The power of manamoo in Cyprus

Manamoo actually means "my mother" in Greek, but the meaning of this word/phrase depends on the actual situation you use it in. It can mean "my dear", "my friend" and practically anything else you would playfully address another person.
No, I am not planning to start Greek classes on my blog. For that, you can check details on online Greek classes here. Why I am discussing about this particular word is because of the "power" of this word in Cyprus. The word manamoo when used appropriately can open doors for you, help you jump the queue and much much more. I had been to the tax office few days back to submit my returns for 2007. I had to wait quite a bit because there was a Britisher in front of me who was "unsuccessfully" discussing with the tax officer to clarify the reasons for the excessive tax he is supposedly paying. Between his rants, the tax officer used to say something to greek to her neighbour and both would giggle. While all this was happening, I suddenly remembered a similar incident which happened to me at the same place 2 years ago. I had written about it on my personal blog that time. Reading that still brings a smile and makes me wonder about the complications of living in this small island. So, I am pasting below the contents of that post. Btw, this "concept" still holds good and will probably do so forever.
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Today morning, I went to the Income Tax office to meet our assigned Tax Officer to file the returns. I went at 9 AM. If i had gone in at 9AM, my conversation should have been like:

Me: Hi, I came two days back. You asked me to come today to collect my documents.

She: What is your name?

Me: Rajaram Sethuraman.

She:Here it is.

Me: Thank you. Bye

She: Bye.

Probably, it would have taken 43 seconds and I would have been in office on time.

But at 9AM, there was another person inside the office and hence, I had to wait outside.

After a few minutes, a Britisher came and joined me in the queue. This was, or rather supposed to be, a straight-forward FIFO (First in-First out) Queue.

It was 9.15 AM now and I was already getting impatient.

Out of nowhere came an elderly Cypriot Gentleman and peeped inside the office. Then we heard a shrieking voice "Manamoooo" (Pronouned like Cho Chweeeeet). And this Cypriot guy went inside the office. The Britisher and I exchanged strange looks.

I consoled myself by saying that he was let in because he was old.

15 minutes passed by.

Then came a sparsely dressed Cypriot Girl, who also peeped into the office. Then we heard the same voice again "Manamoooooo". She also went it. She had a big folder in her hands (looked like an agent).

The britisher was visibly upset. He asked me "Shall i also peep inside and shout Manamooo". I told him that the lady inside would probably discover him to be a fake, with his accent. The girl inside took out a piece of cake and both started eating it and discussing all the worldly affairs. Another 15 mins passed by. Then, she took out a huge bundle of tax forms from her folder. The Britisher almost fainted.

Finally, at 10 Am, it was my turn to go inside.

The Britisher, with a very concerned face, asked me "Are you also going to do this manamooo thing? "
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Cyprus to import water from Greece

According to a news report in the Cyprus Mail, Cyprus is planning to import water from Greece to alleviate the problems due to the current water shortage. The plan is to import 8 million cubic metres of water over the summer based on the agreement signed with Ocean tankers company. The concept of "importing" water seems cool. I am hearing about such a thing for the first time. Is it a common practice for drought-ridden countries?

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Omodhos Village in Cyprus

Also spelt sometimes as Omodos, a visit to this village would present you the real cyprus. Cyprus may look modern with its fancy cars and bikes, trendy night clubs and its fashionable citizens, but the real Cyprus is all about its culture and tradition. For a feel of that, you have move away from the cities and into the numerous villages dotting the hillsides.

Omodos Village is less than an hour's drive from Limassol and is enroute to Troodos. On entering the village, you are greeted by a big square with coffee shops and souvenir shops on its sides. This may seem touristy, but everything after this is not.

There is a big church at one end of the square and the village branches off from the sides of the church. The streets are very narrow and fun to explore. On a weekday, you can also get to taste the local wines offered at many of the stalls. Omodos is famous for its vineyards and its wines. We went on a Sunday and most of the shops were closed.

We also came across a gentleman who insisted that we visit his traditional house. We were wary at first, but it was good that we agreed. It was an amazing experience. He took us around the house. The "traditional" look was retained and he showed us around all the rooms and also the antiquities that he had preserved. The best part was a photograph with family members from 5 generations. The house even had a basement with a window looking out just a few inches above the street outside. Like most of the present day Cypriots, his children and grand children had settled in Nicosia and he was here with his wife looking after their ancestral home. If you go to Omodos, don't miss this.

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Learn Greek Online on CyBC

Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) has a section on its website to learn greek online. 105 audio lessons have been uploaded to the page. I started off with lesson 1 and it was pretty nice. Lets see when i am able ask for a bottle of milk in Greek to the kiosk i visit every morning! Btw, for the uninitiated, the Cypriots also speak greek, but with a different accent.

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