This past week, myself and my fellow classmates spent our time exploring Northern Greece, known to its inhabitants and historically as Macedonia. We stayed in Thessaloniki for the week, and experienced a city that was considerably younger and more progressive than Athens, while also exploring ancient archaeological sites in and around the city.
Although I have come to love and call Athens my home, I enjoyed the different experience that Thessaloniki brought me. I had some of the best sea food of my life, experienced a city that exemplified a successful integration of public space and planning into a lively city. While exploring the newly rejuvenated waterfront, the boardwalk was full of people enjoying their nightly walk and the water, while the new public parks where saturated with young people hanging out and passing time. I felt that for the first time this weekend, I truly experienced the Mediterranean lifestyle and felt more relaxed than I had in a while. With spring break quickly approaching, I am anxious to explore more islands that share this similar feeling, and truly take advantage of this beautiful, sunny country.