Stratos was tested today in roads and he came through. As we passed in the shadows of the outcroppings of rock, Aleca explained that the monastic communities were formed around 1400 AD by persons seeking solitude and isolation from the evils of the world. First we were let off above Santa Barbara, so we got to walk down to the monastery. So most of this trip was downhill with a few steps up to the monastery.

We eventually entered the The Holy Women's Monatery of Rousanou or Santa Barbara as we were told it was named. Some of the girls made a B-Line to the souvenir store, while a few others visited the WC. Eventually we got back together and were able to proceed with a tour of the chapel. There were some nice wall paintings of Saint Barbara and of Christians receiving martyrdom. The room wasn't very well lit so my movies looked like B&W shots. When we finished the tour we again were able to walk down hill and meet the bus below.

From our perch atop this piece of rock we were able to view the other rocks that reached from the valley to heaven. Atop these outcrops were built many monasteries. According to tradition, the first hemits to seek solitude among these immense outcrops of rock settled here around the 10th century. They lived in caves and crevices in the rock faces where they dedicated themselves to prayer and constant study of early Orthodox texts.

Leaving St. Barbara's we proceeded up the mountains to a spot overlooking the Monastery. Here we celebrated Mass. The singing was especially moving from here, with Robert and Julie's accompaniments. We got lots of stares from other visitors to the sites. You may download the readings by clicking here Meteora Readings

Then we proceeded to barlaam one of the oldest monastic communities. It was pretty crowded here and we had difficulty seeing the icons and artwork.

We did get a close up of a huge barrel that was used for wine at one time, and Aleca pointed out the wooden slats in the stone wall that were included in the construction to make it more resistant to earthquakes.

We then visited the room with a winch used for lowering a rope basket down to get people and supplies up the hill. They now have an electric one there to make the process go a little quicker.

Then we left the monasteries and headed into the town of Kalambaka. En route we saw lots of caves in the hillsides. Some of the caves were decorated with banners or icons, etc. When we went to the Katy's Kitchen for lunch, we could see some people rock climbing on the opposite cliff. If you click on this picture to get the larger version, then mouse over the people in the distance, you will see the closer view I could get with my camera.

After a little rest here, we were back on the bus for the long ride to Delphi. There was a lot of up and down with plenty of nice scenery and a wonderful sunset. When we got to the hotel, some of the group tried out the swimming pool while others of us did the homework we were assigned for tomorrows adventure.