Thessaloniki Greece Part 2 of 2

 

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 2 of 2. 

Welcome back to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I recently returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. 

This episode covers driving and navigating at the same time, Thessoloniki, Greece, and my mistakes of not hydrating enough in Greece.

The FAQ is: "I need help finding my way while driving." What advice can you provide me as I try to navigate while I drive?

Answer: Here are three driving safety tips you can use right away.

1. Mount your phone securely at eye level
   
   

• Use a dashboard or windshield mount to reduce the number of glances away from the road.
  
  

• Avoid holding your phone in your hand — it’s both unsafe and illegal in many places.
  
  

2. Reduce windshield glare
   
   

• Clean your windshield (inside and out) and dim your dashboard lights slightly.
  
  

• This helps your eyes adjust better to the darkness outside.
  
  

3. Enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving”
   
   

• Stops texts or notifications from popping up on your screen, reducing distractions.

 

60-second confidence challenge

Your challenge today  Confidence Challenge in navigation and driving

If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into how to manage driving while navigating and on-the-go traveling as a solo woman, while moving through the 5 steps to solo travel, from easy to more challenging, with foreign language communication tips.

. You can find the series at the link in the description. 

 

See Book A for addressing this concern.. 

Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series.

Today's destination is Thessaloniki, Greece Part 2 of 2

 

 Fire, Faith, Markets, and Movement

 

Friday morning, I took the metro to the end of the line. It stopped. I went back. Stopped again in Fleming. Eventually, I  reached the sea.

The bus systems don’t work all of the time, One time I waited a long time and the driver never came back. but the subways were great. They were new and very clean.

What did I discover? I took some walks and here’s what I found: 

Rowing clubs. Children learning to sail. No swimming. 

Greek dancing is communal. Simple patterns. Everyone joins. I’ll share more about that in my mistakes.

Are you willing to look awkward for joy?

 

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Roman Forum & Aristotle Square

Near my hostel, Zeus is Loose, sits the Roman Forum — excavated layers of ancient civic life. Agora. Theatre. Public debate.

Aristotle Square is today’s meeting place — wide, open, social.

This is the social heart of Thessaloniki.

Wide, open, facing the sea — it’s where:

• Locals meet friends
  
  

• Travelers people-watch
  
  

• Evening strolls begin
  
  

Grab a coffee, sit under the arcades, and observe. In Greece, public life is not rushed. If you expect efficiency, you’ll be frustrated. If you expect rhythm, you’ll enjoy it.

 

But the city remembers trauma. Wooden homes burned, and with them a large portion of the Jewish quarter. In 1942, Jewish residents were deported to concentration camps, including Auschwitz. A once-thriving community was nearly erased.

Ano Poli survived the Great Fire of 1917, so you’ll see:

• Red-roofed traditional houses
  
  

• Ottoman-era architecture
  
  

• Stone city walls with sweeping views
  
  

Climb in the late afternoon when it’s cooler. The hills are real. Wear solid shoes.

 

Kapani Market,  once near a synagogue, is now a bustling local market. Locals shop here. 

The White Tower sits right on the waterfront promenade and offers:

• A small museum inside with Thessaloniki’s layered history
  
  

• An 8-story climb (slow and steady wins)
  
  

• 360-degree views over the sea and city
  
  

If you only have one hour in town, this is the postcard moment. Go earlier in the day in summer — the heat builds quickly.

History isn’t distant here. It’s layered under your feet.

Thessaloniki is not flashy like Santorini. It is thoughtful. Complicated. Weathered.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Expect slow pacing — culturally and logistically.

• Sunday closures are normal.

• Nightlife starts late.

• English is spoken in tourism, but not everywhere.

• History here is heavy — especially Jewish history.

• Stay flexible. Plans will shift.

My missteps: Travel Mistakes in Greece: I was afraid to let loose and dance.

 

Our tour ended at the seashore. I was asked to join the dance. I waited almost until the music ended to dance. I should have started from the beginning and had a great time. Don’t miss out on dancing, even if you are afraid to look silly.

 

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