First I am a human; second is my name

When I got to the place I expected to find the demo for today's general strike there were only dark buses disgorging riot police with shields, batons and body armour. Not a single demonstrator. I listened hard for 'de dum, de dum, de d d d d dum' to no avail but eventually heard some loud hailers and followed the sound. Huge numbers of people were gathering a couple of blocks away. The anarchists were particularly photogenic but politely asked me not to take pictures of them.

Once the march set off I took dozens of pictures - the light was superb. This group is Antarsia. The name means 'revolt' but it is also an acronym for 'Anticapitalist Left Coalition for Overthrow'. I walked faster than the march as a whole and as I neared the front I saw lots of  flashing blue lights. I assumed it was a police escort. But no, it was 15 ambulances and two motorcycle paramedics. Not only were the health workers on strike, they had brought their vehicles with them. Class! Every now and then they all switched on their sirens together. Loud, exhilarating and unambiguous - the financial crisis is a major health emergency.

I had a chat with one of the paramedics then asked if I could take his photo. He was fine with that (shame it was a dreadful picture) so I asked if I could use his name. There was a slight hesitation, then, 'Yes, I am Verios. You can use my name, of course, but first I am a human. Second is my name.'

I could say much, much more about wonderful Thessaloniki, which I shall be sad to leave tomorrow. Here is a 'postcard' I took this afternoon of the area where I am staying - to encourage as many people as possible to visit and put some money into the Greek economy.