The ebb and flow of the waves on an intense Mediterranean blue converges on Cyprus with its scorching hot interior of chalky stone, where the mountains rise majestically until they become the homes of the gods. It was not in vain that the goddess of love and of beauty, Aphrodite, chose this island to be her kingdom and the setting for her dalliances. The capital, Nicosia, situated in the centre of the islands, offers narrow streets in its ancient quarter where life goes on in a friendly fashion. Cyprus gives off the aromas of a gastronomy based on Greek, Armenian, Turkish and Lebanese dishes with their characteristic touch, and where oranges and olives play a starring role.