Meteora
Day 1
Driving to Meteora
Plenty of empty highways slicing through mountains and scenic country roads.
To be completely honest, my recollection of each monastery is indistinct- they’re all lonely structures perched paradoxically atop rocky outcrops. Their interior spews piety, with ornate sanctuaries and religious museums. Don’t expect to learn much from the museums though, with artefact descriptions that puzzle more than they enlighten. Also forget about Googling since nobody builds cell towers atop rocky monasteries. Meteora is best appreciated as a sightseeing spot, and the monasteries as the ultimate vantage point. The view never disappoints. It’s postcard worthy- in every direction.
Incredibly jovial proprietor who speaks zero English. Images of food on wall are helpfully labeled in English and sometimes Chinese. Ordering involves a lot of pointing and a little sign language. Truly authentic Greek experience with her simply cooked dishes. Fried cheese is a must-order, with its crisp crust and warm insides. Dessert is an actual home-grown pomegranate. Nothing gets closer to a home dining experience than this.
After an half-hour scouring building corridors and sniffing WiFi signals, we found our apartment- in the building façade. How convenient, and how stupid we were. Then we began our hunt for the second bedroom, opening cabinets and looking under furniture, only to find it behind a nondescript door, and in the basement. Memorable.
Marbly
Secret Passageway
Greek Chocolates
Having learnt a very sticky lesson in Athens, we purchased these artisan chocolates much more judiciously, and were left craving more. Not sure if it’s Greek or just European but old people running confectionaries seems to be a recurring theme here.
Day 2
Driving in Meteora
Plenty of winding mountain roads. Generally well-maintained with bollards to prevent plunging off the (plentiful) cliffs. Not difficult to drive here.
Meteora is a tourist town- and we were constantly reminded of that by the gift shops and inflated prices. We were particularly glad to have found this restaurant, serving simple comfort food. Plenty is fried here- from cod to spring rolls (or whatever they call it) Apparently, they have a guitar for guests to play
Paragliding
Nothing is more surreal than watching daredevils launching themselves off cliffs amidst the tranquillity of Meteora. These thrillseekers attracted a mini crowd of bemused observers.
RV
Meteora seems to be a RV hotspot, with users simply parking at scenic spots and having a laze. Just imagine waking up to this view (or your RV tumbling down the mountain)
Cozy bar with two huge screens to watch the World Cup while sipping beer. Owner’s friends provided the atmosphere. Best bar of the trip.
Literally at our doorstep. Food was alright but owner is aggressive in soliciting for tips. Their signature appears to be a dish of giant beans in tomato sauce, which is essentially oversized canned baked beans but healthier.
