Meteora

Meteora is in northern Greece. It has really unusual rock formations (popular with rock climbers) and boasts several monasteries built precariously on the tops of these rocks. I believe the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only" boast some views of them.

Getting there was a bit of an adventure. As I said in my last message, we took the 2 1/2 hour bus from Nafplion to Athens. In Athens, we got on city bus 51 to take us to the metro station. There we took the metro to the train station. We got on our 4 1/2 hour train to Kalambaka. Arriving there at about 8:30 p.m. we didn't know how to get to the nearby town of Kastraki (about 3 km away) and to our hostel. A somewhat pushy taxi driver wanted to take us there for 50 euros! Forget that! I would have rather just set out walking. We called our hostel, and the wonderful Angelo (owner) came down to the station to pick us up! We loved Angelo!

So we again had two refreshing nights in his pension. He was so helpful and kind. (More on him later.)

On Tuesday, July 3 we took a shuttle to the top of the rocks and then hiked to 5 of the different monasteries. (Great Meteora - wasn't open on Tuesdays, Varlaam, Roussanou - nunnery, Agios Stefanos, and Agios Nikolaos, plus several monatery ruins and caves where they stayed) From what we understood, the monks used to live in the caves long ago. As the Turks came to conquer the area, the monks slowly started moving higher and higher. Eventually, they started building their monasteries at the tops of these rocks. They would drop down a net attached to a cable to get people or supplies. Then they would turn the wooden wheel, or perhaps some donkeys would, to get raise the net up the rocks.

Each night we ate at the taverna next door. They had the most incredible tasting souvlaki (like meat shish-kebabs) and squid. Who knew I would like squid? I'm also becoming quite partial to Greek salads, although Jen gets all the Kalamata olives and I take the extra tomatos. It works out. :) Jen also tried the retzina wine (I had a sip) which truly tasted like wood from the resin of a tree. It was so strong, but surprisingly started tasting good after the third glass. :)

Back to Athens the next day for shopping!

-Stacy