Our first train journey of our trip sped us through the countryside between Athens and Thessonaliki in four hours.
Our speedy journey from city to city was motivated by the opportunity to see some friendly faces….
There was Uncle Vassos – The ’host’ of our eponymous and tastefully restored old Greek apartment in the centre, highly recommend.
But mostly the pull was these guys…… The Bullmores – Simon and Candice!!!
It was such a treat to have a weekend interlude from Simon and Candice with much frivolity….
Thessonaliki was the birth place of Ataturk, the Father of Turkey, and was the base of the Young Turk revolution that led to the fall of the Ottomans. During the Ottoman rule it was one of the empire’s most dynamic and multi-ethic cities, filled with intellects and entrepreneurs. It was also home to the largest Jewish community in the world following Spain’s expulsion of Muslims and Jews at the end of the 15th century. All of this means (amongst other things) interesting food and as a result Thessonaliki has some of the best restaurants in Greece.
Our finest meal was at Mourga, a seafood restaurant recommended to us by some Athenians. everything was exceptional, from service to food, wine to ambience – a very happy long lunch was had.
Now it was Saturday night and luckily for us one of the greatest night in the European calendar – Eurovision. After a rambunctious night on Friday, an evening of souvlakis, light drinking games, Graham Norton and spectacular entertainment was the perfect night in. Also the UK nearly won! Bonkers – thankfully we didn’t though and Ukraine won thanks to the public. If only the worlds problems could be resolved with singing, sparkly sequins, strobe lighting and glorious idiosyncrasies? The world would certainly be a happier one. We reckon we are not alone in this thinking, and perhaps that is why Eurovision seems to be getting better each year?
Anyway – our hands down favourite and winner of our votes was………
SERBIA!!!!!! Also recommend the video for the original 12 minute track, which unfortunately had to get shortened for Eurovision. Turns out Konstrakta sees herself more as a artist like Marina Abromavić (also Serbian) – there are about half a dozen different meanings of this song, all politically aligned and finger-wagging at the government. She rocks and is loved in Serbia.
The perfect introduction to Serbia as Belgrade was our next destination.
