Hi, Nick! We did learn a lot of the history before and during our visit to Cyprus. It’s a very difficult history to put into words (at least in a short blog post about hiking). But our Cypriot friends who grew up in the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus referred to it as the “Greek side” and “Turkish side,” so we did, too. We always try to be sensitive to delicate political and cultural issue, but can’t always find the words to fully paint the picture as non-historians. Indeed, there’s a lot of traumatic history there (as in many places), and we appreciate readers pointing that out and helping others understand.

Glad you found it useful! Honestly, this trip feels so long ago that I don’t remember, but I think it was just the last section of the trail we were on!

Great question. Most tips on cheap and expensive trekking poles are some sort of durable metal material and are fairly similar in design. And most poles will come with various accessories, including rubber “shoes” that tend to be my favorite option for hiking on rocks so you don’t hear a constant clicking and tapping sound every time you plant your poles. Hope that helps!

@SL, mine felt stiff at first, and after a longer hike, the shorter foot slipped at the heel and rubbed, threatening to create a blister. However, the shoes became less stiff and I recognized that I needed a smaller size on that foot, the size I always used to buy before i went to zero drop foot shaped shoes. For now, I just put a bandaid on that heel before socks and shoes. I can put a heel pad too, but I haven’t bothered so far. Granted a half size larger in my Lone Peak 6s hugged both heels softly without any slipping or blisters. I intend to buy half size smaller next time and see how that works. If they are too short on my longer foot, I may take advantage of the two-pair deal with a doc’s letter indicating I need two different sizes and then donate the other mismatched size pair. It’s twice what I usually pay since I try to buy on discount, but the shoes have been great for me so it’s worth it. I’d buy more if they cost less, but the health and comfort benefit is worth every penny.

I don’t think I will ever go back either!

I want from a 6 to a 7 (both in size 10), and the 7 feels too loose on my foot.