Reaching New Heights

Sunday Oct 2, 2011

Behind our hotel in Kalambaka the jutting pinnacles and cliffs of Meteora stand proudly. Ancient remains of an inland sea too determined and proud to erode. The barren rocks were an invitation to those seeking solace, oneness with deity to escape the world below and literally hang out away from the maddening crowd. A couple of the monasteries are visible from the town but you wonder how you will possible visit them as they stand hundreds of feet in the air with only a vertical cliff face to climb to get there. As we rode the bus on the winding narrow road through the village of Kastriki, which is the original town,towards the back of the rocks you are amazed to see there are more monasteries hanging in mid air on top the cliffs. Of course our bus is not the only transport of pilgrims looking for solitude, there were at least six other buses climbing their way up the narrow passage. Meeting one coming from the other way was always a bit of a challenge especially if it is at one of the many winding bends in the road. Luckily we arrived at the first Monastery before the influx of tourists so we were able to really enjoy the chanting of the monks we could hear as we were taught by our guide the meanings of the many paintings that completely wallpapered every room. I found it very interesting. We were informed the paintings were the illiterate man's scripture. Since the lay person did not have access to written scripture, paintings in churches were their scripture. The views from the mountain tops were stunning and though I think there are better ways to worship than being a recluse in a secluded monastery, I do see how such a place could be a place of meditation and inspiration, though a bit harder with 8 buses full of tourists all seeking their own adventure.

After winding our way carefully back down to earth we headed back to Athens. The drive was about 5 hours through rural Greece.We made our way back over the patchwork plains and up over a couple of mountain passes. Dora, our guide played some Greek music and I believe most of us enjoyed at least a few minutes of shut eye. A couple really snored along to the music.:)
Tonight we went to a Greek restaurant near our Hotel with 11 other tour members and enjoyed a very pleasant meal and conversation. We have really had fun getting to know couples from Australia, Ireland, USA and Canada. Tomorrow we board the boat for 5 days of island hopping. More fun to come.