Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/509499
XVI maltatoday, Sunday, 10 May 2015 This Week Cyprus as seen by Red Electrick Red Electrick are back in Malta after a short 'creative music' holiday in Cyprus. With its gentle climate, abundant natural landscapes and picturesque vil- lages, it is no surprise that many Maltese are discovering Cyprus as a perfect place for a holiday. And springtime is a magnificent time of the year to visit some spectacular spots around the island. Robert, Matthew, Ivan, Peter and Jonas talk to MaltaTo- day about what they loved most about Cyprus. Robert Spiteri – Drummer Driving buggies in Ayia Napa was definitely my favourite ac- tivity in Cyprus. It looked like it wasn't going to happen as it was late in the day but luckily our driver Marinos, who was a total star throughout the trip, man- aged to sort something out for us. We took the buggies off road and I had a great time. I love speed and this was a real thrill, although poor Ivan, who was my passenger, seemed traumatised by the experience. Matthew Borg – Lead singer I think the best thing we did in Cyprus was a visit to a winery near the picturesque village of Omodos, and I'm not saying that just because we got to try a whole range of great wines. It was actually really interest- ing to learn about how wine has been produced in Cyprus for thousands of years and how the industry has evolved in the modern era. It was also fun to learn about the indigenous grape varie- ties used in wine making, like Maratheftiko, Xinisteri, and Ofthalmo, which we don't get to taste in Malta. The vineyard we visited was Ktima Gerolemo Winery & Vineyards, one of several which sit in gently rolling countryside outside the village, so the surroundings were quite spectacular. Of course, the tasting session, including some great food, was great fun. We tried also a forti- fied wine called Commandaria, known as the wine of kings, and some pretty fiery stuff called Zivania. Needless to say, the mood on the bus after we left was a pretty happy one indeed. Ivan Borg – Bassist For me, horse riding was the most enjoyable activity we did in Cyprus. Apart from being able to try something new, horse riding was a great opportunity to take in some great scenery. I really enjoyed just spending some time with the horses, and the donkey, that live on Drapia Horse Farm, near Kalavassos. They really are magnificent animals and the whole atmosphere of the place, set in a valley surrounded by mountains, was very relaxing. I think the horses were a big hit in Malta as well, as a photo I took on the farm, got by far the most likes from all the pictures we posted on Facebook during our trip. Peter Borg – Lead guitarist The best thing about Cyprus was our visit to Academy 32 in Nicosia. It's a really impressive venue: intimate but really cool, and full of people who really love music. The place has a great atmosphere and I think that if I were living in Nicosia, I would be there every night, enjoying the food, the wine, and the live mu- sic. Being able to perform there was an experience I certainly won't forget in a hurry. Jonas Delicata – Guitarist There are plenty of fun things to do in Cyprus and the guys have already mentioned some of things we were able to do, even though we were only there for four days. I wouldn't say that there was one particular thing which I enjoyed the most. Every where we went people were really friendly and it was easy to relax and have fun. It's the kind of place that has something for everyone, whether you want to relax and take it easy, or are looking for adventure. Red Electrick 's visit to Cyprus was supported by Cyprus Tour- ism Organisation, and Cyprus Villages (w w w.cyprusvillages. com.cy), represented in Malta by Enrico Travel. Red Electrick entertaining patrons at Academy 32 wine-art bar, an extension of Cyprus Academy of Music in Nicosia A typical village in the Troodos Mountains Colourful graffiti art line a street in Limassol St Lazarus Church and museum with religious artefacts in Larnaca PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL CALLEJA - STUDIO KOnnECT POsT PROducTiOn BY AnD ALLEn VEnABLES