Greece – Meteora
Had an easy start of around 8 AM. Naya talked more about the Greek gods and goddesses and the mythologies. Nothing quite like a Hellenist talking about Greek mythology as we passed by with views of Mt. Olympus!
Finally we reached Meteora! This was the highlight I had been hoping for and I was not disappointed. I imagined there was only one monastery atop a rock cliff. There are actually six active monasteries. There were originally around 26. The first one was believed to have been built in the 11th century, but most of what we see today were built in the 16th century. Very old!
I found out that the steps were only made in the 1960s. Prior to that, a net was used to transport or access the monasteries at the top of the huge rocks. That protected the monks. All they had to do was pull out the net to prevent anyone accessing their monasteries. Anyone who goes in by the net was also a leap of faith — since it’s “up to the lord” whether the rope breaks or not.
Entrance fee was 12 Euros. Sarongs were by the entrance, to cover legs and exposed shoulders. The place is considered sacred and had to be treated with reverence.
From Meteora we proceeded to Kalambaka for lunch. More Greek salad and grilled mushrooms!
