Meteora

On Friday we were off to Meteora.... You don't need a map to know when you're getting close to this geographical phenomenon. We could see the rock formations from miles away.... or kilometers I should say. These formations are so impressive on their own and when you throw in a monastery perched atop of each of these peaks, well it's pretty darn spectacular to say the least. The word Meteora literally means "hovering in the air" (do I sound like a Greek?). Monks built these monasteries around the 12th century and some were only initially accessable only by climbing into a large hanging basket and being lifted by pulley over dangerous vertical cliffs. The monks still use these hanging baskets today but only for goods.... thank goodness!

After becoming totally nauseous from driving up the winding mountains in the "Golfaki" (our little Volkswagon), we finally made it to our first monastery, Agios Stefanos (St. Stephen). The moment I stepped out of the car the nausea was gone and I felt totally refreshed. These monasteries were by far the most spiritural, serine, revitalizing places I had ever seen or could imagine. We also visited Roussineau (St. Barbara) later that day and took in its breathtaking views. These are just two the six remaining monasteries in Meteora.

That night we stayed at the base of the mountain in the town of Kalambaka. Another charming town with lots of shops and tavernas. We hit a cafe to have our frappes (Greek iced coffee), play some cards, and have a few beers. We then walked to a taverna in the platea and had a terrific dinner, which we of course followed up with a stop for gelato. I wish I could say that we indulged that night.. but that's how much we have been eating.

On Saturday morning we hit Varlaam (pic with the hanging basket) and Megalos Meteora (Greater Meteora). These were two much bigger montasteries with lots of antiquities and historical museums to see.

We made a few more stops for pictures and then headed back down the mountain. To get from Meteora to Athens we had to drive through Larissa, which the Greeks claim is the hottest area in Greece. It was kind of like leaving heaven to drive through hell. Luckily Dimitri was playing with the hose when we arrived at John and Iro's house in Athens. We welcomed the spray down and Dimitri had a good laugh...

Until next time, antio sas.

-Amanda