Coffee Cup Conversations

[jimm127]

You don't need to watch the news on television every day to see the effects of war on
innocent people. Social media sites that we can access instantly on our mobile phones constantly
share images of war-torn countries - there is so much information to process and understand that it
can make us feel overwhelmed at times. Amongst all this terror, where is peace? This week I met a
gentleman who answered this question. One man who is on a mission of peace is Paul Haines a
humble retired BBC employee from Cornwall, England who is currently coming towards the end of
a six month walk that began in Rome and will end in Jerusalem. On his trek across Europe he
ended up passing through our island, and on a short break in the capital Lefkoşa I was lucky
enough to catch up with him.
'Peace Walk 2015' is actually Paul's second major long distance walk. Last year he walked
from London to Rome and his aim then was to raise awareness for the severe mental disorder
Alzheimer's. In July this year Paul took his first steps in Rome, this time for world peace! With his
back pack proudly displaying a white dove formed from the words for peace in different languages,
Paul has attracted much attention and has made many friends. Aside from his sleeping bag, extra
clothes and a spare pair of walking shoes, he is also carrying a small book that is filled with
messages of peace and good will, written by the many people he has met on this amazing
adventure. A wooden walking stick has also been signed by the many strangers he has met along
the way, and peace is written in many different languages.
Just like his previous long distance walk, the peace walk 2015 is supporting a worthwhile
cause. On the website http://www.peacewalk2015.com Paul explains, "Children of Peace is a UK based
charity that offers a non-partisan approach to conflict resolution in the Middle East. It acts as an
intermediary and focuses on building alliances with like minded organisations that work with both
Israeli and Palestinian children to build positive relationships." Paul would eventually like to raise
around £5,000 and online donations are still being accepted. When Paul reaches his destination of
Jerusalem in mid December he will have the opportunity to meet with members of the charity that
he is walking for, and will try to help them with their work. It will definitely be a special Christmas in
Jerusalem this year!
This walk for peace is a personal pilgrimage for Paul, and it's no coincidence that many of
the areas he has passed through have either been associated with peace in some way or another
or have been touched by war at some time in recent history. This of course includes Cyprus, which
has had its own fair share of tragedy over the years.
Paul tells me that he believes peace is harder to achieve than war; "If you get angry with
someone it's easier to fight with your opponent, as opposed to sitting down together to achieve
reconciliation." If, on his incredible journey, Paul inspires others to talk about peace, then he will be
a happy man. Upon his return to the UK Paul will be writing a book about his experiences, and so
his tales will live on long after the walking boots are packed up back in the cupboard at home.
My brief encounter with Paul was very inspirational and it left me thinking about the words
of the great Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who wisely said "Peace at home, peace in the
world."