Laurlyn23

[font=Arial] Hey all!

I'm new to this board/site, so if my post is totally random, sorry...

I'm considering living in Thessaloniki, Greece for a month this summer thru an internship abroad program thru my university... I'm told Greece is very safe but I would love to hear for from anybody who has been there, especially if you have ever been to Thessaloniki. It's the second largest city in Greece, yet no one seems to know a thing about it!

Also, any good places to go outside of Greece that aren't too far for weekend excursions?

juliagulia

well first off, let me be the first to welcome you to the boards!!!!!!!

I haven't been to Greece, but I've only heard good things about it. The only crazy things I've heard of it are from when the Olympics were held there, but I don't think you'll be in a similiar situation...

Then again, I've never heard of the city you're going to, so maybe I
m not the best source. Anyhow, have fun and welcome again!

__________________
Reminiscing about: Brazil, Canada, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Portugal, The Netherlands, USA

Living In: Belfast, Northern Ireland


Next up!

Poland (February!)

kingcrazylegs

Sounds like an awesome opportunity - GO FOR IT! The Med. area is realtively safe.

__________________

all that is not given is lost

worldwidemike

Yeah, Greece is fine for safety...so I say go for it, as well. I think the experience of living there for a month will far outshine what the average tourist gets to see and do, so I highly recommend it.

Thessaloniki is in the north of Greece, so perhaps you can take advantage of that and do some day trips to surrounding countries. Bulgaria is great...I particularly enjoyed the towns of Plovdiv and Veliko Turnovo. Even Sofia is cool for a day or two, and you can check out some of the nearby monasteries.

However, there is SOOOOOOOOO much to see and do in Greece itself. All that history, all those islands, I recommend getting a Fodors guidebook (for the sights) and see what strikes your fancy. You won't be too far away from the Monasteries of Meteora, so I say hit them up if this pic interests you...

Good luck...and feel free to post more questions!

worldwidemike

__________________
Check out my travel web page at:
Worldwidemike.com
"Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take, but by the places that take our breath away..."

florencia9699

Oh My!!! WWM: that is such an amazing photograph!!!! Man!! why did we miss that while we were over there!?!?!! Now I have a reason to go back...

And Laurlyn.. welcome!!

__________________
Been to: Argentina, Chile, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt. Greece, Turkey, England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, USA, Mexico, Spain, Monaco, Czech Republic, Ireland and Uruguay.

Next trip: Still pondering the possibilities for January 2009... * OH THE MYSTERY!! *

The travel bug is insatiable

worldwidemike

-- thanks, flo! Yeah, when I first saw those giant granite peaks and the monasteries perched on top, I knew it'd be a sight I'd remember for the rest of my days.

I have a big enlargement of that photo hanging on the wall of my living room at my house....

worldwidemike

__________________
Check out my travel web page at:
Worldwidemike.com
"Life is not measured in the number of breaths we take, but by the places that take our breath away..."

Laurlyn23

Thanks so much everyone for your input and welcomes! :-) Mike, that pic is beautiful! I'll definitely try to check it out on a free weekend.

I'm turning in my app at the end of the week and I won't know until Feb. if I got accepted or not! But I'm sure I'll be around on the boards, I love hearing about everyones trips... it makes me want to do some 'splorin after my (potential) time in Greece!

I'm thinking Italy... going back to the roots ;-) But the eastern countries sound like fun too, I'll have to check out the cities you guys recommended... decisions decisions!

Lauren