Olympic Metsovo

... an incredibly rugged valley until we reached Kalambaka.

The rocky outcrops that the Metéora Monasteries are built on look completely different then the surrounding countryside. It was cool to see them get closer and closer as we approached. We flew over the region and then landed in Kalambaka where a driver and guide met us.

We went to Great Metéoroan first, which is the largest and the tallest ...

I knew it would end in disaster lol we had to get up at 8 to go and get the bus to the top of the Meteora mountain things and it took us up this really long and winding road and the bus had trouble in getting up there. When we got to the top the monastry was ok a little disapointing as it was just like a tourist attraction with rooms set up to show what the kitchen would have looked like and the place where the monks would have ate etc etc. The best bit ...

... do need to shop around even a local that we spoke to last night in Athens said that they now only go out once a month instead of once a week as its so expensive. Global economy effecting everyone.

Went out for a lovely meal in a local taverna I had pastitio which is like a macaroni bake with mince and cheese very tasy oh and had fried cheese again lol Ian had stuffed aubergine it was tasty as well the we went back to the room for sleep sleep.

... for historo-visit. Main attraction is Its Kale, former fortress of Ali Pasha. Quite a story attaching to him: something of a cruel individual, and a clear megalomaniac. However, his period of rule did usher in stability and prosperity for residents. Executed by Ottomans in the end, for getting above himself.
Interesting religious artefacts ...

... ranges.



Despite what other English-speaking tourists & ourselves agreed seemed a disorganised start to the day, the Greeks remained fairly laid-back about proceedings, and we relaxed into what we guessed was the norm for them!




Once we arrived at the ruins of Delphi, amid some wonderful scenery up & down mountainous roadways, with huge valleys appearing at every turn, we were once again blown away by the ...

... hours. We had the chance to visit Tositsa Museum and then walk in the square of the village.



The village is known for its nice cheese and butter, and it has many souvenir shops.

The buildings really remind me of Swiss, and it is also very popular in winter for ski and all sorts of winter sports.

... about this as well as how much money the monasteries were making, hoping they were putting the money to good use, as Carolyn saw a monk with a cell phone and the monasteries were clearly very rich, despite the individual monk's vows of poverty. But the main battles of the Meteora monk are those inside, as a monk, as they say, must renounce and become one with God, fighting the urges of materialism and desires. Based on the monastery museums and the writings, however ...

... perched a top them, they are known as one of Greece's most extraordinary sights! There were once monasteries on each of the 24 pinnacles which are a stunning sight to see when you are driving into Kalambaka- but only six are still occupied. We took the bus up to Megalou Meteorou and spent the morning strolling through its grounds, museums and church- the best known of the Monasteries and is built upon ...

... when thes place became a tourist attractions...






The Byzantine art as drawn by a local artist. I cannot resist getting one as souvenir, but in the end, I only get a fridge magnet, hehe.















We really can't get tired of the fantastic greek salad and meatballs! And the moussaka too!

Meteora, Thessaly, Greece songwillie