Saturday, December 6, 2008

Thessaloniki, Greece

In the last week of November, we made a short trip to Greece where Robin gave a talk on the US elections at the University of Macedonia. Thessaloniki is Greece's second largest city, in the northern part of the country. It is the main commercial port for many of the Balkan nations -- Bulgaria, Romania, FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) -- as well as Russia. Here we are on the roof of the White Tower where you can see the main port.
But the real charm of this town is shown in this photo. You stroll along among nondescript 1950s era architecture and suddenly there's a Roman or Ottoman ruin! This one is the Roman Agora or marketplace dating from about 250 AD. It was discovered in the early 1980s when townspeople were digging for the foundation for a new law court building. And the weather, food and people were all amazing. Imagine spanikopita for breakfast.

2 comments:

Christopher Wink said...

almost as historical as philly. glad you're getting around. spread our brotherly love.

Unknown said...

I am so impressed of your globetrotting (and am enjoying living vicariously through your journey). Hope you are well!