Amazing Meteora

I had just picked up my old car from the mechanic where they told me to start looking for a replacement and only use it in greater Athens. However, I had different plans. I wanted to go to Meteora, a place I’d never beenτο, and friends had told me I SHOULD go. So, I set off, hoping for a blessed trip.

I drove across the beautiful green plain of Thessaly, avoiding the highway as much as possible respecting the voice of the garage keeper echoing in my brain. Then, suddenly the impressive, massive rock formations appeared in front of me. Hallelujah, was I dreaming? I pinched myself, aah, this was real: what a view!

What makes Meteora so special are the several Orthodox monasteries that are built on these weathered rocks. Nowadays, there are still 6 monasteries functioning and are surely worth visiting. It’s very hard to imagine how the monks constructed the monasteries, and when they were built most of them were only reachable by using wooden ladders and hanging baskets.

I thought it would be fun to go up in a lifting basket, but these are only available to the monks! So, I had to ascend more than 100 steps to visit the biggest monastery, The Great Meteoron. And trust me … it was totally worth it! Inside it was like time had stood still, as if you could see and learn how the monks lived, worked and survived here. All the monasteries are fascinating and unique.

I decided to visit only the Great Meteoron and spent the rest of my time to wander around the peculiar rock formations and truly enjoyed the many breath-taking views!!

In the evening I found myself on a very nice and inviting square with stands with various mushrooms from this specific area, offering delicious traditional treats. And, of course, when there is good food in Greece … there is good wine, good music … and dance!

I went to bed well after midnight, but what a wonderful experience in this special and unique place in Greece ….

And if you want to know: Yes, I got home safely! But I had to get the new car in the end…

Danielle