Fitzgerald Estates (Cyprus)www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com

February

Fitzgerald EstatesPaphos Digest

Why Fitzgerald's?We aim to bring you the BEST VALUE properties in Paphos and now they are even better value...

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Most of our properties either have the Title Deed issued, available or are in the final stages of Land Registry approval. Fitzgerald Estates only list properties that are safe to buy and have a full record of any encumbrances on each property.

Featured Property

Guaranteed Privacy and Views, this infinitely appealing home stands aloft an elevated plot offering fabulous views to the countryside and the distant coastline in this exclusive enclave of luxury homes.

To find out more just quote the reference number 1326(See page 7)

We continue to advertise our world class website on the famous British property website ‘Rightmove’, the Cyprus Mail,

Essential Paphos magazine and the Russian magazine ‘My Island’ (Moi Ostrov) attracting sellers as well as buyers.

We are seeing consolidation of prices at current realistic levels. As more people wake up to the fact that this is a wonderful opportunity to buy villas, prices will increase however prices for apartments will continue to be soft because there is a big oversupply of these types of properties.

Fitzgerald MarketingSolomos Court74 Apostolos Pavlou AveKato PaphosCyprus 8046Tel: +357 26 930345Fax: + 357 26930929e: contact@fitzgeraldcyprus.comweb: www.fitzgeraldcyprus.com©2012 Fitzgerald Estates

Fitzgerald's Positive Start to 2012.There has been an optimistic start to 2012, much more than most Cypriots expected. The woes of Greece touches us here deeply here but it also gave Cyprus the courage to initiate a raft of much needed austerity measures which to this point of time sat firmly in the ‘to do’ basket.

Even the Fitch rating agency, after they have severed two notches off the Cyprus Sovereign ratings, had to admit that the nations’ fiscal stance is ‘encouraging’ as the measures were passed by the clear majority in the Cypriot parliament without a hitch. The cross party consensus was unprecedented and well received by all. By and large Cypriots shrugged off the downgrades rather well remembering the time when the rating agencies gave the 5 star ratings to all and sundry with equal vigour.

The Cyprus economy remains very optimistic, much aided by the find of massive deposits of natural gas off Cyprus, evidently a much sought after commodity, which already has brought new businesses into the area and a cadre of corporations looking at partnership exploration options.

The good news does not end there. Ryanair is setting up shop in Paphos creating some 600 new jobs and establishing a busy flight schedule across Europe ferrying some 600,000 people to Paphos! We will even have direct flights to Rome!

The unseasonal wet weather dampen some holidays but the overflowing of the major local dams brought the local populous out in droves to see the spectacle of water falls from spillways. The roads were blocked with spectators and close behind followed the kebab vendors, ice cream vans, musicians, and all, creating a very festive atmosphere.

The property market is doing well. People from many different countries realise that the current low property prices in Cyprus are fabulously good value. There is better demand now than at any time in the last 4 years. Fitzgerald's property marketing service has seen a very positive increase in quality property for sale and many more sales being made - in fact it is the busiest start to any of their 9 years!

The leaders of this buying push are still the British and they have a little bit more to cheer about with the British Pound increasing in value and giving them more Euros for their money.

WeatherWell what a winter this has been! Gale force winds, rain and even the dams are overflowing.

The Asprokremmos dam, (in the Paphos area), which is the second largest on the island, overflowed at the end of January, the first time in seven years. Other dams that have not yet overflowed are expected to do so within the next 2 weeks.

Yes, it’s not good for tourists, but it does mean that water cuts can be ruled out for the foreseeable future, especially as the desalination plants are now on-line – that’s the silver lining!

Although the weather is inclement, it does make a change to see the Atlantic-type “rollers” instead of the blue and turquoise calm Mediterranean.

Even the skiers are having problems as some of the roads to Troodos are closed, due to heavy snow.

However, those of us who are “moaning” should realize that a lot of people would be happy with our daytime temperatures of 14deg and above!!!

We are still seeing some visitors in shorts and T-shirts when we are wrapped up in jumpers and furry boots!!!!!

Natural Gas UpdateIt was just too late for our last newsletter, but the news that natural gas has been found off the shores of Cyprus has been welcomed by everyone. At the end of December 2011, President Demetris Christofias announced that Cyprus’ Aphrodite Block 12 field contains between 5 trillion and 8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Noble Energy said that the find was significant.

Since then, Noble Energy has announced they will be back later this year to drill a second well as they have only drilled the equivalent of a “pinhole” so far.

Of course, this will all take time, but the effect on jobs and the economy can only be positive.

Troodos mountains in winter

Asprokremmos DamDepending who you talk to this is the wettest winter in the paphos region for 50 years or 100 years or maybe even more. There is one thing for sure, it has rained and rained to the point where memories of the drought which had lasted 5 years and drained the reservoirs to 3% of their capacity are becoming a distant memory. Then in the winter of 2008/2009 the drought broke with what was considered to be very wet weather, though apparently not up to current standards.

