“Welcome in the Traditional Village of Kastraki” reads the sign on the outskirts of the village.

Kastraki (Καστράκι) is a very nice village. Kalambaka is a big town, but Kastraki has, I think, more character to it and offers better views of the Meteora than Kalambaka.

My accommodation – Zozas Rooms – is on the outskirts of the village. I’ve got a double room here, TV, air con and a fridge – and a continental breakfast included. I’ve got a map and a copy of the bus timetable, so tomorrow I will go and visit the monastries.

I headed out for a little walk around the village this afternoon – there are a selection of tavernas, two bakeries, small supermarkets and a few cafes.

I walked in to Kalambaka itself too; there is a cashpoint there, and I went in to the tourist office to get the bus timetable…and then to the bus station to buy my ticket to Thessaloniki for tomorrow (cost €20). Kalambaka isn’t far, it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk to the centre from my hotel.

For dinner tonight I went to one of the ‘roof garden’ tavernas, it was very quiet there: all the tourists were in the one opposite, which had live Greek music (read as: Zorba the Greek). I enjoyed my meal of σουτζοκάκια με ρίζι (meatballs and rice) – plus of course bread and a drink… at a cost of €8,50.

Tomorrow morning, breakfast is 07:30 to 09:30: I’ll be going down at about 07:30. Then I will check out of my room and leave my luggage in the hotel, and I will get the 09:00 bus to the monastries of the Meteora.

I’m off to bed now.

Good night,

FH.