Meteora

Meteora is everything you dream it to be and more; 24 monasteries perch proudly, precariously, impossibly atop colossal pillars of rock which surge skyward as if carved by the hands of the gods. These 14th century refuges cling to the cliffs like eagles' nests, suspended between earth and the heavens. Painstaking staircases chiselled into the crags speak of the monks who once hauled their world skyward by rope and faith. Their life's work overhangs the mind-boggling rift into the plains of Thessaly, supported only by the absurdist sandstone spires upon which they are mounted (yes, sandstone btw!!!).

Mist curls around their weathered walls at dawn, and the golden light of sunset bathes the stone in a holy glow, casting long shadows over the silent valleys where tortoises roam free and unhurried, tracing ancient paths through sunbaked earth and wild scrub. Their shells mottled like the stones upon which they wander, they are keepers of time, time which drifts like the wind through the ravines, reverent and eternal.

...It was alright I guess.

Ok great, now that I've got my English creative writing GCSE out the way, I can continue writing more garbage. Had a blast and a half exploring the monasteries, taking Meteora's meaty aura in my stride, flashing my erotic knees at some naughty nuns too. I think they promptly cast a curse on me though (or is that witches?), as I stepped right on a snake shortly after! I've come close to this disaster many times before, but it was a horrifying first to step ON a snake, its tail wrapping and writhing as we both floundered in an adrenaline-fuelled frenzy. But not to worry, I sucked the venom from my fang shaped wounds, bit the cheeky fucker back and was soon back on my way*.

Honestly, there's too much else to cover from Meteora and Kalabaka, but I hope that gives you a good taste! Other highlights include: witnessing the slow setting sun with a few beers with hostel girls Manon, Sara and Frederica, greedying myself on Greek food: Souvlaki, Moussaka, Tzatziki (you name it), witnessing a flaming feud between two Greeks over spilled coffee in the coach station, and meeting chill asf German trekkers Nora and Hannah en route to Athens.

Thanks again for tuning in, same time again tomorrow?

*The snake did not actually bite me mum calm down (everyone else you can all put your party poppers away. 😤)Lue lisää