Welcome to my corner of the Mediterranean

My name is Norma Abdul Karim Asmar and I am an independent Lebanese Cypriot journalist, taking the island as my home since almost three decades now and sharing my journey with you at the crossroads of cultures.

Born and raised in the Levant, and now living with my family on this beautiful Mediterranean island, I write everyday stories about the beautiful discoveries and cultural threads that weave our region, from across the sea.

Storytelling, whether in the form of professional reportage or personal travelogue, is as second nature to me. In fact, it was journalism that brought me to Cyprus to join a renowned international agency. Covering Cypriot affairs, I was present to report on some of the most important moments in the island’s history, including entry into the European Union in 2004, and the opening of the checkpoints in Nicosia, the world’s last divided capital. Along the way, I heard many touching, very human stories - tales of both hope and tragedy from people from all walks of life. “Norma mou” (“My Norma”) became my name, and “filakia” (“kisses”) the perennial expression of warmth and welcome, was all i heard.

The land of my birth, meanwhile, is only a short flight across the sea from Cyprus, and so, at different times each year, I will head back, to reconnect with my roots. Over the years, celebrating Christmas, Easter or on summer breaks to Beirut, I discovered many similarities between Lebanon and Cyprus. Countries bound by geography and separated by the sea: brought close through the bonds of religion, family values and social customs. Two resilient Mediterranean neighbors, with enduring colonial histories. Each blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, thanks to their coasts, vineyards and olive groves, their forests and holy sanctuaries. Each a place where hospitality and celebration thrive - and attachment to the land and waters is an unshakeable way of life.

Living at this confluence of history, culture and conviviality, here, I share with you my stories of inspiration, hope, success and joie de vivre.

Welcome to my corner of the Mediterranean!

Kalós órises!

Ahlan w Sahlan!