The Greek people sung themselves into my heart as I made my way around the beautiful Mediterranean coast on my bicycle. These amazing people with so much history, have a special gift for music. If you need a difficult or sad or joyous feeling expressed, ask a Greek - they will have a song for it.
While waiting for spring in Europe, I had the privilege of calling Thessaloniki home for one month. I made friends, went to church with Thessalonians and picked up volunteer work. It felt good to be settled for a little while.
Three days a week, I helped at Steki to feed the homeless. It was such a worthwhile and fullfilling work to do. I enjoyed getting to know the other volunteers and there was frequently bread and other food leftover, so I lived quite well.
I also picked up volunteer work at Arabas Studios, the backpacker hostel I was staying at. It was great to be part of an international team. We cooked for each other, and I had the yummiest Italian, Tunesien and Greek food.
Unfortunately, I had an unpleasant accident while I was living in Thessaloniki. I was bitten by a dog while out riding and had to go to hospital. It was quite a frightening experience that happened very quickly and involved three dogs. Fortunately, I had a little caring network in Thessaloniki, so I was well looked after.
On 1 April my childhood friend, Maiken, flew to Athens with her bicycle. Her work place, husband and children have released her to cycle up through Europe, and I'm very grateful for this. We have known each other since we were six years old, and I can think of no better way to complete the last 3,000km of my journey than with a precious friend.
Here are my statistics for my nearly two months in Greece:
Total distance cycled: 1072km (Greece was the country where I passed 10,000km total cycled)
Number of flat tyres: 0
Number of rainy days: Three
Longest day: 115km
Highest temperature: 26°c
Lowest temperature: 8°c