The Coldest City

Salonica, Greece's second-largest city. Smokers - people talking into cellphones in cafes - Paris-style cafes - architecture that reminds me of Paris - the most impatient drivers honking at all times of day and night - the humidly cold Mediterranean wind and rain - very early shop closures (2:30 pm).

Ble, a museum bakery I wandered upon, is like a museum/place of worship. There are monuments of bread displayed on its walls and shelves, huge breads. There is dark lighting and the first thing you see as you wander up the steps is some type of chocolate pot that is effusing vapour. There is heavenly music. The cakes and other desserts are displayed under spotlights in glass cases.