A bit of background about Cyprus:
Cyprus is an independent country, but the majority of people are of Greek heritage and they still identify closely with Greece.  It is typical to see the Greek and Cypriot flags flying side by side, and the European Union flag is often present as well.  In 1974 while coups were happening against both the Greek and Cypriot governments, Turkey took advantage of the situation and invaded Cyprus.  They took control of the Northern third of the island and continue to illegally inhabit this portion of the island today.  The only countries that recognize Northern Cyprus as a country are Turkey and Pakistan.  This is one reason that Turkey has not been allowed to join the EU.  Prior to the invasion, there were Turks living throughout Cyprus as immigrants, and there continues to be Turkish Cypriots on the Southern (Greek) side.  Nicosia, (Lefkosia in Greek) where we live, is the Capital of Cyprus and it is currently a divided city.  In the past eight to ten years the border has become more relaxed and Cypriots (and Turks) can travel freely between the sides by showing proper identification.  Demetris, like many Greek Cypriots has mixed feelings about returning to the Northern side.  Even though he was young at the time of the invasion, he has memories of visiting that part of the island and knows family friends who were displaced and have never been allowed to return to their home.  He would like to see that part of the island again but knows it will be with a mixture of many feelings.  Many buildings were destroyed during the invasion and along the current border some are still in disrepair.  The government (with the assistance of other countries, including the USA) is attempting to revitalize the area by offering financial assistance to young families who want to return to this area.  It is a very old part of the city and the families must rebuild the house to look as it did before the invasion.  A friend of Demetris lives with his family in one of these houses.  The border is literally right behind the fence in their backyard.  But, it is a very interesting home and they feel safe there. 

The blue flag is the EU, white one is Cyprus, and way in the background the red one is Turkey

Part of the border, marked by sandbags and barbed wire fence

Old section of Nicosia by the border.  This is supposed to be a two way street!

The UN provides a "buffer zone" at some parts of the border

Cypriot and Greek flags side by side

Similar to the home of Demetris' friend (another UN car)

Home from the early 1900's

The Turkish side, notice their flags

Building damaged in the invasion with Turkish flags in background

And the Greek side across from above picture

Turkish mosque on Greek side built prior to the invasion