To all users of Pyla border crossing

[mickhm]

I returned over the Pyla crossing last night and on the Greek side there were warning signs. I asked about it and was handed a slip of paper which read " Due to repair work this crossing point will be closed from 06.00 Saturday 26 - to 06.00 Sunday 27th November Please use an alternative crossing Point"

Best wishes
Mick

[waddo]

Many thanks, useful information. Black Knight crossing is the next closest if you are heading to the fish and chip shop on the SBA - lol.

[Mowgli597]

Many thanks, useful information. Black Knight crossing is the next closest if you are heading to the fish and chip shop on the SBA - lol.

"Her Indoors" and I did that very trip a couple of weeks ago.

When we got to the chipper it was empty - only a couple of the staff there chatting to each other. However we ordered our meal which duly arrived and was delicious as usual.

As we ate the place slowly filled up.

It was only that night that we realised that we'd gone in for lunch at 11.30. Of course our watches (and tums) told us it was 12.30 - time to eat!

Blooming time difference nonsense!

[mickhm]

Hi Waddo where is the Black Knight crossing please? I only know of the one at Farmagusta and this one at Pyla
thanks
Mick

[waddo]

Sorry, that IS the Famagusta crossing point!

[PoshinDevon]

The crossing from Gazimagusa onto the British Eastern Sovereign base area is locally known as Black Knight. The HM Forces station approximately 1km inland from this crossing point is known as Ayios Nikolaos (Ay Nik), however the Greek Cypriot village just down the road is called Vrysoulles. This crossing is approximately 4km outside of Gazimagusa.

The crossing at Beyarmudu (Pergamos) also crosses into the British Eastern Sovereign base area. There is no crossing at Pyla, however the Beyarmudu (Pergamos) crossing point is often wrongly called Pyla. Pyla is approximately 3km further on, heading towards Larnaca. Looking for a route or heading direct to Pyla and expecting to cross the border will lead to disappointment.

The CESSAC Taverna in Dhekelia Station serves excellent fish and chips. In fact all meals are good value. The Beyarmudu (Pergamos) crossing is approximately 6km from the Dhekelia Station area. We can also recommend the Zephyros Fish Tavern located in the McKenzie Beach area of Larnaca, heading along the coast road towards the airport.

One thing to remember and consider is that on entry to the British Sovereign base area you must drive thro the Sovereign Base Area (SBA) customs post and are likely to be stopped, questioned and occasionally your vehicle and bags, if you have any could be examined.

[Hilltop]

I believe the Fish and Chip shop they are referencing is Lambros rather than Cessac (which is a cafe). The only "Locals" that might use the term Black Knight are ex military types, everyone I know calls it Famagusta or Ay Nik. The nearest village on 'tother side of Beyarmudu is Pyla and rightly or wrongly most people think of it as the Pyla crossing. You have to be seriously anal to worry about it.

[Belfast Belle]

you are absolutely right Posh In Devon, except for the best fish & chips is not Cessac's, but Lambros.

[tomsteel]

Hilltop. The incorrect naming of the crossing point is only 'anal' when those visiting from the UK or other countries, and who do not know there is no crossing at Pyla (Pila), seek to cross in that village. Why not just call it by its proper name and be done with it? Then there is no confusion.

[waddo]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Na ... _in_Cyprus - All you ever wanted to know about the "Crossing Points", including all the correct names to satisfy tom and just in case you might be interested - this should answer lots more of your questions: http://www.mof.gov.cy/mof/customs/custo ... enDocument

But, just in case you think you have it all figured out now - http://famagusta-gazette.com/new-cyprus ... 381-69.htm

And there is more but now your brain probably hurts so I will go back to sleep........................

[Hilltop]

Hilltop. The incorrect naming of the crossing point is only 'anal' when those visiting from the UK or other countries, and who do not know there is no crossing at Pyla (Pila), seek to cross in that village. Why not just call it by its proper name and be done with it? Then there is no confusion.

As I said!

[tomsteel]

Waddo, just because the UN print it, does not make it correct. Pyla (Pila) is some 3+ kms from the actual crossing point at Pergamos (Beyarmadu). Having worked within the ESBA for 2 years, believe me when I say there is no crossing point at Pyla.

[PoshinDevon]

Waddo, just because the UN print it, does not make it correct. Pyla (Pila) is some 3+ kms from the actual crossing point at Pergamos (Beyarmadu). Having worked within the ESBA for 2 years, believe me when I say there is no crossing point at Pyla.

Is the correct answer.

[mickhm]

Sorry didn't mean to start an argument just wanted to let people know that a border crossing that people know by different names is closed at the weekend

[tomsteel]

mickhm, believe me when I say you have nothing to be sorry about and there is no argument, just healthy debate.

