At the end of 6th year of primary school we started preparing for the exam into Secondary School.

I wanted to go to the English School in Nicosia, but financially it wasn’t an option.

I studied hard and remember learning things which we never studied in school. Countries in Europe and their capitals, car makes, currencies, historical dates and famous people in history. Also religious holidays and the likes.

I did well in the exams and was selected amongst the top students from my village school for the B’ Gymnasium in the nearby town of Morfou.

One of my sisters had just graduated from the school and another was attending in her final year.

During my time at the B Gymnasium Morfou I was part of the philharmonic orchestra orchestra, playing the euphonium.

Our teacher and conductor was Mr Sozos, who was also a “psaltis” singing as part of the orthodox church service in the Archangel Michail church in Pano Zodhia.