Greek exam and Thessaloniki

Last May 21, the A1 level examination of Modern Greek took place at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. The exam took place at the Σχολείο Νέας Ελληνικής Γλώσσας (Modern Greek Language School), where at 8:30 in the morning the exam would begin. The indications were to be in the test area at least 30 minutes before the start, so that day had to be up soon. Of course it was important to carry the identification and the card with the candidate's code. For this exam there were about 25 people in the class, all of foreign nationalities.

The exam started with the reading test and listening, for reading we were given 20 minutes, since after that time we would start listening, which we would do all at once. Once finished this part, the writing would begin, which has two exercises of 12 and 13 points each. In the first one, it was requested that in an agenda the planning of a young woman who wanted to go on a trip be described, while in the second one, a new friend had to be talked about and described. Once these three parts were finished, I left the exam class, and next to a teacher I went to another building, where the speaking test would take place. The speaking test would be only 10 minutes and I did it with Morten, but it made me a little nervous. At first they asked me about me (where I was from, when it was my birthday, work or study, what I am doing now or why I am learning greek). After these questions I had to describe an image, I had to describe a picture of two teenagers at a party, it was really good. And finally, Morten and I had a conversation in Greek, in which I had to invite him to go to a concert.

The exam was really good, some things I did not understand because of my greek level, but overall it was a great test, and the teachers were very nice at all times. Having the certificate of modern Greek languages ​​is important to me, since I like to communicate with the greeks in their own language and not only in English.

The best thing about this trip was without a doubt to visit Thessaloniki for a few hours. Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is located in the centre of Thessaloniki, which once I finished the exam (around 12) I was able to visit a bit of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. This city was founded between the years 316-315 BC by Cassander, general of Alexander who was

raised king of Macedonia upon his death, Thessaloniki (or Salónica in spanish) has been successively dominated by different nations throughout its history. From its first inhabitants, the Macedonians, going through the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders and Ottomans. Even the Sephardic ones acquired a great importance in the city, when arriving of massive form after being expelled from Spain by the Catholic Kings in 1492. After the First Balkan War (1912), the city happens to comprise of the Greek State. Without a doubt, the first place you visited was the promenade, which is where the White Tower and the sculpture of Alexander the Great are located. Although I did not visit it, there is also the archaeological museum of

Thessaloniki. Although to my surprise I also saw a sculpture of the God of the sea, Poseidon, without a doubt visiting Greece without any doubt you reserve these surprises, you can see the gods of mythology. I had the opportunity to be in Aristotelus square, and also see Arch of Galerius, which was built in 305 BC to commemorate the final victory of Emperor Galerius over the Persians, a triumph that has been narrated through the reliefs that line the main pillars.

In this area, also, because it is the centre, you will find many shops, street stalls and outdoor terraces where you can enjoy a rest. In that multitude of stores, there are food stores that are generally very cheap, so eating in this city are quite cheap.

To move around the city, there is a good network of buses that also connect with the Ktel Makedonia bus station (I have always ridden on line 12 to go to the centre of Thessaloniki). In this link are all the bus lines, their schedules and stops (http://m.oasth.gr/?fbclid=IwAR05AqZV8XLEo9edIpquAqNd0ICmdt6jV2uJO-g7i5yWg9W0BHGfHjDTOgcg#index.php?md=1). Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks (περίπτερο) for € 1 or on a machine inside the bus itself (carry coins, because it does not change).

To go by bus from any city in Athens to Thessaloniki, in the following link you will find all buses and schedules available. http://www.ktelmacedonia.gr/

Without a doubt, Thessaloniki is a beautiful city that has much to see, although this time I did not have the time to see everything, if I recommend visiting it because its monuments and the warmth of its people will leave you impressed.