[Mowgli597]

Hilltop. The incorrect naming of the crossing point is only 'anal' when those visiting from the UK or other countries, and who do not know there is no crossing at Pyla (Pila), seek to cross in that village. Why not just call it by its proper name and be done with it? Then there is no confusion.

Tom is right. When we first came here we thought we'd cross back to the North via "Pila". So the sat nav took us there alright but at that time there was no coverage of the North (at least TomTom didn't have it). We stopped in the village totally confused because there was no crossing point. Only for the fact that my phone picked up a signal from KKTCELL and so I could get Google maps we'd have turned round and gone back to Metahan.

[tomsteel]

And msg 16 is ample reason to use the correct name.

[waddo]

LOL, I have never really believed anything that the UN put into print anyway - just thought you may be interested in some of things that are in the public domain - its why the public know there is only one Cyprus and know nothing at all about the TRNC. Message 15 is dead right - without "arguments/debates/discussions" we all live in la la land anyway so the more information we gain the better informed we become. I just love it here.

[Hedge-fund]

Hilltop. The incorrect naming of the crossing point is only 'anal' when those visiting from the UK or other countries, and who do not know there is no crossing at Pyla (Pila), seek to cross in that village. Why not just call it by its proper name and be done with it? Then there is no confusion.

Tom is right. When we first came here we thought we'd cross back to the North via "Pila". So the sat nav took us there alright but at that time there was no coverage of the North (at least TomTom didn't have it). We stopped in the village totally confused because there was no crossing point. Only for the fact that my phone picked up a signal from KKTCELL and so I could get Google maps we'd have turned round and gone back to Metahan.

7

I got a bit stumped in the area earlier in the year and instead of giving up and driving to metehan I asked someone the way. It was a common practice pre satnav

[Keithcaley]

...instead of giving up and driving to metehan I asked someone the way. It was a common practice pre satnav

Indeed, and I would just like to say that there is no reason for embarrassment if you do have to ask for directions - it's quite accepted as the normal thing to do, and people are usually keen to help.

Just remember: - 'Sağ' (sılent G!) means RIGHT, 'Sol' means LEFT, 'Düz' means STRAIGHT ON - don't be frightened to ask 'em to repeat it - they're used to dealing with uneducated foreigners

Oh! - and if they're speaking too fast for you to catch what they say, then request 'Yavaş, Yavaş' (slowly!, slowly!) - and you'll get the sort of over-emphasised treatment that Brits abroad usually give to 'foreigners' ha ha!

I have to say that I've met with nothing but kindness when asking directions...

Regards, Keith.

[Groucho]

Most people experience difficulty finding the Beyarmudu crossing caused by the misnomer when coming from the south - so what are the Greek equivalents of your Turkish?

[tomsteel]

The Cypriot (Greek Cypriots) call the crossing Pergamos. I am unsure what the Greeks call it.

[Hilltop]

The Cypriot (Greek Cypriots) call the crossing Pergamos. I am unsure what the Greeks call it.

To be fair to Groucho, in the context of his post he meant Greek as in Greek as opposed to Greek as in Greek. A bit like English as in English versus English as in English.

[Keithcaley]

The Cypriot (Greek Cypriots) call the crossing Pergamos. I am unsure what the Greeks call it.

To be fair to Groucho, in the context of his post he meant Greek as in Greek as opposed to Greek as in Greek. A bit like English as in English versus English as in English.

[Keithcaley]

An extract from the South Cyprus Mail: -

The British Bases said on Wednesday they would be closing the Pergamos crossing point for 24 hours for essential maintenance starting at 6am on Saturday November 26.

The crossing point will reopen on Sunday morning at 6am, a statement said.

It said that for several years the bridge, which provides access to the crossing point, has deteriorated and is in need of work to strengthen it.

Pani Pashas, the Bases chief engineer said: “We have considered many ways to repair the bridge without closing it but because of the nature of the repairs this is simply not possible”. He added: “We need to take action now before the bridge becomes too dangerous to use”

The Head of SBA Customs, Andy Reed said he hoped there would be minimal inconvenience for people who use the crossing point

“We have selected a Saturday to do this work because statistically this is the day when the least number of people use the crossing point,” he said.

“We have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that everybody knows that the crossing point will be closed from handing out leaflets to announcing the fact on the radio”

Anybody travelling to or from the north or south of the island will need to use an alternative crossing point during these times.

[PoshinDevon]

I believe the Fish and Chip shop they are referencing is Lambros rather than Cessac (which is a cafe). The only "Locals" that might use the term Black Knight are ex military types, everyone I know calls it Famagusta or Ay Nik. The nearest village on 'tother side of Beyarmudu is Pyla and rightly or wrongly most people think of it as the Pyla crossing. You have to be seriously anal to worry about it.

Up until a few years ago, the beach area in Dhekelia station on the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) was known to all as the CESSAC (Church of England, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Club). This beach was restricted for use by British Forces personnel only. It had a shop, cafe and also a taverna.

