I have not been in Thessaloniki since, pre-covid. But I am so happy to have came back because now I remember how much I like this city.

Here is the “White Tower”, the symbol of Thessaloniki, the city on the bay.

I am a little further North here compared to most of my winter ramblings. In this first week of March it has been chilly, barely up to 60 degrees during the days. But green with signs of early early spring.

This is the second largest city in Greece, and probably my favorite. The total area of the city is huge, but the old town down around the seafront seems small and manageable. I think perhaps because the distance between the sea and where you see the top of the nearest hill is so small.

In the old town the market still is in operation and the surrounding area is crowded with shops and everywhere all types of good inexpensive restaurants. I say all types because one of the most delightful things about Thessaloniki is the legacy from all of the civilizations and cultures that have held the city over the centuries, and the immigration of peoples from other countries.

And the old town is very busy and lively, especially on the weekends.

This is not a truly ancient city, having been founded by the Macedonians in recorded history, but old, and the remains of the early times are everywhere throughout the city, some of it still being unearthed and under study.

There are also churches everywhere, mostly Eastern Roman, and most have been here for centuries.

Thessaloniki is, of course, a tourist destination. In fact, a huge cruise ship docked here just overnight. But here in the winter I found the numbers of tourists to be negligible compared to say Athens. I felt that I was among only locals all week.

I like to get out in the mornings in Thessaloniki and walk along the sea wall. Smelling the pine trees and the ocean.

It is a nice climb up to the top of the near hill, very steep and up say 900 feet to the old city walls.

But the climb is through some sad and scrappy neighborhoods. Coming in at about 17,000 dollars GDP per Cap, Thessaloniki is not rich and not poor. The old Roman road from Rome to Istanbul is now four lanes and lined with upscale shopping. But there are also empty storefronts and a few beggars and buskers around.

I took a nice “Food Tour” to help me get oriented. It was actually excellent, introducing me to things like cheeses and local wines and local ingredients concocted into delicious tastes ,, that I could not have discovered myself. And I was introduced to a number of very friendly foody type people. It was a great experience.

Of course I have been eating the wonderful salads and the fishes.

And just because I am typing, a note of travel information: I bought some drug store type supplies in a very nice market right downtown. Gone are the days when you have to pack up everything you might need for a month or two on the road. Globalization has made everything available almost everywhere.

And a reminder: As I usually do, I tracked down a wash-and-fold laundry using Google maps and got a huge pile of laundry done for 10 euros. That is about the price for two pairs of Sox in the Marriott.

And a factoid. I just last week learned so much about bees and honey. And it brought me to appreciate how important honey is in Greek culture. Not like religious, but important.

And that’s it. I am off to a lifetime new place: Georgia. Will check in from there.

Meanwhile, thanks for coming along.