Kelly Meets Meteora

I have been in Greece for a little over three weeks now, and after two very strenuous weeks of school (wink, wink), I was fortunate enough to enjoy a three day school week and a five day weekend. Knowing this extended break was imminent, the past week I brainstormed ideas of where to go, discussing at length with my classmates the endless possibilities of how we should spend a long weekend. I explored my options tirelessly before essentially abandoning all plans to spontaneously book a trip to Meteora by myself. I guess that's the way things work sometimes, right?

Meteora isn't actually a town, rather an area near the town of Kalambaka that is home to massive rock-like formations where one can find both abandoned and active Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Meteora is in central Greece, about a five hour train ride from Athens. I actually got the idea to visit Meteora from my wonderful cousin/cousin in law (?), Leah and Alex Dunne, who studied abroad on the same CSBSJU program as me ten years ago! Thank you, Leah and Alex!

Thursday morning I departed for my first ever solo trip in Europe that wasn't really a solo trip in Europe. (Six Johnnies also decided to go to Kalambaka for long weekend and we ended up on one of the same tours and even taking the same train home!) The getaway got off to a little bit of a rough start as the train workers in Athens conveniently went on strike the day I was to leave on a train for Meteora. Lucky for me, I booked my trip as a package through a company called Visit Meteora who provided me with a ride to Meteora on a private bus, no hassle or extra money needed. Driving to Meteora actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise! (more on that later)

So, after departing on my first solo trip that really wasn't a solo trip and hitting a bump in the road that really wasn't a bump in the road, I arrived in Meteora, checked into my hotel and took off on a sunset tour. During the sunset tour, I had the chance to view St. Stephen's monastery (built in the 14th century), the Byzantine Church of Kalambaka (built in the 10th century), an abandoned monastery, caves that belonged to 10th century hermits, and, of course, a picturesque sunset. It really was a jam-packed afternoon. Both St. Stephen's monastery and the Byzantine Church were absolutely stunning, decorated with intricate wall paintings that told stories of different aspects of Jesus' life. Sadly, no photography is allowed in the churches, so you will just have to believe me when I say these places were beautiful. My favorite aspect of my day, however, had to be enjoying the breathtaking views and natural beauty Meteora had to offer. I don't even know how to begin describe the beauty that surrounded me, so I will let the pictures do the talking. Obviously photos are never as good as the real thing, so you will just have to imagine how my surroundings were even more magical in person.

St. Stephen's Monastery, from a distance. (The town of Kalambaka is below)

Look at this sunset!!!

While Thursday was certainly spectacular, Friday turned out to be just as wonderful. After a good night's rest, I woke up Friday morning nice and early to embark on a group hike through Meteora. About twelve of us were dropped off on a trail where a guide led the way through 9km of wilderness. Our hike led us to an abandoned but recently restored monastery embedded in the middle of the giant rocks of Meteora. Monks and nuns live in the active monasteries so there are usually only a few rooms open to the general public, however, this monastery wasn't active so we were able to explore the whole monastery. After viewing the abandoned monastery, we checked out viewing points that offered spectacular views of the valley below and headed to Grand Meteora Monastery, the largest and most famous of the monasteries in Meteora. The Grand Meteora Monastery sure was spectacular. Originally built in the 14th century, many rooms had been restored to what they would have looked like several centuries ago. Sadly, the Grand Meteora Monastery was packed with people and it was hard to really enjoy the surroundings. To be honest, my favorite part of the day wasn't really the main attractions but the hike itself. Athens is awesome but I've spent my entire life living in a small town and I have missed fresh air and wide open spaces. (Dixie Chicks pun intended.) It was definitely relaxing to just spent some time surrounded by trees, peace and quiet.

One of the viewpoints we stopped at on our hike.

The bell tower at the top of the abandoned monastery.

Grand Meteora Monastery.

Saturday was my last day in Meteora, which I spent window shopping before leaving on the 5:30 train back to Athens. Remember when I said that driving to Meteora actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise? Yeah, I'm finally going to explain that little comment. I have never been on a train before, and I always had the idea in my head that trains were a really cool means of transportation. I blame Harry Potter and the Polar Express for creating my unrealistic expectations. It turns out, trains really suck, particularly trains in Greece. They are dirty and covered in graffiti. They go on tracks over long, tall bridges like you see in the movies where the train falls off and everyone dies. Greece trains sway from side to side so you feel as though the train is going to fall off the tracks. You go through areas where there are incomplete sections of track. Moral of the story? Unless you are a broke college student like myself, please never take a train in Greece. I would rather take a plane, a car, or a unicycle than take a disgusting train again.

Despite Greek train system utterly failing to meet my expectations, I would call my trip to Meteora a success. I learned a bunch about the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church. I got to get back into nature. I ate gyros and took cool pictures. Traveling solo was kind of lonely, and although I would rather travel with others, I was glad I got the chance to experience what traveling on my own was like. (Except for when I wasn't actually on my own and was with the Johnnies. Speaking of which, S/O to John Miles who claims he reads my blog. If you don't read my blog, then your lies will be revealed when you don't bring up this S/O.)

To finally finish up this rambling post that I have just constructed, Greece is truly wonderful and I am loving every minute here. I see so many amazing things every day that sometimes I feel like I have just grown accustomed to this awesomeness and I am not truly appreciating every moment. I cannot believe I have been here almost a month already! Thank you to everyone for their well wishes, love and prayers that they have sent me recently. I miss all my family and friends, and I cannot wait to share more with you and see you soon!

Love,

Kelly