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8) I found the train actually runs between Meteora and Thessaloniki: 3 hours and €15! The Greek didn't even know this! The bus ride is longer and more expensive. I nearly jumped for joy, because I've heard trains aren't running here. You could even get off at Olympus if you wanted along the way. Looking around, I realized I was the only Blondie on the train! This old lady dressed in all black (Orthodox) sat beside me. I swear I'm an old lady magnet. Except she was really nice! She didn't know English (German and Greek...darn me and my single language!) but we probably had a 15 min conversation. I established that she is 74, a Christian, where Olympia was and where she lives. I brought out my map and showed her where I've been. At the end I said the only word I know: "thank you," which won a big smile!
Arriving in Thessaloniki, I found it is much more industrial than other places I have been in Greece. It is well-liked for its youth life. I met Ilias, a local. He helped me go through the process of buying a new camera (mine broke in Santorini when it fell off a ledge trying to do a group self-timed picture :'( I loved my PINK Canon! Have been using only my iPhone), showed me around and we went for a frozen coffee with his friends. I love seeing things through the eyes of a local! He informed me that I chose the best/worst weekend to come. It was Thessaloniki's annual fair and many government personnel were returning from holidays, so the public sector was "rioting" to protest against another tax raise. The news definitely blows things out of proportion. It was only in a couple of blocks and not violent. I learned and understand more now about the economic situation in Greece.
The cool thing about dining in Thessaloniki: you get free water, bread and dessert with meals! I caught the sunset at a little port. I have never seen so many brides in one place!
9). I went for a run along the port in the morning; Ilias led the way on his bike! After, he took me for a spin on his motorbike to see the Archaeological and Byzantine museums. I love seeing ancient artifacts - this archaeological museum focused mostly on tomb treasures. I cannot believe the creativity and detail that went into making beautiful jewellery! People were buried with their treasures - it's neat find out their stories from their possessions. I went up to the Byzantine castle to watch the sun set over Thessaloniki; the port and a hazy Olympia in view.
Later, Ilias showed me around the port and center. Even though Thessaloniki is industrial, I can see why people love the life. It's amazing to see all of the Greeks out on a Sunday night at midnight - no matter what the age or their "genre". They all gather in bars, restaurants and on the port in groups to socialize over a drink, not several. I wish North American culture was more like this. You don't see youth sitting and laughing together for hours without all of their noses buried in their technological gadgets or having to feel like they need to drink to have fun. I think I will have a tough time returning home for this reason and the fact that I won't hear different languages everywhere I turn and constantly meet unique people and cultures. Something I have learned while in Europe - not to walk, but to stroll. Try it sometime :)
I was also depressed to learn that moussaka and baclava are actually Turkish and frozen yogurt is not actually Greek!
I flew out to Budapest! I didn't check my backpack and made it look like a duffel bag! It is much heavier than it looks!
Sending all my love,
Larae
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auntie char me thinks you belong in europe! have fun with dana when you two meet up.