Today we woke up and put on our adventure pants! Having enjoyed our time in Delphi, we were prepared to set off for Kalambaka to see the monasteries built into the cliffs. Originally, we planned to take the bus, until we were told if would not be a three hour adventure, but rather an all day adventure. In addition, some of us were coming down with a cold from the hotel's stuffy atmosphere, and were operating on little sleep. Dad made the wise decision to splurge on a taxi, instead of pursuing what would surely be a day of major frustration.
So, at 8 a.m., with smiles plastered on our faces, and bags strapped to our backs, we headed downstairs and into the waiting taxi. As we stuffed ourselves into the five passenger sedan, we felt as if we were attempting to fit an unusual amount of people and luggage into one of the Weasley's magically enhanced cars (from the Harry Potter series), but without the magic. Finley, Lamar, Mom, and Katherine crowded into the backseat, practically sitting on top of each other -- no stretching charm in sight to make the seating magically expand inside the vehicle. Uncomfortable, but happy to be taking the quicker of the two options to Kalambaka, we said goodbye to Delphi and began our journey.
One thing you need to know is that Greek drivers take almost every traffic sign as a mere suggestion. That’s putting it lightly. As we quickly learned, stop signs are made for tourists, not Greeks. If you don’t pick up on it by the simple fact that the stop sign does not have the Greek word for STOP on it, but rather the English version, then you will quickly discover its meaningless function, as your taxi driver speeds on through the intersection without a backward glance. However, ignorance to the road “guidelines” does not end with stop signs. The speed limit in Greece is set at 120 KM/Hr, despite what the signs say. If there is a sign clearly stating the expected speed limit to be 30 KM/Hr, it is wrong. Apparently, the creator of the sign left out the one, and mistook the two he was supposed to write on the metal for a three. If the sign clearly states 50 KM/hr, it is also a manufacturer mistake, and not to be followed. IF there is a CLEAR red line striking through 90 KM/Hr, that only means you cannot go 90. So, to follow this sign, it is, in the Greek way, best to stick with the established speed limit of 120 KM/Hr.
So, after a much quicker ride than expected, and some sore hips and bunkys, we arrived at our beautiful hotel in Kalambaka. Our room overlooks the cliffs, which are home to several Greek Orthodox Monasteries (more information to come on these tomorrow). As we had a tiring travel experience, we spent the day resting, enjoying the view, and celebrating a special dinner in honor of the missed Mother’s Day, Finley’s Birthday, and Lamar’s Graduation, as well as to mark Katherine’s sixth month anniversary from surgery and Dad’s lovely sabbatical.
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