Frank and Joan's news for 14 January 2008 in Northern Cyprus

Frank and Joan's Adventures in Northern Cyprus

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

The weekend newspaper has confirmed what we had heard. Cyprus Paradise, one of the big travel companies here, has closed. Mr Suleymen the owner, blames a number of factors, not least of which are cost of travel to and from the island and extensive uncontrolled building ruining this beautiful island. He says that he is looking in the private sector for a backer, lets hope he succeeds.

Motoring is again in the news as they are going to double the number of speed cameras around the roads in an attempt to reduce the number of serious accidents which occur. Sensible driving schools and a serious driving test would hel

p. We spotted two people taking driving lessons this week in left hand drive vehicles. These are registered companies allowed to offer driving lessons and who have government registration.

There has been a blanket rise of 10% on a whole raft of official charges, ranging from work and residency permits to marriage certificates. This government needs money!

On the above note, there is a huge political row brewing this week and the opposition party in parliament is trying to force a general election in 2008. There is a very strong feeling that the current ruling party would lose around 50% of their seats if this happens. Joe public is very unhappy with them and feels that they are just not able to govern. Now I wonder why they don't want an election until next year?

Having read the papers on Sunday morning a crowd of us went to the new Lachem restaurant in Alsancak for "an English Sunday roast dinner", Ugh, small portions, cold plates, cold vegetables and Bryan and I both had water running out of the vegetables into the middle of the plates. Joan had not felt like going out, so when I got back and she said, how was it? I said I was able to save 30YTL because you didn't go.