Big change of scenery today as we moved into northwestern Greece to an area near Pindus National Park. Our local guides are Visilis and Achilles, which is the single greatest Greek tour guide name ever. Visilis teaches physics at the local university, and Achilles is a former Greek national rowing champion.
We’re only about 30 kilometers from Albania. Achilles says you only go to Albania if you want to know what Greece was like 50 years ago.
Had a brilliant lunch before heading into the mountains this afternoon. The taverna owner brought us glasses of the Greek aperitif, tsipouro, which I have developed a taste for. Have decided it’s closer to schnapps than grappa, which is still undrinkable. Then came the standard Greek parade of “not that much” food. If a Greek ever says those words to you, they are lying. Beware. Ended with the Greek herbal digestive, Mastica, which I adore. I predict a big duty-free purchase in Athens on our way home next week.
Drove up, up, and up into the mountains of Pindus National Park. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. We walked over a natural stone bridge that was built in 1514. Got lots of physics info on construction from Vasilis. There was a cave entrance near the bridge. Not even a little curious about that.
Hiked down to view Viklos Gorge, which is one of the deepest gorges in the world. Didn’t wear the right shoes. Tried not to slip on the beautiful, but wildly uneven trail. Naturally, we got to a part of the trail where the consequence of slipping would be death. The Greeks have the same tradition as the rest of Europe for safety measures of any kind – none. Was very brave and sure-footed. Didn’t kill myself.
Posted on nearly every corner of these mountain roads are small orthodox chapels. They look like large mailboxes. Achilles says they are to pray for safe passage. Visilis says they are to give thanks you didn’t die on said passage. Potato poTAto.
On the way down the mountain, we came across a Greek mountain traffic jam – a shepherd moving his flock of sheep. Super cool to see.
