really beautiful.

According to Cyprus Today Gary Robb is to face more court action against him from his previous business partner in Aga Developments. There appears to be general confusion and a whole variety of different statements made by all involved, so guess this is set to rumble on for some time. Having said that, there is a further statement in the paper that says work will restart on Amaranta Valley in 3/4 weeks when new materials and tools have been obtained. But there is clearly some very bad feeling around as a car was set on fire, in a suspected

arson attack, outside the offices of Cafer Gurcafer the man leading the recovery on behalf of the government.

The value of the YTL (New Turkish Lira) is on the slide and as I write this the rate is 2.72 against the pound.

The first of 148 speed cameras has been installed and having passed the site where this is yesterday it seems to have had the required effect. At the same time there is a report of two more road deaths last week, one is certainly as a result of speed as the car was hurled 50 metres down the road by the impact.

Another reason for not using the Larnaca route to and from TRNC, unless you really have to, was highlighted by an e-mail received this week with an attachment of a letter written to the British High Commission:-

13 May 2006

On Monday 8th May after a blissfull two week holiday in the TRNC we were on our return journey to Larnaca airport by taxi. At the Greek border we were asked to allow them to search our luggage, not a problem as we had nothing to hide. There were four adults travelling and between us we had eight hundred cigarettes as we are well aware that the limit for non EU to EU are 200 cigarettes per person. It became obvious very quickly that the only interest they had was in cigarettes and on finding our duty free items they informed us we were only allowed forty cigarettes per person and that they were being forced to follow these limits by the british government. They said that between the four of us they would allow us to keep 200 and they confiscated the rest. However stupidly we let them issue just one receipt for the 600 they took. We did not argue with them as they told us they had the right to fine us but I have checked the duty free limits since returning home and still believe we were allowed two hundred cigarettes each. I believe that this action undertaken by the guards at the border amounts to stealing and although I do not think we can retrieve our items, although this would be nice, I would like to know if 40 is the correct limit? If so why is it different to all other countries?

If this is not the case is it another ploy to stop people visiting the TRNC?

Also I would be interested to know if the limit is 200 as I believe what action you will be taking to ensure this action does not continue?

I look forward to your response

Many Thanks

Jane Mitchell

I hope Jane eventually lets me know if she ever received a response.