While dining with my friends one day during my Bodrum vacation, the idea to take a short trip to someplace close came up. We got on a bus and started on our way on the evening of the festival’s eve. We stopped over at Anastasia’s near Kavala in the early morning. It was famous for its chicken broth soup and pies. And of course, Kavala cookies. From there, we started out for the Chalkidiki Island. Chalkidiki is a small peninsula made up of three bays. The peninsula, which resembles a hand with three fingers, is an ideal vacation bay for those who wish to enjoy the sea and the sand. We went to the longest cove of the three fingered peninsula which is known as a part of Central Macedonia. Since it was off-season, the resorts on the coast were closed and the weather was cold. Our dreams of swimming here came to naught. After visiting the Aristoteles Square in Thessaloniki, we relaxed while drinking Greek coffee which is very similar to our own Turkish coffee. People sat in cafes and enjoyed the last days of summer. Since the tourism season had passed and the weather was cold, most shops were closed. Our guide had recommended a restaurant on the coast with good appetizers and delicious fish for the evening so we rested in the hotel until dinner.
When we went to visit Atatürk’s house the next day, I was disappointed. When I visited the place four years ago, private items of Atatürk were on exhibition. When the restoration began the Turkish officials took all of the said items and put them away in the warehouse of Dolmabahçe Palace. The house was left empty, as if nobody had ever lived there. There were only barcovision devices and pictures and articles on the walls which recited the life of Atatürk.
When we arrived in Kavala, we made a short tour. Kavala is a small city which resembles a coastal town. It is possible to visit everywhere on foot. This small city used to be one of the important cities during the Ottoman period. During the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent, great contributions were made to the city via the construction of an aqueduct. We also climbed up the hill where the monument of Mehmet Ali Pasha of Kavala is located. If you ever happen to come to Kavala, do not forget to drink some coffee against the scenery of Kavala in the small cafes across the monument.
You cannot just come to Greek Islands and leave without visiting one of the famous taverns. The tavern we visited in the evening as per the recommendations of our guide tuned out be exactly as the same as the taverns described in the book “Zorba”. While we got carried away with Greek music and Mediterranean dishes, we did not forget to participate in the Greek tradition of “plate smashing”. We had quiet an ordeal while haggling with the tavern owner to smash plates on the stage. This ceremony is not as easy to carry out as it seems. We completed our adventure with glory after the dance Greek Zeibek, which is actually called syrtos. I must say that plate smashing might be the reason behind the happiness of Greeks. This tradition is very beneficial as a form of meditation and provides remarkable relaxation.
The next day we got on a ferry to visit the Island of Thassos. The sea voyage to the island takes 45 minutes but time flies during the journey. The dance of the seagulls following the ferry is enchanting. The Island of Thassos is one of the biggest island of Greece. There was a considerable number of tourists who were attracted by the natural beauty of the island despite the end of the season. Thassos is an ideal island with its sand, sea and the delicious fish in its restaurants for those who wish to have a peaceful vacation.
For those who have not travelled to Kavala and the Thessaloniki islands, I can summarize this trip by saying that the city was similar to an Aegean coastal town. The only difference is in the language spoken, which is to be expected, don’t you think? Aren’t the Greeks are a people with whom we have lived side by side for centuries, a people with whom we have come to share many similarities? There is only one difference; our friends the Greeks know how to enjoy life much better than we do.
So long and safe travels.
Traveler
Sema BÜYÜKSIVACI