Woke up, had some breakfast at the hotel and made our way to the main train station in Athens, Larisis Station, for the 4.5 hour journey to Kalambaka in Central Greece. The train was decent and comfortable and the journey went without any hitches. I was really surprised by the views from the train. It really was a beautiful train trip. I didn’t realize Greece had such diverse landscapes. One of the better train trips I’ve had. Not quite some of the train trips I’ve had in Switzerland but very nice.
We got into Kalambaka around 1:30pm and caught a taxi to our hotel in Kastraki which is maybe two miles away.
The landscape here is breathtaking and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I don’t know what geologic event took place here but the results where these rock pinnacles that just shoot up to the heavens. On top of some of these pinnacles are monasteries. Anyhow, these were to be discovered tomorrow. We got to our hotel and Shannon and I were immediately blown away by it. One of the best hotels I’ve stayed at in Europe. Modern furnishings, awesome owners, great rooms with great views. If you ever find yourself in Meteora you MUST stay at Doupiani House. You will not be disappointed. I just love the view from our private terrace.
Anyhow after getting checked in and settled. We made our way into town and ate at a Taverna called Paradisos which so far is the best meal we’ve had in Greece. I had the tastiest souvlaki there and Shannon had this chicken dish where it was spiced/seasoned just right. That along with Tzatziki and dolmas….just excellent. Oh, and two carafes of white wine. Shannon and I were pretty loaded after that meal. Then came a couple of ouzo shots…for me. Shannon refused. Then an Amstel. Side note: Dutch beers seem to be the norm here. It’s Amstel or Heineken and then Mythos which seems to be the Greek Budweiser. I really don’t remember walking back to the hotel. I ended up crashing out in my clothes and waking up at 3am with that feeling of not knowing where I was. I hate that.
