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If you want to measure how far Cyprus is from the rest of Europe – both physically and spiritually – then try arranging a trip to Brussels – home of the European Commission.
There is no particular reason why anybody would want to visit the European Commission or the European Parliament complex next door, unless, of course, you are a student of politics, work for the EU in some capacity or couldn’t make it as a politician at home.
Somehow, through the labyrinth of corridors, meeting rooms, conference halls, auditoriums, policy reviews, council gatherings and parliamentary sessions, Europe seems to work.
It’s not a perfect scenario with the interests of 28 countries having to be juggled for the benefit of the whole while trying to keep 350 million citizens onside.
Europeans are richer and healthier than ever before, but we are living in fractured times where suspicion, distrust and nationalist populism are real threats to the union of peace and prosperity.
The only reason why Brexit (promise not to dwell on the subject) has any traction is that Britain-first populism treats the EU as the enemy; aloof, elitist and unable to change with the times.
New Europe was founded on the idea that if you build strong trade links with your neighbour, they are unlikely to go around killing each other and causing wars to spoil the party.
Britain is determined to leave the fold, going it alone like a travelling salesman selling his wares to the highest bidder, despite fighting two world wars to save Europe.
A union of 28-member states may appear like a cumbersome juggernaut that’s difficult to drive down the narrow streets of democracy, yet its still the safest journey to ride.
Out here on the eastern edge of the bloc, Brussels feels like light-years away, and if you have tried to fly their recently you would understand why.
There are no direct flights to Brussels, even though we have a Cypriot commissioner, six MEPS and Nicosia is supposed to keep in touch with the political heartbeat of Europe.
It would be quicker and cheaper to hire a team of huskies to pull you there on a sledge.
One thing that does make your heart race faster are the prices charged to fly to Brussels as you navigate your way around Europe via Athens, Austria, Bucharest or Frankfurt.
You may have noticed I failed to mention Paris, you can’t fly there direct either, even though the French are our new best friends in all things cultural and political.
Cyprus being an island, it’s difficult to get anywhere but if we are going to play our part in the EU experiment, we should at least be able to travel with ease and affordability.
Surely, getting one flight to Brussels is better than two due to climate change and environmental impact.
I know eco-warriors are declining to fly due to the climate emergency but without being able to fly Cypriots are trapped in a place that Europe forgot.
Anyway, I’m not recommending you should go to Brussels for a holiday because I think the place invented boredom, which is why its full of MEPs reading EU directives.
I’m not sure what Belgians do for fun in Brussels apart from putting mayonnaise on their chips, whisky in their beer or thinking about what type of chocolate to put on a waffle.
While walking around in the rain, another fun thing to do is to think of famous Belgians (Eden Hazard, Rene Magritte, Hercule Poirot, not so easy is it) on the way to the statue of the little boy doing something naughty.
Having said that, I suppose Brussels has to try hard not to be decadent or enticing because nobody would bother attending the European Parliament for a dash of polite excitement.
Unfortunately, Brussels is overloaded with bureaucrats having a quiet beer as they whisper conspiracy theories in pricey restaurants.
But Brussels does have its plus points, you can get on a train to other parts of Europe with the splendid Venice of the North – Bruges less than 90 minutes away.
If a bit of gothic architecture with your chips sounds like the dream ticket then Bruges is for you, they also have a half-decent football team as well.
Nevertheless, Brussels is the symbol of civilised Europe where diversity and inclusivity are embraced with a sense of history, pride and gourmet chocolates but come Friday night all the diplomats, MEPs and translators are out of there like a shot.
PS The characters in this article are purely coincidental and should not be confused with any attempt to stereotype
