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A Greek Orthodox icon is drenched in sunlight in the Greek village of Kastraki, not far from the famous Meteora monasteries.
Spring is in full swing in this beautiful part of southeastern Europe, with a bounty of roses, mint, mulberries, and (almost-ripe) cherries waiting for someone to pick them. In the image, you’ll also notice the flags of Greece and the Byzantine Empire.
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Hi! My name is Tricia Mitchell. I delight in telling stories about my slow travels through more than 65 countries. Some of my highlights have included sharing meals with locals in Armenia, Cambodia, and Tunisia; sipping sparkling wine with French cousins in Alsace; milking goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village; and training with a Japanese mine-clearance team in Laos. My husband, Shawn, and I are based in France’s Loire Valley.
Saw very similar sights in Kavala, very nice Tricia.
How long ago were you in Greece, Mark? I’m amazed by how much you globetrot!
It was a few years ago now.
Roses (growing with thorns) and a hornet’s nest – wondering what the implications are?
Annette, I was so struck by the beauty of the scene and the roses abound in the village (Kastraki) that I hadn’t even considered any deeper meanings. Guess I must be more pensive! :)
I love the Orthodox relics, they are such an interesting mixture of east meets west.
I wholeheartedly agree, Andy! We were lucky enough to happen upon a small artist’s workshop as he worked on icons. In addition to those he pained, he had quite a vast collection of antique family icons (some dating back to the 1700s) as well as those he’s picked up in places like Russia and Istanbul. Just fascinating.
hornet’s nest? that’s capture :D
AH I have never been to Kastraki yet, but this summer perhaps. :)
Meteora is a dream! We debated whether to stay in Kastraki or Kalambaka, and were so pleased that we went to Kastraki. It’s so calm and less commercialized than the more bustling Kalambaka and it also offered us great access to hiking up to the monasteries.
I hope you’ll make it here this summer, Nessy!
Hi,
I just found your blog yesterday. We are in Croatia now and planning where to go next. I see you went to Montenegro and then Albania. How did you travel from Albania to Greece? Thanks! I’ll probably have more questions later. I like your posts and your photos.
Merrill
Hi Merrill, glad to hear you’re enjoying Croatia! We spent about 5 months in Dalmatia, and it feels like home in many ways. :) As for our route, in 2013, we worked our way down Croatia, spent time in Montenegro, then Albania, then Macedonia, and finally Greece. We traveled via bus to get from country to country. Feel free to send more questions via the blog posts (that way, everyone can see the information) or even via email. Wish you happy travels.
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