Author: Reema Gupta
The culture of Cyprus truly emphasizes community, healthy eating, and physical activity. While walking through Kato Paphos, I saw cafes and independently owned restaurants instead of big chains that actually give back to the community instead of feeding corporations. I saw city locals and tourists gathered together on every corner to have a drink, a nice meal, or just chat about their lives. Most of these restaurants offer fresh fish, kebabs, gyros, or greek salads, instead of burgers, cheese fries, or the rest of the McDonald’s menu. In America, I don’t remember the last time I saw a group of people conversing for the sake of it or even just appreciating the world around them in silence. As we walked by home gardens blossoming with lemon trees, tomatoes, papayas, and all the herbs you can imagine, I thought about what it would be like for people in American cities to have the same experience. I thought about how food deserts and limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables can be solved by a five by six square of soil and seeds or even some colorful tires.
Of course, there are some aspects of Cypriot culture that took some getting used to. Vapes and other e-cigarettes are sold in every supermarket. When stepping out of the airport the distinct smell of cigarette smoke hit me at once. My grandpa and my uncle were both addicted to smoking and it took a lot from my family to convince them to quit. At first, I was grossed out and angry at the amount of people smoking out in the open. My mind couldn’t understand how people were okay with an activity that is life altering. However, I quickly realized these feelings were the exact definition of being an “ugly American”. When going abroad, it’s easy to criticize the culture around you when it is so different from what you are used to. But, instead of demeaning and shaming someone else’s culture, you need to take a look at your own.
Smoking is still prevalent in America. With the introduction of e-cigarettes, more and more younger people are adding to the total population of smokers in the US. Just because there are designated smoking areas and smoking in public is discouraged, if not prohibited, doesn’t mean that millions of people are addicted to nicotine. Rather than feeling “grossed-out” by the smoking culture in Cyprus, I should have focused on ways that both Cyprus and the US could control smoking. One thing I noticed was that
e-cigarettes were significantly cheaper here than in the US. Higher prices help to decrease smoking rates by making nicotine harder to obtain. As well, there are no bans on public smoking in multiple US states nor in Cyprus. By implementing these two policies, both Cyprus and America could lower smoking rates.
My time in Cyprus so far has opened my eyes to what life is like abroad. When it comes to healthy eating, physical activity, and fostering community, Cyprus has shown me how to improve my life in those 3 categories. I am more motivated than ever to eat healthy, walk 6 miles a day, fix my sleep schedule, and improve my mental and physical health because I have seen the impact it had on me. I have felt significantly less stress the last week and every day feels like a breath of fresh air. I have learned how to avoid the “ugly American” mindset when traveling abroad and to instead focus on ways to help that country better the health and wellbeing of its citizens.
Tomatoes growing on a vine, Kato Pafos
Home Garden, Kato Pafos
Sykamina Cafe, Kato Pafos
Papayas and other fruits on a tree, Kato Pafos