Following protests by local Cypriots, the area was opened up for use by all. It was at that time the taverna was named Lambros. It is however commonly referred to by many military, ex pats and locals as the CESSAC.

As far as the border crossing is concerned, it is important to get the crossing name correct. There is no crossing at Pyla. Heading for Pyla only to find that you cannot cross will mean a reasonably long drive across to the correct crossing point at Beyarmudu. This additional journey time would be inconvenient, especially if meeting or catching a flight from Larnaca.

[Groucho]

As far as the border crossing is concerned, it is important to get the crossing name correct. There is no crossing at Pyla. Heading for Pyla only to find that you cannot cross will mean a reasonably long drive across to the correct crossing point at Beyarmudu. This additional journey time would be inconvenient, especially if meeting or catching a flight from Larnaca.

As the extra time would only be occasioned if travelling to Larnaca from the TRNC in your scenario I don't see how it make a difference as you would pass through Beyarmudu before Pyla on your way to Larnaca...

Or is it a magic crossing that is always after Pyla no matter which direction you come from?

[Hilltop]

Up until a few years ago, the beach area in Dhekelia station on the Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA) was known to all as the CESSAC (Church of England, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Club). This beach was restricted for use by British Forces personnel only. It had a shop, cafe and also a taverna.

I thought you were a strong advocate of using correct names? What if someone asked for opening times of CESSAC but meant Lambros. If it was a Sunday they would be very disappointed to find them closed and only CESSAC open.

I have been using the facilities at Dhekelia for at least 10 years with no restrictions.

[PoshinDevon]

As far as the border crossing is concerned, it is important to get the crossing name correct. There is no crossing at Pyla. Heading for Pyla only to find that you cannot cross will mean a reasonably long drive across to the correct crossing point at Beyarmudu. This additional journey time would be inconvenient, especially if meeting or catching a flight from Larnaca.

As the extra time would only be occasioned if travelling to Larnaca from the TRNC in your scenario I don't see how it make a difference as you would pass through Beyarmudu before Pyla on your way to Larnaca...

If you set off from Girne and headed for Pyla, then arrived in the area of Pyla on the TRNC side to find no border crossing then extra time would be incurred driving across to Beyarmudu. I agree people who live in the TRNC are likely to head to Beyarmudu, however those unfamiliar with the border crossings (Holidaymakers) may well think Pyla was a crossing point.

Or is it a magic crossing that is always after Pyla no matter which direction you come from?

[Hilltop]

It would be very difficult to approach Pyla from the north without going through the crossing.

[PoshinDevon]

Having lived and worked in the ROC in the 70s, 80s and 90s and then holidayed and lived both north and south in later years, the Dhekelia Garrison facilities were restricted to British Forces personnel or bone fide persons. This included the beach clubs and also the CESSAC shop, cafe, taverna and beach.

However following protests by Cypriots, changes were made. The balance had to be struck between allowing the local population access to some areas whilst not allowing access to the more sensitive areas, barracks, married quarters, shops, cinema etc. Fencing and checkpoints were erected around the area and access to some areas is still restricted, however the CESSAC (Church of England, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmens Club) has now been opened up to everyone. In times of crisis the main entrances to onto Dhekelia can be closed and access removed completely.

The CESSAC beach area has changed over the years with the shop being made larger, cafe expanded and the taverna has now grown from what it was to encompass a large covered area across the road from the main taverna area. As part of these changes the taverna was named Lambros, but is still known by many locals, ex pats and of course the military as CESSAC. The taverna has always provided excellent value for money and with the decline in a British military presence and the garrison being reduced down in size to Dhekelia station, the opening up of the CESSAC area has probably ensured in the tavernas long term viability.

As far as border crossings are concerned the crossing is Beyarmudu (Pergamos) not Pyla. We lived on Pergamos camp close to the crossing in the mid 90s. Back in the 90s British Forces personnel were not allowed to drive down into the mixed village of Pyla to travel on to Larnaca. We were required to make a short detour via the garrison area. Those that know the island well, the names and crossing points are not a problem. However, tourists or those who do not know their way around could easily become confused as they struggle to find a way to get to Pyla from the north. Or come to Pyla from the south side looking for a border crossing which is approximately 4km further away.

[Hilltop]

Happy to bow out of this fascinating discussion now. The Cpl Blimp attitudes displayed have been very informative of life 30 years ago.

[tomsteel]

Agh well, Hilltop, it was fascinating whilst it lasted. Still, the theme has moved on from the erroneous name of the crossing point at one of the ESBA crossings to the facilities on the beach at Dhekelia and that may have enlightened some readers. Bon voyage!

[jofra]

( )

[PoshinDevon]

Glad to have been of help.

Moving on, anyone know where we can buy stuffing balls in Girne?