Whew! And we're here...
After an rather eventful layover in Dusseldorf, Germany (pictures with bratwursts and beer at 9am to follow), we arrived in Thessaloniki to begin our month-long journey. Here is a look at where we're starting....
Thessaloniki in modern times is a bustling metropolis that is essentially Greece's "second city," (after Athens), and is the largest city in Northern Greece. Why start here, you ask? Our interest in Thessaloniki (or, Salonica) is in its first century A.D. history as the city where one of the early Christian churches was based. The apostle Paul received revelation from God to write to the Thessalonians, and the believers there were considered a "model" church. Not only did they receive the Word "as it is in truth, the Word of God which effectually works also in you who believe" (I Thes. 2:13) , but the hope of Christ's return was so wonderfully steadfast in their hearts, that they were "examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia" (I Thes. 1:7).
Turns out that, unbeknownst to us, the majority of the ancient ruins that are left were directly below our hotel. How awesome, huh?
This Roman agora (forum, or marketplace) was the major and central marketplace during the first century A.D. (during the time Paul and company would have been there.) It very well could have been the place where Acts 17:5-9 took place. It was really cool walking around the agora, checking out the various artifacts from the first century A.D. Here are some pictures from the agora, as well as from the rest of our time in Salonica. Enjoy!
Entrance to the markets in the agora
Roman baths, circa first century A.D. The circular stones in the middle is where they pour cold water on hot rocks to make steam.
Roman-era architecture meets new age graffiti in the Old City...this was sort of a theme throughout the city, which has become a dichotomous divide between run-down and very hip.
A day at the beach
A view from the highest point in the city
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