An Expat Talks about Living in Thessaloniki, Greece

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Thessaloniki

How long have you lived there?

17 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

Thessaloniki, being a cultural city.. has many nationalities mixed together.. Much more so than when I first arrived in Greece..

There are many groups/organizations here in Thess.

I.W.O.G. International Women`s Organization of Greece e-mail: [email protected] They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (not in summer) for coffee, networking & social activities.. yearly membership 35 euros or guest fee 5 euros ( this pays for your tea/coffee , cake/snack at the meetings )there is also a raffle & 2nd hand book store, all money raised goes to local charities...

T.O.W.E.R. ( Thessaloniki Organization for Women Employment & Resources ) Non for profit organization to help women ... It is not a job agency..!

web site: www.tower4women.gr
e-mail: [email protected]

During the first week of June, all the country specific clubs get together to raise money for local charities... with the International food festival , with over 30 countries taking part.. this year it will be held on Sunday 6th June at Aretzou plaza Krini , next to the beach...

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In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

As a general rule, peoples priorities here are work & family...

Well family comes first..

But Greeks in general are very sociable, if you make the effort to speak to your neighbors, especially if you have children you'll find them to be friendly..

Okay so some expats object to there neighbors interfering (as they see it ) Greeks will give you their opinion (whether asked for or not ) on everything from whether your child should be wearing a jacket or not, to what food your making that day ... I know nothing about sport, but my son informs me that there are 4 football teams for Thessaloniki..

1. PAOK

2. ARIS

3. IRAKLIS

4. APPOLON KALAMARIAS

Thessaloniki has a great variety of clubs, bars, tavernas & restaurants.. The last 5years or so has seen a change, with Indian, Chinese & Japanese restaurants opening.. We also have Mac Donald's, Pizza Hut and coming soon... Kentuky Fried Chicken...! So you won't get to home sick...

Night life generally doesn't get started til after 10pm.. So don't be surprised when your new friends ask you out for a drink at the time you'd usually be thinking of going to bed...

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Learn some Greek before you arrive..although, more & more people speak English, it will be appreciated by your new neighbors....

The other thing I'd suggest is.. network.. find, join, meet, make friends,with people already here .. have some type of support network in place before arriving..

You may need it, when whatever your trying to get done.. is being handled in only the way that Greeks know how..!

Good Luck..