2013 Greece Turkey Macedonia
Tour Journal


 
September 24, 2013 Tuesday Meteora, Delphi
September 25, 2013 Wednesday Delphi Museum, Athens



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September 26, 2013 Thursday Athens
September 27, 2013 Nophlion

  September 24, 2013 Tuesday Meteora, Delphi
Makrigilou behind us, we started driving along the Olympus Mountain. It was clear and we could see the "thrown" of Zeus. I thought of the Olympus mountains in Turkey. I wondered how did Zeus preferred this mountain to the others where more inferior gods enjoyed the grandeur.

Four hour ride brought us to Meteora. It was believed that these huge rocks were once under the water, therefore there were no reference made to them  the region in the ancient times. The first thing we have noticed was a cable car hanging in the air. The masons were not going through the hassle of the monks did for the past 500 years to build/restore the monasteries which looked like eagle nests sitting on the huge boulders.
The first monastery we had visited was jammed with tourists. We could only see what we wanted to see over the shoulders of zillion other people. It was noisy and hot. But in spite of that the quality of the frescoes was so amazing that it was worth the time we spent there waiting. the second monastery was a nunnery.

We walked down the steps in a pleasant forest, then climbed the stairs. Hanging in the corner was the ladder that the nuns once used to get in to the building. thinking of the nuns climbing on the ladder was not easy picture to imagine.

One elder nun made sure that those who were wearing pants were properly wrapped, but she did not care the see through outfits of the Russians. Onenun was busy painting the pebbles. We were not allowed to take any more pictures. The nuns who took care of the church neatly and devoted their lives to God, were not allowed to go behind the iconastasis.

 

     

 
 

   

Leonides, the hero of the Persian War was honored with a huge monument. Just before sun set we arrived in Delphi.
The free time before dinner was much appreciated by every one. Carol and Cindy has been in every jewelry shop in the town.

September 25, 2013 Wednesday Delphi
The difficult times for Greece was obvious in every corner of the city. when I was looking out and enjoying the fabulous view.
I noticed the graffiti on the stone by this falling apart stable. The skulls and swastikas were painted every where. Later when we went to the
museum we saw the posters announcing the coming up staff reduction that Ministry of culture was planning.
The Greek people are going through very difficult days!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

 

Athens , the Plaka

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September 26, 2013 Thursday Athens
September 27, 2013 Nophlion