HaaaLaaaRaaaaa, you are in Thessaloniki...

HaaLaaRaaa, that was the first word I learned in Thessaloniki... actually it is not just a word, it is like a concept, principle how the things are going on there...

 ...you are a student? ...willing to travel during the night?  If answer is Yes, you are lucky one traveler, becauseeee this is the cheapest way to come from point A to point B in Greece :)

...as lucky travelers, we took midnight train from Athens to Thessaloniki [15euros economy class, 21euros business class, (yes, you can get student discount for business class :D)]

...however, after almost 7 hours of traveling we came to Thessaloniki, and of course it was time for "morning cafe"  ...what better place for cafe there then Aristotelous Square... 

After morning cafe, it was perfect time for breakfast...so we went outside of center where our dear friend hosted us (Efharistoooo Olga for breakfast and to Sia & Vivian for accommodation :))
...as you can see, Architecture there is really influences by Byzantine & Ottoman empire (more about history), totally different then Athens. [*Oh, one important tip, buy daily ticket, it cost only 1 euro and you can travel all around 24 hours... :)] ...try to guess what we done after breakfast?!? Cafe time :)))) then Shopping time:)))) then lunch time :)))) and then cafe time (again) all that in Halara style; relax, we have time... ("pe minuti")

I bet that people from Croatia see similarities with Split...  :))))


Thessaloniki (Saloniki, Salonica or Solun) is second biggest city in Greece, population is almost 1 ooo ooo, out of that 11o ooo are students ... so beside being important transportation hub it is also known as student city and religious center. The most famous Thessalonians are Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (founder and first president of Turkey) and Cicero (non-native). Some of  twin cities are: Alexandria (Egypt), Bratislava (Slovakia), Kolkata (India), Bologna (Italy), Cologne & Leipzig (Germany). etc.

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is a monument and museum on the waterfront of the city. Originally constructed by the Ottomans to fortify the city's harbor, it became a notorious prison and scene of mass executions during the period of Ottoman rule. It was substantially remodeled and its exterior was whitewashed after Greece gained control of the city in 1912. It has been adopted as the symbol of the city.

Actually, the reason why I went there was Youth Generation Forum, project of AIESEC in Greece with three events organized in Athens, Chios & Thessaloniki.  The event was taking place as to activate youth people and show them ways as how they can achieve impact in their everyday life. It was an event full of interaction and interesting workshops where participants could explore their leadership potential, see our world, put their ideas into action!!!

Till next post, Gia sou!!!  :)