So, after about two hours of driving, we arrived in Kalambaka, the town that is situated right beneath the Meteora. They are fantastic rock formations! I waved goodbye to my uncle from here, as he drove off, and I was free to explore the great natural wonder.
I made my way towards the rocks, looking for the path to get up. I had company from the start of the climb; a dalmatian dog. It was a stray, which I found right at the beginning of the trail.
I took my photo opportunities, then headed further and higher up. It was a tiring, yet exciting hike.
I hiked my way to the monastery of Aghia Triada, which was one of the several monasteries perched atop the rock formations. From up here, the view was fascinating. I could see other monasteries in the distance, as well as the Pindos mountain ranges in the other direction. It was absolutely amazing, and I spent quite a bit of time on the summit of this rock pillar.
It wasn't too long afterwards that I headed back down, and waited for a train back to Athens. I had my day, but I'm thinking that I should have explored more. There's always another time, I guess.
I happened to miss my first train. I wasn't happy. I had to wait another few hours for the next one. This gave me an opportunity to meet some more travellers from around the world. I met some American or Canadian travellers, who asked me for directions to the Meteora. I just told them to head along the main road and get into town, then head in the direction that the rocks are in. I also met another guy at the train station, who I had a chat with while waiting for my train to arrive.
By the time the train arrived, I hopped on board and enjoyed the ride home. Or at least, I tried to. Sooner or later, I had no seat to sit in, as my ticket didn't have a reserved seat assigned to it. Some nice ladies kindly offered me a seat where they were sitting.
During the long train ride home, I didn't want to get out of my seat and lose it as a result, so I stayed seated. Then my legs were beginning to ache. By the time I got back to Menidi, my legs were in agony. I couldn't understand why. It must have been because of the limited circulation. They actually felt very painful, not just sore or fatigued. With each step I walked on the way home from the train station, it felt like my muscles were being ripped apart.
I was so glad to get home, and I was so glad to get to lie down in bed. My legs are feeling better. They will heal overnight.
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