Checks tonight at the borders

[sally4670]

On the way down South this evening and the queue was long towards the South side (Pyla). They seemed to be checking boots and even asked to look inside our car at the back seat area.
We dropped our friends off and headed back to Cyprus Mall for TGI (sad i know ...but a treat for proper steak) and the checks were heavy on the Turkish side of the Metehan crossing - looking in car boots (not just South cars) and even saw them feeling/squishing carrier bags in the boots and just looking more than usual. We were stopped and they asked what had we got in the car - we were asked is there anything to declare before you enter ? We hadn't (apart from the TGI left overs for the cats - cannot break the habit sorry) anything but they still looked in the car boot. There seemed more uniformed staff than normal on duty.
Maybe it is the enhanced security for terrorism or unwanted person threat but maybe if you have a flight from Larnaca or Paphos to get to you should allow a bit more time than usual.

[Maisiemoo]

Pre Christmas checks are usually stepped up by the TC side in December, they like to catch the expats out!

[ozankoys]

They need to confiscate goodies for their Christmas parties!

[brian24001]

There is no reason at all to increase non-uniform staff for regular boot checks, there 'has' to be a heightened security threat.

[Jonnie]

Another get the expat conspiracy theory! Goes with the nail them for Christmas post and the usual power cuts on Christmas day will be just to get the expats of course!

[rowan]

we came through Metahan yesterday, no extra staff and no problems, no cynical views either!

[Keithcaley]

Another get the expat conspiracy theory! Goes with the nail them for Christmas post and the usual power cuts on Christmas day will be just to get the expats of course!

[Johnny Lee]

When we first moved here I remember some idiot saying to me all the Ex Pats get power cuts on Christmas Day. I thought I wonder how Kibtec do that then ?? (T--t). Then a few weeks later we met the same guy in Altinkaya and he was leaving the island because he could not get the bigger potatoes due to the time of year for baking.

We did suggest well buy 2 smaller ones, But on second thoughts, please leave the Island.

I cannot understand why you need to go South for a good Steak. There are several places here who serve wonderful Steak and if you want to cook your own try Fast Food Butchers in Alsancak.

[Muad_dib]

The first Christmas we were here we did have a power cut on Christmas day,ended up with our dinner about 9.00pm

[Keithcaley]

The first Christmas we were here we did have a power cut on Christmas day,ended up with our dinner about 9.00pm

I wonder if it was caused by all the ex-pats switching their ovens on to cook Turkeys?

[Panchocat]

Been through Metahan today, no queues and no security checks on either side. As usual the GC side didn't even take the passports out of my hand to look at them.
Erol and Rafters both do much nicer steak than TGI steak in my opinion, but each to their own. It would be boring if we all liked the same things.

[DenBoy]

Totally agree re Erol's for steak - their T-Bone and Sirloin has always been top notch and always cooked to perfection.

But as last poster said, each to their own.

Dennis

[rowan]

didn't realise this was about steak.

[sally4670]

Johnny Lee - i didn't go South for steak. We were dropping some friends off and called in at TGI on the way back. I am not saying that there are not good places here for steak BUT i like TGI steak when it comes with onion rings and corn on the cob etc. I haven' found anywhere here who serves it with the same accompaniments. It is a treat especially when the other half can also have the rack of ribs.
Each to their own i say.
A TC neighbour says the extra checks are about smuggling going on both ways - cigs, booze and live animals going South and food stuff, electric presents and live animals going North. There were people with what looked like lots of shopping coming North but i didn't see any getting taken off of them. It did make me laugh because i asked him would it be ok then if the animals they were looking for were dead --- but it was lost i think. But the queus were on both sides so just wanted to warn people about possible delays.
PS - we also love the fish and chips at Dhekalia and do think they are better than any here.

[ozankoys]

We came back through Metehan around 16.30 yesterday, 3-4 customs men were in the road & looked inside & in the back of the truck in front. They did not stop us (probably could not face the possible hassle of 3 English women) & there were no queues whatsover.

[Whatarotty]

Sally4670 thank you for the warning and sharing this, it's nice to know about the delays !

I can't believe, someone is kind enough to warn us about a personal experience which could hinder travel and they get slated because they like to eat steak in a certain eaterie!! How rude!!

[Kanonier]

Sally4670 thank you for the warning and sharing this, it's nice to know about the delays !

I can't believe, someone is kind enough to warn us about a personal experience which could hinder travel and they get slated because they like to eat steak in a certain eaterie!! How rude!!

Hear, Hear!

[TB10pilot]

Went through Metahan today, back around 1.30pm. Cars being checked. I was not but did not have any shopping or bags, they just looked into the back seat and booth through the windows. One English looking guy with small silver car was pulled aside as I drove through .

[Johnny Lee]

No one has been slated ????? simply a comment and certainly not meant to be offensive in any away at all. I am just one of the many people here who would welcome the borders being closed tomorrow for good and lets. not see our beautiful TRNC turned into an extension of the South.

[MoonageDaydream]

Johnny: So how does 'closing the borders' help Turkish Cypriots exactly?

[ifonly]

We went over Saturday and the queues were awful. It took us 40 minutes to get through into South. On the way back there was no problem coming into North but queue towards the Turkish passport control (going into South) was nearly back to the Exchange shop - and they were looking in some cars and boots in the queue.
Bet there were a few worried people about maybe missing their flights.

[carrierbag]

We went over Friday last (10th),no queues either side going or coming back. No checks whatsoever. Greek side did not even speak...saw passport and waved us through. I think it is the luck of the draw.

[Groucho]

The first Christmas we were here we did have a power cut on Christmas day,ended up with our dinner about 9.00pm

The salient point would seem to be that for each expat affected by power cuts, ten times as many locals are affected... so as a conspiracy it's a bit of a stretch - but some people love a moan and self-declared victim-hood...

[aripointer]

No problem at 9.30am Sat 12th driving south to PFO.
No hold ups at all on both sides.

[Deniz1]

Thats what I was thinking are there special switches at Kib-Tek with ex pat on them? It affects everyone what ever nationality.

[waddo]

Its not just KibTek that has control of the switches, everyone who has residency has a secret code put against them, that enables all local traders to have instant access to various switches. Top of the list is the infamous "Cash Cow" switch, much beloved by dodgy traders, fawning restaurateurs, used car salespersons (note the PC there!) solicitors, house sales and Tax Office staff. If your number is on the list you are doomed, doomed. Its all because you have to show details of your income................

The moral is to stay poor and happy, they can't take it off you if you ain't got it to take - lol.

[Kip]

Why worry. Just don`t carry what you shouldn`t...Simple