Many visitors to Greece go mainly to islands and south thereby missing out on people, culture and spectacular scenery of north.
This trip began on Santorini island, then Tinos, ferry to Thessaloniki, across and down mainland to Athens and Pelloppenese. Difficult to do justice to a warm, welcoming people (and their ouzo!) who made us very welcome in all the small villages.
Tinos Island – very tranquil, peaceful and spiritual a place of pilgrimage for the many who visit the sacred Icon of Megalochori (The Holy Virgin). Many visit the shrine by ascending the 1km hill on front of the church on their knees. An example of friendliness was being supplied with coffee by a lady outside whose house I was painting.
Thessalonniki – the largest city of the North. By ferry from Tinos, nice city, history and culture, waterfront, markets, monuments and museums, ramparts and streets.
Northern Greece
Zagoria Gorge and Villages – Spectacular
Fabulous Meteora
Definitely a highlight-spent a long time here admiring and daubing! This is a truly atmospheric spot
Built in the 11th century, 6 monasteries of Meteora ( “Heaven in the Sky”) on natural sculptured rock pillars on the Plain Of Thessaley. These housed monasteries and 1? Convent. They were safe havens accessed by ropeladder! The joy of painting these magical scenes, in an atmosphere of total serenity, was truly unimaginable. On one occasion I heard singing, I turned and saw a young nun and a somewhat older nun literally skipping along, hand in hand and singing joyfully- life as good as it gets.
Agia Kyriaki – an example of quiet Pelion Peninsula Village
Delphi
The navel of the Earth to the Ancient Greeks. From 1600BC mounted on a precipice on the slopes of Mt Parnassus overlooking Gulf of Corinth, it was the place of worship of the Earth Goddess, Gaea. It was also the home of the Delphic Oracle. It consists of many elements – Sanctuary of Appollo,Sanctuary of Athena, etc.
