Whenever I go to Cyprus, I stay in the same city, visit the same beaches and spend most of my time visiting family. And to be honest, I thought that was all that Cyprus had to offer me. But I was wrong.

NCCT helped me to see that there’s so much more to the island that my family calls home. And that was down to the diverse itinerary of the trip.

We explored ancient sights like the Tomb of the Kings and Kourion, brushed up on our mythology at Petra tou Romiou and the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, and took part in a Cypriot cooking class, Commandaria tasting and bouzoukia night.
We travelled by foot through Limassol old town, by jeep through Akamas and Troodos, and by sea to spot turtles. And we had some amazing tour guides along the way who educated us on the island, and encouraged us to see it as our own.

As part of NCCT, we also had the opportunity to take part in the 9th World Conference of Young Overseas Cypriots. This saw us learn about the issues facing Cyprus and get the chance to ask the decision-makers our questions. Looking back on my NCCT experience there were definitely some ‘pinch-me moments’. Like our driver stopping the jeep in the middle of the tour to dance with us, taking part in a stargazing session with George Danos -the President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation – and getting the chance to visit the Presidential Palace.

I hope I remember it all when I’m a greying Yiayia. But what I’m certain I won’t forget is the people I met. Within hours of meeting everyone on NCCT, we were bonding over our shared Cypriot backgrounds and comparing notes of how we grew up. It didn’t matter that we were from opposite sides of the world or even where our parents were from in Cyprus (we had the pleasure of having a Turkish-Cypriot on our trip), they all felt like friends I’d known for years. They laughed with me, introduced me to modern Greek music and taught me how to play Tavli. And that’s why saying goodbye to them all was so hard.

But we haven’t stopped talking since we got back. In fact, as I write this my phone is buzzing with updates from our Whatsapp group – it’s full of inside jokes, pictures from the trip and declarations of how we’re all missing each other. To say that I’m grateful for my NCCT experience is an understatement. I’ve come away with a greater understanding of my heritage and a second family from all over the world.

*FAQs

What is NCCT? NCCT (short for NEPOMAK Cyprus Culture Tour) is a 10-day tour that gives young diaspora Cypriots an unforgettable experience in Cyprus where they can learn about their heritage and culture, and explore Cyprus through professionally guided tours and authentic interactive experiences. All accommodation, transport and tour costs are subsidised by NEPOMAK.

When is NCCT 2019? The tour will take place from 21 August – 1 September 2019.

Who is eligible? Overseas Cypriots who are between 23-30 years of age.

Where can I find out more? Read our webpage: www.nepomak.org/ncct or email [email protected] if you have any questions!

How do I apply? Complete our online application form: www.nepomak.org/ncct-app

When do I apply? Applications are now open and will close on Thursday 31 January.

By Kyriaki Levendi (Manchester, United Kingdom)
NCCT 2018