Well I have been in Thessaloniki for three weeks now. Time for some initial thoughts - so here are 10 random impressions:
1. 99% of the architecture is appalling
2. 99% of the people are wonderful
3. I can understand about 1% of a Greek conversation
4. Greek coffee is good. Nescafe is not
5. EVERYONE will discuss EVERYTHING with me. It does not matter what the circumstances are, they will stop what they are doing and tell me about the Crisis, their views about England, and their sex life!
6. Young people are much more interesting here than in the UK. They are well-informed, not shy, proud of their country and don't get drunk.
7. The bus service in Thessaloniki is wonderful (and cheap)
8. Greece provide one with the most extraordinary mixture of chaos and relaxation.
9. Where are all the old people? In the UK restaurants are full of the 60+ generation - perhaps people don't live very long here - HELP!
10. The traffic still comes at me from the wrong direction when I cross the road - perhaps this will change in time?

Gordon Hall is a Writer and Philhellene.