Thursday, December 9, 2010

A little culture for the walk home

Thought you'd never see swing dancing in Greece?  Think again!

The Thessaloniki Film Festival is on this week, and the city is so alive.  All of the center is lit up with Christmas lights, people are strolling along the sea in their winter coats, and the movie posters are everywhere.  I always love this city, but this week it's at its finest.

As I walked home from a little Christmas shopping in Agias Sofias, I encountered a large crowd gathered around the front of the church.  I found a portable sound system playing music from the 40's and several couples swing dancing on the sidewalk.  I recognized their moves from the good 'ole days when I sparsely attended my university's swing dance club: it was the "Lindy Hop" they were doing, a unique style of swing with a lot of flair.  There was something about this moment, standing there in the square among strangers taking in this dance that makes you feel transported back in time.  It's moments like these when I'm glad I don't happen to have my camera on me; being unable to capture it made it more special.


Anyway, as they finished I was handed this little piece of paper (shown above) advertising a Christmas Swing Ball for this Saturday at 8:00.  It's being presented by Lindy Hop Greece and features 2 live bands and a Lithuanian DJ (why not?).  Too bad I won't be here or I'd totally go!

I'll be out of commission for the next few weeks as I take some time at home with my loved ones.  I'll be back in early January, so meanwhile my friend Tony will be updating you on the city.  Until then!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Yo quiero...

This just in:


TACO BELL

Athens Metro Mall

That is all.  Now excuse me while I go dance through the streets...

Thursday, December 2, 2010

A reasonably-priced gym membership

November was a rough month for me and without wanting to sound like I'm on Oprah, I felt pretty homesick.  I was culture shocking even months after living here, and I felt tired and lethargic.  My solution: join a gym for a month!  I figured all the running would get those endorphins going and I'd be feeling much better physically.  It was true; but the month-long gym membership wasn't cheap.  And I didn't love the gym, either.

It would have been wise to ask around before I signed up for my current gym (Fitness Fun), but I found out something awesome yesterday that I have to share with you.

If you're looking for a reasonable gym membership, I heard about a great deal at "Gymnasium" (what an original name huh?) that allows people with a flexible schedule to work out for pennies.

Gymnasium has some of the best hours Thessaloniki has to offer.  It's open on Sundays and you can start as early as 7 AM... early for Greece!  It's conveniently right off Aristotle Square on Tsimiski in the mall, on the 3rd floor.  A normal monthly membership (not including spa) costs 88 Euros.  But for a year-long "happy hour" price (you can only go on from 7 AM to 1 PM, have to be out by 3 PM and unlimited weekend hours) you only pay 169 Euros.  So if we do the math, that's just about 15 Euros a month!  Not bad.  The place has really nice equipment, fantastic locker rooms, and a spa (you have to pay extra for this but it's SLAMMIN).  There is a 30 Euro start-up fee so if you join now for a year, 200 Euros.  What a deal compared to other gyms!

For more info, check out the website at Gymnasium.


The Spa - I told you it was off the hook!  There's a steam room and sauna as well.
Great state-of-the-art equipment

Chicken wrapped in bacon? Yes please!

Today as I walked through the city I couldn't resist grabbing lunch at Snoopy's.  It's one of my favorite gyro joints in town, because they have a special chicken souvlaki for the pita that's wrapped in bacon.  If you're on Tsimiski, go past agias sofias until you get to the harley davidson shop and make a right.  It's not too far from the white tower.  You'll see snoopy on the sign like this:
 

Check out this chicken wrapped in bacon!  That's the stuff.  Cheap, delicious, and full of calories.