Safety in Thessaloniki, Greece What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
We had ATL month in Thessaloniki and stayed at Jason’s Place. We worked at the refugee center that is run by the same people who own the hostel. We had one issue with a specific refugee from the center, but it was resolved quickly, and beyond that never felt unsafe. Just be aware of your surroundings and keep the doors of your lodging locked at all times.
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Thessaloniki, Greece Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
We did ATL this month and it was a wonderful place to be. We worked at the refugee center, taught English at the church, and just interacted with locals wherever the Lord led us each day. We had a blast. The people of Greece are wonderful.
We worked at the border assisting with the refugee crisis 5 days a week with another team, We typically worked separate shifts, ranging from 5-12 hours per day. The camp started to take more order and form as the days went on, and our teams managed the clothing distribution tent.
During our time here, we were serving at the Greece/Macedonia border with the refugees. It was about an hour drive there and back. We were driven in a van that fit 6 (could squeeze 8 when absolutely necessary) and a car that would fit 3-4 depending if Frank took his wife. Mike is the pastor and Frank works with him. At the border we would pass out clothes, sort clothes, pass out clothes, etc depending on what the need was that day. Usually it just depended on if we had a place to distribute (at some point the distribution tent became sleeping quarters).There are several organizations working alongside each other but not in a hierarchy so things were somewhat chaotic – just be ready to serve and go with the flow and it will be great! The people were incredible and we had a lot of great conversations with them. Mike gave us some new testaments in Arabic that we were able to pass out to some people we got to talk to.On Sundays we would attend church at 10:30. 2-3 people would help with the children ministry. The church is international so they had it translated from English to Greek.Mike is really great about letting you decide the schedule and giving you off days. We worked on two different schedules during our time there – some days we had two shifts 8-4 and 4-12 and then when things were too hectic at night we switched to everyone from 9-5 or 9-7 and sometimes 12-8 depending on the transportation availabilities.
Lodging
Lodging in Thessaloniki, Greece Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
People’s Opinions
The rates below were per person!
Our team stayed at Jason’s place – the hostel through the church we were partnering with. The hostel is in the city centre and a great location! The church is just across the street and behind a building, the octagon is just a 10 minute walk away, and the water/boardwalk is just about 10 minutes away. At the hostel there are two toilets and two showers but the shower in the girls room doesn’t work all that well so we just used the boys. There is a room with 9 twin beds and three other rooms with 1-3. We put all the girls in the big room and the boys in the other. There is also a prayer room and an overflow room – other people from the church have access to the prayer room though so be careful not to leave valuables there. There is a kitchen and a washer.
The rates aren’t per night but for about 3 weeks we paid 104 euros. For the full month it would have been 120 euros.
Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Thessaloniki, Greece What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
The food in Thessaloniki is great! First, be sure to get a gyro with tzatziki. And definitely get a triangle for dessert. They’re triangle-shaped phyllo dough pastries stuffed with sweet cream.For coffee, try Tom’s Flagship store, Blue Cup, and Fabrika. None are cheap, but they’re delicious, especially Blue Cup. Also, go prices are typically listed as to-go prices and they’re much cheaper than sit down prices, so don’t be tricked by that.One of our favorites was Blé! They had desserts that were like art, and you can get them for 1-2€. They also had an amazing lunch. If you like healthy food, try Join Juice Bar. They had delicious salads, juices, smoothies, and Greek yogurt bowls.All of the food in Greece is fresh and delicious! Get lots of fruit and vegetables while they’re available.
High School Pizza bar is as good as it gets! It’s outside of budget, but if you want to spoil yourself go there and get the “Spicy” pizza. It’s down by the water. They have a Facebook page of you need help finding it.
If you are in the area, try Prytanio (Facebook: toprytanio). The owners were so sweet to us and the food and wine was delicious! It’s not the cheepst on the street, but for the type of meal, it’s a good price. The owners also found out we were missionaries and gave us free dessert! (There were 8 of us!)
Transportation
Transportation in Thessaloniki, Greece What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
For a trip from Thessaloniki to Sofia we (logistics team) used “Arda Tur” for 20 euro per person.We would HIGHLY recommend this bus company for future teams. They passed out snacks, coffee, drinks & headphones during the trip. It was a newer bus and the staff was pretty friendly.The office is across the street from the train station next to the coffee shop.
We traveled from Lesvos to Athens on the ferry and took a private bus from Athens to Thessaloniki. Another option is the train. The train station is a very close walk to the hostel.Inside the city, we walked everyone. To the border we took a car and a van and compensated Frank and Mike for the gas.Leaving Thessaloniki we were headed to Macedonia: there were bus and train options. Mike and his wife also have a contact for a private bus depending on how many people are traveling together. The train is cheaper and close, if the times work out.
Medical
Medical in Thessaloniki, Greece Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
If you need any prescriptions, you can get basically anything you’d need from any pharmacy, but without a prescription. Just tell them the active ingredient and they can find it for you. It saves so much money, especially compared to what you’d pay in the states!
Communication
Communication in Thessaloniki, Greece Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
We used Vodaphone as well, but communication was much easier through WhatsApp, and was actually preferred by many locals.
One more thing, I forgot to mention that the country code is not necessary when making calls within Greece.
Also, there was no texting so if you would like to text your homies, clarify that pre-purchase.
Country Code: +30We used Vodaphone, and it worked great. Cell service is spotty at the camps, but I don’t think that is exclusive for Vodaphone carriers.The SIM cards cost us $6 and included 300 minutes.
Financial
Financial in Thessaloniki, Greece Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
People’s Opinions
Most places take credit cards, including taxis. There are ATMs and exchange places everywhere. Beware of personal money, as things get expensive fast.
Translators
Translators in Thessaloniki, Greece List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
People’s Opinions
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Thessaloniki, Greece What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
A few of us went to Athens for the weekend. It was amazing! We took the night train from Thessaloniki (28 euro round trip). The night train leaves at 11pm. We got an AirBnB ($100 total for two nights).-The metro is easy to use– Get the 30 euro pass for the archaeological sites (this includes theParthenon, and a bunch of other sites. Definitely worth it. Go to the OlympianZeus Temple)-The Acropolis Museum is a must -The Panahetic Stadium is also a great place to go. One of our favorites-Bring your student ID! All the sites, stadiums and museums are half price witha student ID. They let our friend just use a picture of hers. So if you didn’tbring it on the race, have your parents take a picture for you.-A for Athens, is a bar/restaurant/cafe. Pricey, but the view is worth it.-In the main square there is a Frozen Greek yogurt place (Under the A for Athens). It is a must. The best frozen yogurt that I have ever had in my entire life.This was written by a history teacher, so if you don’t like history ….well, you may not find all of it so interesting.
A few of us went to Mt. Olympus to hike and it was FANTASTIC! A train takes you from Thessaloniki to Litochoro (sounds like Litoro) for 9 Euros (there may or may not be a discount for people under 26). Don’t miss your stop! From the train station, you can get a taxi to Prionia for around $35. From there it is a 3 hour hike to Refuge A. Once there, you have a couple different options on what to do. Our group took trail E4 to the summit of Skala, the second highest peak. Refuges are open from May to October, otherwise you can camp in your brand spankin’ new worldrace tent!
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Thessaloniki, Greece Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
If you’re looking for a church, try Zoe church. It was started by the A21 organization. I’m not sure of the church name, but you could also contact Jason’s Place about their church. They had a great service that was in English and Greek, plus the people were from all over the world. They do amazing work with refugees in the area.
Tips
People’s Opinions
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Additional Info
Additional Info in Thessaloniki, Greece Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?