Higher and Higher (13/06/11)

Well SOMETHING we had yesterday didn't agree with us, and during the night we both had cramps and "loose bowels", as the saying goes. We suspect it was the water we were given with lunch yesterday, as we were warned on arrival not to drink the tap water (Note to self : stick to beer at lunch today). By breakfast things had settled down a bit, and by mid - morning we felt confident enough to set off on our longest trip yet : a hike into Kalambaka townsite and then up the mount to the monastery of Agias Trias. The thunderstorms of yesterday had cleared and the day was warm and sunny.The trail wove its way up and up for several miles - again with stunning views - until after 90 minutes we reached the monastery to be confronted by more steps up to the entrance. Our tired legs dragged us on, and once in the Monastery we had a good look around at the murals in the church as well as the rooms open for display. The view from the top was amazing , with three of the other monasteries in sight. Then we were off down the mount again, stopping every so often as Carmel took another picture of the local flowers. In only half the time of the ascent we were back in Kalambaka, and our stomachs ready for lunch. We didn't want to overdo things so settled for a Greek salad, Tzatziki (a dip of cucumber, garlic and yoghurt) with bread, and grilled peppers. Washed down with Mythos beer - no water. Before leaving Kalambaka we visited an old Byzantine church with murals dating back to the 11th century, and some 4th century mosaic floor still visible too. Then back to the hotel for a well earned rest. Dinner was across the road at the taverna - spaghetti but with olives, fetta , tomato and peppers for me , an oven baked pasta with cheese for Carmel - with the now customary carafe of Rose. Panacotta , ouzo and a frappe for Carmel finished off the night nicely as a chill crept in to the air. Tomorrow we have a bus trip back to Athens, in preparation for the conference that begins for Carmel at least on Wednesday