caves

Before the monks of Meteora built hilltop monasteries, they found peace and solitude  in caves hollowed out of the rocks. We visited a few today on our walk to Kalambaka. They were empty but had obviously been used to keep animals fairly recently.

From Kalambaka we walked up to the Holy Trinity Monastery, which until 150 steps were cut into the rocks in 1925, was only accessible by rope. It was so different from yesterday - this monastery was, for the most part, quiet and peaceful with very few tourists. There was an amazing view from the end of the gardens (see extra). The Holy Trinity featured in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only".

In the afternoon we did something completely different....went to a Mushroom Museum! I think it must be the only one in the world.* The shop had a variety of mushroomy products including mushroom tea and mushroom milk chocolate. I didn't try either.

This evening we finally managed to speak to D on his mobile from the end of the garden. The landline is still down after the storm which brought down an enormous copper beech tree quite near the house, it must be about 200 years old. Not sure how we will sort that out...

* No, I've since learned that there is one in Zagreb.