Did you know that patience is not actually a virtue? In fact, it’s one of the contrary virtues, which protect against the seven deadly sins. Here we have the seven heavenly virtues: 4 cardinal virtues (as defined by the Greek philosophers) and 3 theological virtues (according to St Paul). But do you know which are which? In no particular order…
Faith
Church, mosque, synagogue… when most people think of faith, they associate it with a building. But St Paul’s in Nicosia is not merely a place of worship. It’s also home to a Saturday morning second-hand bookshop, housed in a small stone outbuilding and packed to the rafters with bargains. My last steal was the 4th Harry Potter for 30c (what heartless person could give away such a gem?). With such an array of books on offer, I promise faithfully that your visit will be blessed.
Byron Av, Nicosia. 10-12am Saturdays. For more info call Caroline Sherman on 99 939930
Price: 30c for paperbacks/4 for ?1. Donations of books, magazines, videos gratefully received
Fortitude
This is the strength of mind that allows one to endure pain with courage. And to me that’s always meant the dreaded gym… until four months ago, when Curves Gym opened in Nicosia. No longer do I need fortitude to exercise: I walk in, my workout begins, and 30 minutes later (yes, just 30 minutes!), I’m out of there! The atmosphere is fantastic, with the emphasis on motivation, and the equipment is expressly made for women (though men are welcomed). Curves is the world’s third fastest growing franchise, and already boasts over 500 members on the island – from ages 11 to 74! Forget fortitude, this is fun!
Address: 23 Iphigenia Av., Strovolos 2007, Nicosia. Tel: 22 316231
Justice
This is a more obscure link to justice, but all will become clear when I reveal that Themis is the Greek Goddess of Justice. And I’m sure you can justify a break to Themis House, a beautiful agrotourism retreat high in the Troodos mountains near Lemithou. Themis’ House boasts gorgeous views, cool mountain climes and modern amenities. Originally built in 1890, it was last renovated in 1997, and is well worth a thought when compiling your list of getaways.
Tel: Andreas Christodoulou on 99 614822. www.agrotourism.com.cy
Price: ?25-?35 per night based on type of accommodation/number of people. Open all year round
Prudence
This is all about being careful when making decisions, and avoiding unnecessary risks. Enter Durex! According to their survey, almost 30 per cent of people have unprotected sex without knowing their partner’s sexual history. They also discovered that 59 per cent of men are willing to try the male contraceptive pill – but less than half of women would trust a man to take it responsibly! A little more prudence may be in order…
Price: Durex Gossamer 12 pack ?3.80
Widely available
Charity
Residents of the island’s western regions may be aware of the Polis Charity Fund Raisers’ bring and buy bookshop but did you know they also sell arts and crafts? Hand-made cards, earrings and bookmarks are available, and this year the proceeds will go to the Paphos Heart Association, as well as individuals in need. Boxing Day saw King Neptune and several bathing belles plunge into the waves for their sponsored dip (raising ?1,200 in one day) and their fortnightly quiz nights put my intellect to shame.
For more info contact Sandra Westwood on 99 876511
Hope
ComputerHope.com is a free online service which can solve almost any problem that might crop up when using your computer. I’m still relatively new to this service (which claims to receive over 40,000 hits an hour!), but ComputerHope has already solved all my niggling little Microsoft Word problems. Also offering tips on products, accessories, a computer dictionary (very useful) and a free online forum for those really difficult questions. You can pin your hopes on this site!
www.computerhope.com
Temperance
Biblically, one cannot live by bread alone, but Lent has seen me living almost entirely on Starbucks’ avocado and sun dried tomato sandwiches, with banana and toffee muffins for dessert! These are just two of the gorgeous delicacies on offer to those attempting to introduce a little temperance into their diet. No meat and no dairy products is the holy order of the day, but in my opinion Starbucks should offer their Lenten products all year round! This is melt in the mouth temperance!
Outlets in all major cities. Tel: 22 466462
Prices vary according to product
