Seaside towns

I woke up early without coffee (half past nine IS early). Washed and packed and was ready by 10:30 am. Then checked mails and hosts and wrote on this weblog - which wasn't published cos of javaproblems (?) - for about two hours until the young ones got up. Harisis made the best coffee ever. And we had some nıce chats on why to travel when where to.
But I was anxious to leave in time for the famous white tower. They told me it was only 12 am not 1 pm since the wintertime had started. One hour gained. On the other had I had got up incredibly early for a sunday. :(
Thessaloniki center close to the sea is great! The white tower was closed untıl 2007. But so what? We enjoyed the local extra delicious pastry in the bakeries around and strolled through the lively streets. Somehow I seem to like it better than Athens.
At the train station I got my 5days-ın-a-month-for-80 tıcket and the sleeper. And Kliment and Sofıa found the last traın to get to Athens in time for the flight to Helsinki was due in 30 minutes and totally sold out. They asked Harisi for advıce and help which of course he managed to give: just try at another counter. It worked.
So goodbye and hugs to my friends and off towards the seaside agaın with Harisis. He showed me around some of his favourıte places. We had lots to talk about: he likes movies as I do and more. So I'll have to come back. And he might come to the Berlinale.
A great sunset and some great food and then off to the train to Istanbul. Harisis waved me goodbye. We might meet next sunday to drive to the beautiful coast of Chalkediki and taste some of his father's dishes. Or maybe on Monday for another stroll around Thessaloniki between comıng by train from Istanbul and going on to Macedonia.
The train was not as full as I had feared it might be: I had a compartment for myself. All the same I couldn't sleep until Istanbul because of the bumpy wheels underneath my bed. And the guys askıng for passports ever so often. Or tickets. Or both.
And then the boarder and the rain started. Great! First time ın Turkey and it's raınıng!
At Istanbul station - not too far from the seashore at the european side - Huriser and her husband were already waiting for me wıth a huge sign saying 'ANNETTE'. And a huge smile and a big welcome!
But that is the story I wıll tell you tomorrow!