Once car theft was seen as a crime which happened in other countries - you know what’s coming next:

“I remember Cyprus in the olden days when you could leave the keys in the car, the front door open and money on the kitchen sideboard…”

Experts tell us that Cyprus is set to become one of Europe’s most densely populated nations within two generations, driven by immigration and an ageing society.

Before my comments start a small world war, I must point out I am a dog lover. My happy little Bishon- Fries “Mr Chas” is the undisputed king of the Morley household.

His every whim is my command, we are companions and friends.

When I’m in Finland or Germany, I am always struck by the almost impeccable road democracy. There is space for all people — motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and cars.

Traffic lights are synchronised and work all the time, motorways run efficiently and rarely does one see traffic police on the roads.

There is road democracy when all users have their secure space on the roads, free from lunatics on mobile phones, couples arguing or getting caught behind dangerous old bangers struggling to hit the 60 kilometer mark.

Sound familiar?

Digital newspaper archives have become a constant source of fascination for me lately, with my credit card burning up subscriptions to several sites offering a glimpse into the past for as little as a tenner a month.

Whilst browsing a few old American newspapers, I noticed a selection of seemingly random letters that had been written by residents of Cyprus between 1920 -1975.