Florina Day 3 – Another Gentle Stroll Around Town

Bloody hell – what a last couple of days they have been! The day after my little ‘episode’ I awoke with a bruised arm and chest and a lump on my head. I had no idea that I’d hit my head when I passed out but I’d probably bashed it on the edge of the shower tray considering how I found myself. Thankfully though my stomach was feeling better. Yesterday I spent the day in the apartment resting and drinking plenty of water to rehydrate.

I had reached out to my host who sent me the phone numbers for a couple of pathologists in Florina. I always associate the term pathologist with those who carry out autopsies – but no need for that yet! Anyway, I couldn’t muster up the energy to phone and speak to someone so I decided to delve into the depths of the online medical world for the first time. I discovered a website called Doctorsa and was quite impressed with it. It’s an online platform that connects you with English-speaking doctors across Europe and other parts of the world and operates 24/7.

First I did a scam check on them to make sure they were bonafide which they were. I registered my details and wrote a brief description of my condition and off it went into the ether.

Within minutes my Whatsapp was pinging away with several appointment slots from different doctors. I was able to check the profile of each doctor along with their fee without any commitment. I selected Dr Abu Hamida for an appointment slot 20 minutes later – it really was that quick. Once I accepted the appointment I was sent a payment link and once the transaction was complete, I was sent a link to join the video call with him at my allotted time. He was a lovely doctor who listened to me and more than anything he reassured me that all I needed was some rest and medication to set me right. The consultation cost 35€ and I also have the opportunity to keep in contact with him to ask any questions for the next 7 days. All that was left to do was go to the pharmacy and pick up the necessary medication. For situations like this when taken ill away from home, it has worked brilliantly.

https://doctorsa.com/

Whilst staying in Florina there were two things that I’d hoped to do – visit the village of Nymphaio and see if it really was as pretty as people claim and also go the Prespes Lakes. Considering that I leave the day after tomorrow the likelihood of seeing either is pretty remote. What a shame to have come all this way but – hey ho. Onwards and upward. I’m more than content to immerse myself in one of my favourite pastimes – wandering the alleyways admiring the characterful architecture Florina has to offer.

TBH there isn’t a lot of Ottoman style architecture left in Florina but what it lacks in sachnisi it makes up for in beautiful wrought iron balconies and brightly painted houses with shutters. I’m no Rankin but photographing these magnificent old houses is like portraiture where the aim is to try and capture the essence and soul of a place.

As I left the apartment a market was taking place across the street. The stalls were filled with produce including gigantic cabbages, bulging beef tomatoes and of course the famous Florina peppers. A lady on a stall invited me to come and look at her produce. All I could summon up was “Ego, oxi kouzina”. As pathetic an attempt that was she got it. There is a stall full of citrus fruit. Oranges and lemons are sensitive souls and this isn’t the climate for them to grow in – I wonder where they came from?

After collecting my medication from the pharmacy I took another stroll along the river. A thick fog had descended on the village overnight and the Florina Cross atop the pine-clad hill above the town was hidden in the mist. There was a strong smell of wood smoke in the air and that combined with the chill from the snow-capped mountains gave the place a definite feel of the Alpines.

Through an alleyway, a distinctive-looking building caught my attention so I went closer to see. It was majestic in its dilapidation. It was only when I heard the canaries chirping away in brightly coloured cages hanging from the trees that I realised where this was. This was the famous kafenion – Diethnes. Before leaving for Florina I’d read a very interesting article about this place and its association with renowned film director Theodore Angelopoulos.

In 1924-25, Hotel Diethnes (International) was built on the site of an old Turkish inn by the Simos brothers from the neighbouring village of Alona. It was built in a European style and one of the most modern of its time with luxurious facilities such as running hot water and a room with a balcony overlooking the street. Prime Minister Venizelos stayed there but it was mainly a stopping-off point for travellers heading further into the Balkans. Florina had already become economically affluent since the railway connections to Thessaloniki had been established so this was the right time for such a venture.

The current owner took over the kafenion below the hotel over 40 years ago with the intention of turning it into a place that would offer local tsipouro and excellent meze plates. Its reputation became legendary. Film director Angelopoulos had a love for Florina and shot seven of his films here. Diethnes became the hang-out place for not only Angelopoulos but also the famous actors who starred in his films such as Harvey Keitel, Marcello Mastroianni and Jeanne Moreau.

Along the river there is a mural that pays tribute to the film director’s loyalty and passion for Florina.

Since the hotel closed, the descendants of the Simos brothers have opened up the space to the Florina Culture Club which provides a range of creative and social activities for locals. It has also been home to the well-established Film Club for over 30 years. This is one of my favourite buildings in Florina so far.

This was a nice easy day where I’ve fully embraced just appreciating the place that I’m in. Here are a couple of door-related photographs. It’s a bit of an obsession you know!

Until tomorrow! ❤️