Today we left Zakynthos to head to Meteora. We took the ferry back to KyllIni and then drove over 4 hours to our AirBnB in Meteora. It seems that if you are taking a car on the ferry it is a much easier process than just boarding as pedestrians. The cars are loaded first and the passengers must exit car and are allowed to board before those waiting in line. Our ferry disembarked around 10:00 am but the cars started loading around 9:20.
The drive to Meteora was calm with very little traffic even though we had tolls to pay. It was well worth it for smooth roads and very few people on the road. We have learned that trucks stay to the right for the most part and do not try to jockey for position. Furthermore, on winding mountain roads, especially, if you are going slower, you drive on the shoulder so others can pass. And pass they do even on curves.
We stopped along the way after crossing the bridge to find the WC (that might just be one of my favorite signs in Greece) and grab some iced tea. Later we stopped in the town of Arta for some lunch. By this time it was a little after 3:00pm. This large town was practically deserted at this time of day. Most shops and eateries were closed because it is siesta time due to the heat. We were able to find a place open on the square but there was no menu in English. The server was very helpful and kind. We ordered a Greek salad and 2 gyros. We also had the house wine because, well, that’s what you drink in Greece. I again found the WC even though it wasn’t written in Latin letters. We’ve learned that they are generally located in the basement of establishments. So much for ADA compliance because there is no such thing here. It would be extremely difficult to live here with a handicap since very few places has accommodations for disabilities.
Anyway, we got back on the road and for those of you who may be wondering, yes, I helped drive. I even drove on some of those back winding mountain roads.
We finally arrived in Meteora around 6:00pm. Our host Konstantinos was so wonderful. She had baked goods and a bottle of wine chilling for us. The apartment is so warm and welcoming even though it required carrying our luggage to the 3rd floor. There was a wonderful balcony that was on 2 sides of the place since it is on the corner above a furniture store. It so happens that it is across from a school yard where children play until after dark and catty-corner from a bar where the same men sit around most of the day every day shooting the breeze very loudly. (LOL—at least it seemed like it was the same group all day both days we were there) The view of the cliffs was even amazing from this apartment. And the breeze! The natural flow of air in the apartment was spectacular. We would have slept with the windows open if it hadn’t been so noisy.
After settling in, we went on the hunt for some staples and dinner. We decided to try some kabobs at a place which our host recommended. Since the names on Google maps were all on Greek we are not sure if we found the exact place. Google maps had us turned around and caused us to walk the wrong direction uphill in our search. (Or maybe it was the map reader. 🤷🏻♀️😉) In any case, we got to explore the town a bit and even located some Turkish style slippers and wedding photos being taken in front of a fountain near where the reception was found to take place. It was drizzling a bit but not constantly and after getting on the right path we finally found our kabob place and ordered pork and lamb. They came with fries and bread. We picked up an extra water and my caffeine for the next morning and returned to the apartment to sit on the balcony to enjoy our food and some wine while listening to the kids play and the men chat.
We finally headed to bed so we could get a fairly early start tomorrow to see the monasteries on the tops of the cliffs.
Today’s take aways:
1. It seems easier to take your car on the ferry than walk on.
2. Blue star ferries may be more organized than Golden star even though they seem to be run by the same company.
3. Use the toll roads in Greece for an easier drive.
4. The WCs are usually in the basements of establishments.
5. Remember many towns all but close down in the late afternoon for a few hours for siesta due to the heat.
6. Ask your AirBnB host for recommendations. They generally know the area, especially if they live there.
Yasas (Good day)
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