One huge reason for tourism in Meteora comes from the monasteries. Each of them has been built on the top of a cliff. In the past monks used ladders and baskets to bring people and supplies up. Let's just say they were well protected from the Ottoman invaders. It is something to marvel at and we found out way hiking around looking at the monasteries. We even packed a dress in the backpack so that we could go inside. It cost two euros to go into each monastery, but really only one of them was worth it. Most of the times we ended up just seeing the church inside, so I was very excited when we went into the largest one to find some museums, the refectory, the crypt, and the tool storage room open to see as well. I was even happy to pet the monastery cats, which I believe have the best life. Below you will see many of the monastery pictures that we took while in Greece.When we were walking up the steps towards one of the monasteries we found twenty human skulls sitting out in the rain. I had just read how the monks took good care of the deceased monks so I could not figure out why these had been left outside to decay in the rain. We tried asking one of the monks, but he only spoke Greek. I guess we will never know. It was all a bit creepy.
I think these cats found the perfect spot in the monastery. There were snoozing on top of the heaters and I could not help but pet them. I think Joe was embarrassed, but I saw two guys take pictures too.
"Yo, dude. What's up?" I am so irreverent....
6 comments:
So interesting! I love reading about all your adventures!
Wow! It is amazing what people would do to be secluded and safe. Sounds like such a fun trip. Jon and I are still jealous that you are having this adventure. Even if it is hard. We're just living out gypsie side of our lives through you. Thanks for the updates. We love learning about the little things of the culture as well as the cool places. I'll get to Greece one day, but it probably won't be when you're in Kosovo.
Catherine - Thanks, this experience has been interesting.
Drae- Well I am glad someone feels like they are really living this experience. To be honest it is not that bad to be overseas....I think I have just learned that it is not for my husband. So sadly, I think it will end soon. Don't worry though, I will think of fun adventures for the states. However, if you have the dream to work overseas I highly recommend it. I'm sure you would love it. Hey, if I am ever in Utah I totally need to hang out with you. Seriously, I love reading your blog too!
I agree with you - seeing a bunch of human skulls everywhere would send shivers down my spine. The rest of the countryside is really beautiful, though!
So the skulls are odd, but I think being all highup in a monestary is rather awesome.
Lydia- the skulls were crazy, but we still got to see something different right?
Amanda- Okay the monasteries were awesome...so was the hiking, except when we were chased by some dogs (one of them even had a spiked collar on)! It actually brought me back to the missionary days.
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