A few of my favorite things...

1. International Trade Fair: basically is exactly what it sounds like. Near the University, numerous businesses come and display their product or service. There were also games, samples, flyers, dancers from different countries, and much more. Janice and I met up with two other Pinewood Employees and had an absolutely great time! 

Trying out feta cheese... the large tins are full
of feta... straight... only in Greece!

Janice and I are standing by the trunk... this elephant was HUGE!!!

Although we did not participate, we thought these
pool hamster balls were so hilarious!

Dimitra and I... she is the 4th grade teacher and very fun! 

2 After the Trade Fair, we had dinner at a Traditional Greek restaurant that Stephanie recommended. It was delicious! Then we went on a night time boat ride around the city... IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Also was the first time I had been off of the land since arriving in Thessaloniki. 

Janice and I about to board the boat... "One Love" was the
name of the ship, and Yes, Bob Marley was the music of
choice as we cruised around the Thermaikos Gulf!

Night Time view of the city from the water.
 Blurry picture, but beautiful!

Stephanie (The Receptionist at Pinewoods), Myself,
and Janice on the boat!

3. Today, Janice and I walked passed a fruit stand, and I purchased 4 figs to take home- fruit and veggies here are absolutely amazing!!! They are plump and boldly colored. The nectarines, peaches, tomatoes, and figs are some of the best I have ever tasted. The man working the stand busted one of the figs open, gave me half to try, and ate the other half himself... it was very fun to sample the fruits I purchased and he even threw in an extra one... YUM!

4. Shoes, ShoeS, and more SHOES! Many of the windows that line the streets of downtown are filled with shoes... some are practical, but others are unique pieces of art. Here is the pair I bought today...

5. During the late afternoon, most cafes are filled with individuals sipping on all types of coffee/expresso drinks. I like to partake in "coffee break time" and have found a fond affection for expressos that come in the tiny espresso cups. Today though, I ventured out and tried a Cappuccino... Wow... will be having another one soon... so much foam!

6. JUMBO! This is a very large children's store located near our school and right outside the city. It reminded me a Toys-R-Us meets Walmart... and it is jumbo (as the name suggests). Some of the items in this store just struck me as hilarious or in a category all their own. (The teacher Janice observes took us here Thursday afternoon... Thanks Mrs. Cost for the fun excursion) 

Only in Europe would ash trays be sold in a children's toy store... and
in many different colors!

Many odd toys to say the least... this is a dragon/dog animal
 that squeaked... and the balls in the bin behind have jingle bells in them.
Not sure what I would do with either.
(I am making a Dad face here:) 

Yes... we placed or items from JUMBO in a jumbo
bag... seemed very appropriate:) 

Coming and Going

In order to get to Pinewoods, the school that is now a new home for me, Janice and I take a chartered bus. It is about an hour ride both there and back, and yes we ride it with the kids that attend Pinewoods. The elementary students sit in the front, and as usual, the older and "cooler" students get to ride in the back. Because Janice and I teach the younger students, we decided to ride in the back and get to know the other kids. Now, these rides to school always make me think of The Little Engine That Could. The hills are very steep, and as the old bus motors up the San Francisco-like inclines, it seems to loose momentum the further up it goes- until finally, it reaches the peak and we all take a sigh of relief. Then comes a large downward slope... and the anxiety kicks in again. 


But, today was especially interesting. When I left the school to find the bus I take home, I noticed that our bus was no longer the rickety bus we rode in that morning... it was a DOUBLE DECKER! While I have been on one before, this trip was just especially fun. This time the young passengers sat on the first level with the bus monitor, and all the older and, again, more "cool" kids sat up top. Janice and I went to the top to ride the way home from a different perspective, and of course to hang out with the older students. Thessaloniki is just beautiful! Every time we round a corner, although it was still frightening, the view of the mountains, sprinkled with white, roofed homes, and the Thermikos Gulf just off in the distance made me want to freeze time... or at least stop the bus to get a better view. The older students also add a lively flair to the bus and always make it more exciting. Today we debated what state in the US is better and got the rundown on a few of the famous, local Greek singers. Yes they make fun of our accents... but we always laugh so much that our stop for home often arrives too early! Who ever thought bus rides could be so interesting and fun!

It is usually better to chat with the students or listen to music in order to pass the time, and keep from focusing on the frightening trek through the city. I have listened to "Unmeasured Strength" by Lauren Manning; the story of a 9/11 survivor. It was a great audiobook and I would recommend it to anyone!