A Serraic Trip

With the danger that this blog might turn into some sort of the Greek "The Long Way Round", I am posting this week's impressions from a one-day trip to the city of Serres. Once again, my friend Mitsos brought the idea and the car. This time, we had some beautiful company as well: My girlfriend Nikoletta joined as, as did our long-time friends Evi and Stavroula, which I was happy to see again.

We started at early morning, and Mitsos drove the same road that almost one year ago lead me to the Army. It was just as I remembered it: Hundreds of crows nested left and right of the road, waiting for their prey. Mitsos stepped on the gas and we left as soon as possible. We only stoped to catch our breath in a small church near the road. And Mitsos to scare Nikoletta, as he imitated the hunting cry of a demon. Well, what kind of person thinks that a demon can wait outside a curch, under the sunlight, don't ask me...


Reaching Serres was not difficult. Reaching our friend Irenes's village was. Neos Skopos (which translates as "New Purpose" or "New Watchman") is a big town in fact. Houses here and there, restaurants, cafeterias, schools of all grades, as well as two English teaching centres, one of which I was happy to find out that was Irene's. Congratulations to her, she's done what I can only now think of doing sometime in the future (or maybe I won't). Her teaching school was small but nice, with bright colours and a spacious classroom. There is no need for more.

We left New Purpose for Serres. We made a stop in order to eat and drink, among other bodily needs. Oh, and we took photos. Lots of them. Thankfully, I found an unexpected ally in Stavroula, who was willing to take photos; she even pursuaded Mitsos to stand and pose!

After we dined (not in Helllll!), it was time to visit Serres downtown for the traditional afternoon, digestive frape! Serres reminded me a lot of Larissa, which is good. Looked like living there would be comfortable enough - aha! Another city for me to choose as a future teacher!


First we took a good view of the city from its "Acropole" and took some more photos, then we drove inside the city. With more than just relief, I watched as a small platoon of soldiers got ready to honour the flag. Heh, long time no see.

The cafeteria was cool. Very nice deco, beautiful people, and the city bus passing just a few centimeters away from your table. It's toilett also had an original thing going on: It is the first WC that happens to lead to a spooky dungeon


When the night came and I escaped the dungeon, we left Serres back. I am sure, as Mitsos drove, he was planning the next big road trip... Stay tuned to find out where we are gonna be next week!