It takes time... — 2 years ago
...to get used to living here.
I lived in Thessaloniki for 16 months. Looking back on it now, it was 16 really great months. I was surrounded by tremendously kind people—my friends there to my landlord to the guy who made me lunch everyday at the jobsite. I miss Saloniki nowadays.
The city is nothing special to look at. In fact, many times it’s ugly and disgusting, but it grows on you. There’s something unique about it that imbeds itself in you. Maybe it’s the food, because there’s just too many good restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. The city doesn’t just give up to you easily what it has to offer. You’ve really got to search it out and find it. You’re there and you know you’re seeing Greece.
The city does suffer tremendously from a lack of urban planning as there is not nearly enough parking, and an extensive metro system is BADLY BADLY needed. The air quality is horrible, and getting used to the people and their attitude takes some patience. Still, this place could re-emerge as an epicenter for culture and technology and youth and vibrance if ever the Greek govt will pay attention and allow itself to grow.