The dams have since risen from their 3% capacity to quite a healthy level, this year in the Paphos region they have hit the jackpot. For the first time in 7 years the Asprokremmos Dam near Paphos the second largest on the island with a capacity of 52.4 million cubic meters has reached its capacity and is now overflowing, the once dried up river bed below it is now a tumult with flooding on both banks. Three other

reservoirs in the Paphos District; Pomos, Argaka and Arminou have also overflowed.

January is a very quiet time in Cyprus all the tourist have gone and a very large proportion of businesses in Paphos are closed awaiting their return. So this event has caused a lot of interest, so much so there is quite a party atmosphere at the dam with crowds going to see the spectacle. Also the Cypriot keen sense of business ensures that you can get everything from Souvlaki to doughnuts and much more besides while you take in the view. On the Thursday evening a very large expectant crowd had gathered to watch the start of the overflow causing so much traffic chaos the police had to attend to sort things out. In fact it almost being considered a festival.

RyanairRyanair, announced on the 10th January that it would open its 50th base (and the first in Cyprus) at Paphos (Cyprus’s third largest city) in April 2012 with two based aircraft and 14 routes which will initially deliver over 600,000 passengers each year and sustain over 600 jobs with over 80 weekly flights as Ryanair invests over $140 million at Paphos Airport.

For the UK, this means that those people who lost out when Cyprus Airways cancelled their Paphos-Stansted-Paphos flights will be able to fly with Ryanair instead.

Having just checked onto their website, we’ve found a return flight from the UK, 4th July – 18th July at £162.99 including on-line check-in and EU levies. There will, of course, be extra charges for baggage, but hopefully not the use of toilets!!!!!

Present

A St Patrick's Celebration(Under the patronage of H.E. The Irish Ambassador)

Thursday 15th March 7:30pmKamares Club, Tala

Tickets €22.50

Our guest of honour will be H.E. The Irish Ambassador,Patrick Scullion

With Live Irish Music from Abzorba,A Hot & Cold Buffet,

For Tickets Call Eamon on 96849213or See Website

Supporting St Michael's Hospice With a Raffle in aid of Cancer Patients Support Group

www.failte-pafos.euIn Association with Kamares Entertainments

Sponsored by Fitzgerald Marketing

Featured Property

Guaranteed Privacy and Views ForeverLove of Cyprus’s traditional architecture and its affinity with the local countryside were the decisive factors in the owners choosing the Lithos Company, (the specialists in stone construction), to build their Cypriot dream home.This infinitely appealing home stands aloft an elevated plot offering fabulous views to the countryside and the

distant coastline in this exclusive enclave of luxury homes.On the street level you have a private garage and gated stairs taking you to the lovely pool courtyard. Here you can well appreciate the grandeur of the villa and the meticulous attention to detail that only hints of the luxury within.The elegant entry hall effectively separates the living areas and the bedroom wing. The wide open space is suffused by natural light showcasing the beautifully crafted sweeping stairway with its circular first floor landing.

To the left, an expansive stone archway opens to a delightfully bright lounge with a corner fireplace, huge patio doors open to the pool and yet another archway at the far end leads

Lithos Panarama Villa

to the dining room….., projecting a graceful meandering and superbly relaxing feel to your living area.

The dining room also features a fantastically versatile, stylish and contemporary all granite kitchen and opens to a secluded al-fresco dining area. The annex is an outdoor entertainment haven which features

stone pillars and a traditional built-in BBQ.

The first floor features two exquisite double bedrooms both with expansive private balconies with breathtaking country scenery. Both bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. On the ground floor there are two additional rooms, one opening to the front terrace and is utilised as an informal sitting room, whilst the second is presently used as an office.

You MUST view this property to appreciate everything it offers, but don’t take too long as it will soon be snapped up!!

Reference: 1326

The Fitzgerald OfficeBeing a family business we have one office centrally situated in Kato paphos close to and in walking distance of both the Harbour and the Tomb of the kings Road.

The office hours are from 9am to 5.30pm 6 days a week with no break for lunch. So if you are working and only have your lunch break to come and see us, you are welcome!

Cyprus FootballAn action plan to develop young talent in football in Cyprus needs about ten years to bear fruit, UEFA envoys said speaking to the press, in Nicosia.Howard Wilkinson and Robin Russell, who completed a series of contacts with stakeholders, with a view to develop a “National Football Development Plan” for the Cyprus Football Association.

As Wilkinson said, there are no shortcuts in making the results of such an investment visible, aiming to tackle the lack of young talent available to play quality football.

Wilkinson, a former English football player and manager, further noted that the presence of UEFA envoys in Cyprus is not to direct solutions, but to suggest possible ways of addressing the problem, after having talked with all people who are at the heart of the problem.

Change cannot occur overnight, he added, but noted the examples of numerous European countries who addressed the problem, amid less favorable conditions than Cyprus.

As he explained, young football talent need to be trained together with their likes by the best trainers-educators possible and in the best facilities available in order to stand a chance to play quality football in first division teams.

