THE MAGIC OF METEORA

Our pediatrician was one of the first people we told about our year-long adventure. We went into our appointment last spring expecting direction on vaccinations and medications to bring with us. We were not expecting a handwritten note from Dr. Tsimoyianis outlining his personal recommendations for the best places to visit in Greece.

We researched everything on that list, and came to two conclusions:

1. We did not have enough time to visit every place on that list.

2. Holy. Meteora. That place looks UNREAL.

Almost one year later, we found ourselves activating our 3-month Eurail pass with a ticket from Athens to Kalambaka, the small town just south of Meteora.

Meteora is home to several monasteries built on the tops of cliffs by monks beginning in the 13th century. It was named as such by one of the monks because “meteora" means “suspended;” he felt these monasteries were suspended in the sky, between heaven and earth. I tend to agree with him.

Over the course of two days, we learned about how these rock formations came to be millions of years ago.

We enjoyed a 5-hour hike up and down and around these imposing rocks, making new friends and taking in every single astonishing view along the way.

We visited the monasteries that were built into these cliffs using only primitive tools and wooden ladders.

And we sat atop a rock to watch the sunset.

Meteora is a UNESCO site, an archeological site, and a holy land. It is absolutely magical. It is UNREAL. Thanks, Dr. T., for your recommendation!