Day 18 Kalambaka - Thessaloniki

Two trains to get to Thessaloniki but what a sensory impact this city has !
Very byzantine feel, chaotic but get off the main Via Egnatia and its quiet but interesting.
The Blue Bottle Hotel staff were lovely - free cappuccino, croissant and water for 20 mins while room cleaning was being finished.
Explored down to the main square onto waterfront and into the street markets. Cafes galore, sweet shops galore.
Joined the “free” walking tour of the upper town (ano poli) at 6pm meeting at Profit Ilias. Giorgos was a great talker and historian and musican but he didnt really show much. Nevertheless the Profit Ilias was great (why did he not even mention it?) and we walked to the acropolus of the town which i wouldnt have done for great views. Past the church of St David with amazing mosaic as evidenced by the picture he showed us (poor marketing to me). He played us two rembetika songs on bouzouki also. Noted some street signs show distance, minutes to walk and calaries you will burn.
Long walk home so dinner at Extravaganza - pea risotto with greek rose and yum Samos vin doux.Read more