Donkey Sunday - Thessaloniki

Got a slow start today. The added hour was welcome but sunset was at 530p

After a lite version of breakfast I started to do some organizing and repacking. Then I headed out to explore the more ancient parts of Thessaloniki.

(I should note there was a pro- Palestinian March near the hotel which I avoided. It was loud but not big)

Much like Rome, the ancient sites are mixed in with everyday sites. One site suggested that much of ancient Thessaloniki is buried under the current city.

The first site is called the rotunda and it seems like a version of the Pantheon. A huge round structure with a dome roof. It isn't know what it was built for originally but it has been a church and a mosque. There were a lot of mosaics still intact.

In addition to the rotunda, there was an ancient gate and the ruins of a palace. The whole thing was connected to the sea and there is still a green avenue as a reminder. The other big site was a Greek Orthodox cathedral. Just as severe as those seen elsewhere.

I treated myself to a freddo espresso at a cafe where I may have been the only tourist. I must say it was nice. But I'm still not sure how people linger for hours over a shot of espresso.

And then I made my way to a quirky cafe - Donkey Garden - for pretty regular brunch menu. It was filled with college students and it was decorated for Halloween which I haven't seen.

I had a buckwheat pancake with mushrooms, asparagus, pancetta and an egg. It was tasty.

Dinner was a bit of a dine around. Glass of wine for sunset. Swordfish carpaccio -with cherry jam - for starter at a posh seafood restaurant. Next door to a Greek deli for minced meat stuffed onions and mixed meat tomato and cheese. (And a nice sampler of Greek potato salad which I forgot existed)