Meet Benfra, our truffle dog, with her trainer. Benfra is the name of an Italian company renowned for its excavators. What a perfect name for a truffle hunter!
THE FUN BEGINS
Venturing into the oak forest
Benfra in action
Good job, Benfra!
Benfra looking for her reward in her trainer's pocket
We were told that Benfra doesn't receive a treat unless she genuinely uncovers a truffle—she occasionally deceives her trainer by digging a hole without actually finding a truffle and then insists on her reward!
Following the hunt, we were taken to the "kitchen," which turned out to be outdoors.
Fruits of Benfra's labour
Alexandra preparing a pasta meal with wild mushrooms and the truffles gathered during the hunt.
An Instagram moment for Son#2
A super delicious picnic of truffle pasta and mushroom candy dessert in the woods
Can you spot the stray that joined us?
Next, we were shuttled off by coach to the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum.
My photos do no justice to the jaw-dropping beauty of Meteora. I simply couldn't capture the full grandeur of the monasteries that perched atop the towering rock formations. It's a sight that must be experienced firsthand
to truly appreciate its breathtaking beauty.
Here's an image I snagged from the internet that perfectly captures the sense of wonder I experienced.
Watch this drone video by Youtuber Main Stream Travel, and you will know what I mean.
Out of the six active monasteries that are open to the public, we only visited the Holy Monastery of Varlaam and the Agios Stefanos Monastery.
Climbing the 195 steps leading to the entrance of Varlaam
Almost there...
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
Elaborate frescos adorn the ceilings and walls of the monasteries, depicting scenes from Greek Orthodox scripture.
The frescoes date back to the Byzantine era, with some of them originating from the 14th century.
This basket-and-pulley system was one of the methods used to transport people, goods, and food supplies
between the monasteries and the ground below. The system was powered
manually by the monks and workers who lived in the monasteries. Today, of course, there are steps, so they are easier to access.
Going down ...
These colossal rock formations are composed of a unique combination of sandstone and conglomerate rock.
An amazing shot by our tour leader
Meteora in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens". It is said that when there is mist, the floating pinnacles of Meteora resemble the “Hallelujah Mountains” of Pandora in the film Avatar.
Thank God, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos was easy to access. We simply crossed a small bridge to reach the entrance. I couldn't possibly climb any more stairs!
This monastery, originally housed monks. It was converted to a nunnery in the 20th century. Today, there are about 28 nuns and an abbess living here.
Shrine in the courtyard of the Monastery of Agios Stefanos
Views of the rocks in Kalambaka, the foot of Meteora
We had lunch in a taverna in Kalambaka against the majestic backdrop of the towering rock pillars.
An Instagram moment for Son#2
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