Greece - Thermopyla - Meteora (Rock formations) - Kalambaka

 Thermopyla - Meteora (Rock formations) - Kalambaka

Thermopyla

We traveled north through central Greece to Thermopylae.  This was a quick stop to see the monument of Spartan Leonidas and battlefield of Thermopylae.  The monument was dedicated to Spartan Leonidas who died defending the city again the Persians.

  

According to our tour guide the message reads: A stranger announced to the Spartan of home that here we lay in conviction of the principals we believe in.  

Meteora in Kalampaka

Visted two remote monasteries situated in a unique landscape of limestone rock "towers" that extend nearly 900 feet into the air.  Over 600 years ago, Byzantine monks chose to build their monastic community perched atop these virtually inaccessible rocks.  The only way to reach these Monasteries was by rope ladder or they used a rope net with a big hook and lowered to bring up goods and monks.  This was done intentionally to protect them from the Persians.  

There were 60 Monasteries and now only 6 remain.  Our first stop was at the Moni Varlaam.  This monastery houses the male monks only.  We were unable to take any photos in the church itself.  

Very old Oak Wine Barrel.  

The Monastery of Saint Stephen

This monastery houses only female monks.  

Old Church

Easter was just last week, and a lot of the celebratory icons were still on displayed

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We checked in to the Grand Metora  Hotel.  Our room was a view of the rock formations
 

 

When we got into our room there was a bottle of Champagne, Belgium Chocolates and a bowl of fresh strawberries with a Happy Mother's Day card.  I thought everyone got this in their room.  So, I mentioned it to a couple of couples and they said NO, we didn't get that.  HMMMMM.  Johnny said he didn't do it.  Well, my lovely daughter (Nicole) had this waiting in our room for me.  What a lovely surprise and I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful daughter.  This made my whole day. 

View from our Balcony