Tag: european union
-
F IS FOR FAMAGUSTA, CYPRUS
A STORY OF FOLLY IN FAMAGUSTA, CYPRUS ‘Not even Turkish Cypriots are allowed in,’ my guide Ferhat tells me as we peer through the barbed wire. Beyond lies a golden beach, straight out of a tourist board advert with the deep blue Mediterranean lapping gently on the shore. Look closer though and things don’t look…
-
E IS FOR ECHTERNACH, LUXEMBOURG
A STORY OF ELATION IN ECHTERNACH, LUXEMBOURG The violinist onstage, the world renowned Daniel Hope, took the applause. As it gradually died away he raised the instrument to his chin and an expectant hush descended. The opening notes of Brahms’ Violin sonata No. 1 in G major, op. 78 quietly soared from the sliding bow.…
-
C IS FOR CORK, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
A STORY OF CONFLICT IN CORK, IRELAND ‘The bastards wouldn’t let us put out the fires. The city has burnt to the ground.’ ‘Sit down, Conor, please.’ Imogen pleaded with her husband. ‘You’ll wake the baby.’ ‘It won’t end now. The Republicans will want revenge. They’ll hit back harder. I saw Jimmy heading away with…
-
B IS FOR BIRKIRKARA, MALTA
A STORY OF BENEVOLENCE IN BIRKIRKARA, MALTA ‘When the rain comes here it floods the valley. Often we had to leave our home and take with us what we could carry. I used to love the nights we had to spend camping on the hill before we could return home.’ Luċija rolled over on the lush…
-
A IS FOR AARHUS, DENMARK
A STORY OF ACCEPTANCE IN AARHUS, DENMARK He eased the lever by his leg and felt the huge crane swivel round. One more crate to be loaded and the massive container ship would be ready to depart in the morning, destined for Shanghai. The green light flashed on the dashboard and he began lowering slowly…