Thessaloniki is a city located approximately 90 km from the “Pallini Beach” hotel on the Kassandra peninsula, where we stayed. In a rented “Focus” and along a relatively good road, you can get there in just an hour. In short, the northern capital of Greece can be described as a mix of cultures, both in architecture and on the streets. And the African nationalities add their own portion of color to this cocktail.
Parking a car in the city center on a Saturday is quite a quest. What was striking: everywhere there are “No Stopping” signs and duplicate signs with a picture of a tow truck, and under them a whole string of parked cars. Sometimes, they even park in a second row. At the same time, there are parking lots, but there is a steady queue of several cars at the entrance to them. In general, I had to do as everyone else and leave the car on the embankment under a sign warning of evacuation.
So, what is Thessaloniki?
It is a city by the sea, where you can see pleasure boats or boats standing at anchor in the middle of the water, and even pirate schooners where they offer free rides for a glass of juice or wine. In Thessaloniki, there are remnants of once-ancient architecture. For example, the White Tower is a Turkish structure for torture and executions, which, after the transition to Greek rule, was completely reconstructed and repainted. There is also its own triumphal arch, true, remaining from the time of the Roman Empire, and excavations of the Roman Forum. There is also the rotunda of St. George and even a monument in the image of Lenin.
And as befits tolerant Europe, you will definitely meet residents of the central part of Africa on the central streets of Thessaloniki. By the way, after talking with them, even the most tolerant tourist involuntarily thinks about the benefits of racism and apartheid policies.
Active tourists – not always for the good
The procedure for getting acquainted with them is the same. They approach and in decent English begin approximately the following speech: “Hello, my friend. I am from Togo (Ghana, Benin and other little-known countries of the African continent). I want to give you this bracelet as a sign of friendship (it costs 1 euro in stores). What do you mean how much does it cost? What money, are you serious? Everything is free. You are a friend. As a sign of friendship. Here, we are tying it now. Listen, could you help us as a sign of friendship? Only two euros. Don’t have any? How much do you have? What, nothing at all? Well, as a sign of friendship, even one euro. No? Okay, give me your hand, I’ll take the bracelet off.“
There is another option. They approach, hand out an advertising flyer and begin the speech: “Hello, friend. Do you like African music? Don’t know it? Well, come to the White Tower today, my friends and I are hosting an African music concert. It will be really cool there. Entrance? Of course, it’s free, you’re a friend. What money from friends? You’re giving me a hard time. Unless, it wouldn’t be difficult to help a little with the organization of the concert? Just a couple of euros. Don’t have any? Strange, you’re a tourist. Really without money? Ah, everything is on a payment card? Okay, give me the flyer back.“
Another so-called African right on Aristotelous Square persistently offered to buy an 11th iPhone for 250 euros, stealthily showing the packaging of the legendary mobile from a bag. The only salvation from these annoying individuals is to persistently repeat that you have no cash. And I didn’t notice any mobile terminals for accepting cards from them. In general, the more I get to know street blacks, the more I love dogs.
