For days, we were on a very strict budget as all our cash, credit cards and passports were stolen shortly after our arrival to Athens. After making some arrangement and going through a lot of red tapes, more emergency cash and my replacement credit card finally arrived to Greece.
After breakfast, we went to the closest Western Union and was happy to receive the money sent from Canada!
With some cash and a replaced credit card, we were much more relaxed and could spend on the things we desired.
We went to visit a famous monastery, the Vlatadon Monastery, on a Greek Cultural route in Thessaoniki today. We called a taxi which dropped us off at the front entrance of the monastery. The Vlatadon Monastery, situated behind a stunning city wall, seemed to have been protected from attacks in the olden days. It is a functioning monastery with a quiet, tranquil setting and a few buildings.
Vlatadon Monastery is the only active Byzantine monastery in Thessaloniki and the only site in the city with a continuous, multi‑century tradition linking it directly to St Paul. According to tradition and strongly attested - St. Paul preached on this hill, and the monastery was built to preserve that memory.
The view at the top was picturesque and commanded a good view of the city below!
There seemed to be a small scale of chicken farm and there was an enclosed area where a few peacocks were kept. Seeing a few people were around to admire its beauty, one of the peacocks was proud to open his plume and strutted around for more than 10 minutes for all to see.
There was no tour, no worship service going on and we didn’t see anyone there except for the staff member manning the book and souvenir store.
After visiting the monastery, we went around to explore the area and admire the colorful houses and the scenery.
We stopped for a rest, ordered a local snack and relaxed in the roof top garden restaurant overlooking the water. We could see the body of water right from where we were sitting. It was marvelous! It was time like this that I wish my best friend D., could still be around to share these wonderful moments with me!
Having gained a few pounds on this trip due to the delicious pies and pastries I have been comsuming for the past few days, I tried to order soemthing less fattening. I ordered a Greek yoyourt dessert which was served in a pretty bowl topped with generous servings of fruits and crushed walnuts drizzled with honey. It was delicious!!!! I never knew how to serve Greek yoyourt at home. Now, I have found the perfect recipe combining it with fresh fruits and nuts in Greece! This is something I have learned on this trip and will take back with us to Canada! After this rich serving of sweet dessert, we were re energized and continued our visit in this area.
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As we strolled along the streets, we saw colourful renovated houses situated on narrow windung quiet streets.
We also saw a stone fortress overlooking and protecting the town form ages ago and a few interesting shops serving the neighbourhood community.
At the end of visiting this area, we headed downhill into the main street ourselves without calling a taxi. Very proud that we still got it and could do this physical activity, praise God!
RT, Vlatadon Monastery
Thessaloniki, Greece, 042026
After breakfast, we went to the closest Western Union and was happy to receive the money sent from Canada!
With some cash and a replaced credit card, we were much more relaxed and could spend on the things we desired.
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