Kalambaka and Meteora

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Bright & early we (I mean the car) climbed up the steep cliffs of Meteora to the Monasteries. Built in the 13th-14th centuries, they hang periously close to various cliff edges. I don't know how they did it! The monks fled to the monasteries to escape persecution from the Ottoman Empire. Even so, many were martyred for their faith. We visited 4 of the 6 monasteries that are open to visitors. Our favorite was Megalo Meteoro (Great Meteoro) despite all the steps! We climbed a bizillion steps to reach the top! The Byzatine artwork in the Church was beautiful! Beth recognized some of the paintings & artists from her studies at Savannah College of Art & Design. At Varlaam Monastery, we saw the nets that the monks once used to get to the monasteries. They would climb in the net & be lifted by ropes up the mountain cliffs. Talk about getting close to God ...they must have prayed all the way up! I can't imagine dangling that high in the air! Beth really wanted to go to Agia Tria (The Holy Trinity) because it appears in the closing scenes of the James Bond film - "For Your Eyes Only". So we hiked 40 minutes (up & down the mountain!) to the jaw-dropping panoramic views. I don't know how Roger Moore (or his stunt doubles) were able to climb the cliff! After a brief Gelatto break, we finished the day at Agios Sefanos (St. Stephen's) Nunnery. We had Indiana & Greco Pizza for dinner. Yes, I did say Indiana! The owner knew all about the Pacers & loves Reggie Miller! (By the way - he wants the Miami Heat to lose!) We had guests for dinner... Lady & the Tramp! We fed them our left over pizza which could have been a mistake because they continued to follow us throughout town. They must have told their friends as we came by because we became the piped pipers of Kalampaka! Tomorrow we are off to Athens,

Joyce

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