CFA second deputy president Andreas Santis noted from his part that after the UEFA visit, the implementation of a definite action plan is expected by June 2012.

Out & AboutA Flavour of Paphos in Pictures

Members of the P3A Walking Group out in Tzada enjoying the (very) fresh air!

No, not an eccliastical gathering. Lifting the gloom of the winter weather 'In Any Event' of Paphos organised a Vicars & Tarts Party at DT's to raise everyones spirits.

Photo's Courtesy of www.in-any-event.biz

What's On with JezebelSlowly, people are creeping out of the woodwork and looking for things to do and places to go, if only to relieve the monotony of hibernation. Do take a warm waterproof coat and decent boots when heading out, but most places with live music have roaring log fires this time of year and once you're in the venue, you'll want to stay all night. Panto season is over and the theatre groups are working on their upcoming dramas - watch this space for details. Meanwhile, here's a selection of the best of what's about right now - lots of acts are currently on trial so do let the venue owners and landlords know which you enjoy - you might be helping them secure a job for the season. We've Valentine's Day to celebrate soon, and Paphiakos Animal Welfare - the new sponsors of my radio show (Rock FM 98.5 Saturdays 10am) are putting on a splendid array of acts plus disco, meal and unlimited drinks for €45! Can't be bad! For more info and updates on all music events check out www.groovejetmedia.com, where you can also buy tickets on line for the forthcoming St Patrick's Day extravaganza with the well-loved Mario Kombou as Elvis.

One-off events:Thursday 9th FebruaryPolys Charalambous and Jezebel at Molos Restaurant, Latchi Harbour in aid of Polis Animal Rescue. Doors 7pm €20 inc 3 course meal 99146652

Saturday 11th FebruaryAndrea Morelli, Ben Mills and Island Blend Chorus at Amathus Hotel, bottom of the dual carriageway at 'The Triangle' for Paphiakos Animal Welfare's Valentine Gala €45 inc dinner and local drinks. Doors 7.30pm 99327225 www.cyprusanimalwelfare.com

Stammy of Woodford celebrates his birthday with a jam session at Temple Bar, Ktima (Pafos old town) - bring your guitar! All welcome, free entry

Friday 17th FebruaryFirst heat of Ben’s X Factor talent contest at Ben’s Bar, TOK Road Kato Pafos sea side 97625657 www.bensbarpaphos.com

Sunday 19th FebruaryHealth & Wellbeing Festival, Akteon Village, St George. www.in-any-event.biz

Thursday 23rd FebruaryAcoustic jam session 7.30pm at The Phoenix (used to be The Seahorse) Kato Pafos 97735246

Thursday 15th MarchA St patrick's Celebration organised by Fáilte Pafos, Kamares Club, Tala. Tickets €22.50 www.failte-pafos.eu

Saturday 17th MarchMario Kombou as Elvis www.elvisartist.com supported by Jezebel at Aloe Hotel €20 inc food and welcome drink. For more information and to book tickets see www.groovejetmedia.com

Regular gigs:MondaysFrontline - the latest incarnation of Zacsuss - play the Rose Pub, just off Pafos harbour, Kato Pafos 99089524Paphos Zingers Show Choir meet and rehearse 7.30pm Kamaroudi Tavern, Konia 99147488 TuesdaysColdshot duo at Temple Bar, Ktima (Pafos old town)The Reggae Rockers 9pm at Theo Sunset Bay Hotel, TOK Road Kissonerga 99986473 Alla Breve singing group meet and rehearse in Tala 97757180WednesdaysJazz & Latin tunes from Wendy, Kostas, Nicolai and Odysseus at Timothy's Art Bar, Pafos old town €5 99340357Andros plays guitar & sings 9.30pm at Alexander the Great Hotel, harbour road Kato Pafos 99335078KBE Showteam 10pm at Phaethon Hotel, 99177691ThursdaysColdshot duo at Rose Pub, just off Pafos harbour, Kato Pafos 99089524Andi Hobbs at Nereus Hotel, just off Bar Street Kato PafosStevie Dean 10pm at Evis Pub, Kleous St (turn at Yemen's opposite Alexander the Great Hotel)Blue Jar at Trattoria La Vigna, Coral Bay Strip 96435181FridaysLive music 10pm - acts vary - at O'Neill's, Tombs Road Kato Pafos, off sea sideJezebel at Moonlight Bar, Aloe Hotel, Kato Pafos 9pm - midnight free entryMatthew Edmondson 10pm at Evis Pub, Kleous St (turn at Yemen's opposite Alexander the Great Hotel)SaturdaysSymbiosis at Rose Pub, just off Pafos harbour, Kato Pafos 99089524Sash (Alex Doronin) at O'Neill's, Tombs Road Kato Pafos, off sea sideSundaysBob Clarkson at DTs Bar, Tombs Road just outside Kato Pafos Blue Jar at Trattoria La Vigna, start of the strip, Coral Bay