Zeuxidos

Probably named after the Greek painter Zeuxis, Zeuxidos is one of the most popular streets of Thessaloníki. A meeting spot for hundreds and hundreds of people, most of whom are students. Some would say that the fancy cafes which are located there, made this place so unique. But I am afraid this is not the true reason.

You see, there is an old tradition in Greece, where summers believe me are extremely hot, to host leisure activities  around sycamores. Yes, this perennial trees are the symbol of gathering and newer generations follow this tradition instinctively.

Have a great weekend friends. This sweet boy wants to say a "Hello''.

Happy dogs

While i was wandering around a remote beach, about 20 kilometers away from home, thinking how strangely isolated the place was, a happy bunch of noisy dogs came to break the silence. Few miles away, their owner appeared in the distance.

Now the scenery had been completed, cause beauty can't stand alone for long...

Ok yeah I'll tell you, we are at Epanomi, a coastal village in eastern Thessaloniki.

It's all about the sea

 

It's always about the sea, either you look straight into the blue, or you turn your head to the other side.

Leaving in a coastal city seams that everybody is attached to the sea. 

But has it been always like that?

The answer is, no. 

Citizens of Thessaloniki were not aficionados of the water in the past. 

Strange right? 

Not so strange if we take a look back in the history.

See that tall stone tower in the picture? 

This building used to be a prison during the days of Turkish occupation. 

Countless people till 1912 had been tortured and killed inside those heavy walls.

Moreover citizens were not able to see the sea at all. 

A gigantic fortress was running along the coast, isolating the city from the rest world.

Just during the past few decades locals managed to redefine their relationship with the water.

And believe me, despite of all the past traumas, this part of the planet is really peaceful.

You will never see those waters angry no matter how bad the weather is.

Only the fog will blur your sight during the rainy days...

My come back

The essential break, a halt between actions and decisions. Mostly a need to gather my thoughts and my moves.

This blog started as a tour of my home city Thessaloniki but my need for expression goes farther than that. Some difficulties with the English language and some serious health issues made me stick to my basic Greek blog andromeda my galaxy, but know i feel much more confident to make a come back.

Touring will be always my jumping-off point but this time the most important for me will be the journey in daily urban life. Thoughts, feelings and impressions.

I may not had the chance to know you better until now, but somehow i feel i will have this honor in time.

Well any contribution with the language will be greeted!

The beautiful  sunwashed house is a souvenir from another pretty city of Greece, Halkida.