Mt Olympus and Meteora (Y2019 Summer XP2)

Trek: Y2019 Summer XP2

Date: 7 – 14 July 2019

Location: Mount Olympus and Meteora, Greece

Elevation: Mt Olympus 2918m, though we didn't scale the summit as it was too technical ; Meteora 318m on average

Duration: 4D3N

Difficulty: Intermediate for Mt Olympus; Beginner for Meteora

These are the journal entries of Yeju's, our participant, and some of my random comments :D We hope that this diary unleashes your imagination, and that you get a taste of how our actual trip to Greece went down :* Enjoy!

ITINERARY

7th: Day 1 Singapore -> Dubai -> Athens

Knocked out on the flight to Dubai. Was taken aback by how different the air stewardesses looked, with very fair skin and boasting a typical Caucasian look (with very red full lips) instead of the darker skin tone I had been imagining of people in the Middle East. Sandwiched between a blue eyed rather timid but very considerate Caucasian middle aged lady (who offered me her shoulder to sleep on as well as her chocolate dessert cake) and a big sized, loud spoken dark skinned guy who was very unhygienic and pretty selfish ugh. Bought Kiri snacks and Caprisun at the overpriced Dubai supermarket. Even McDonald’s was very pricey, targeting Dubai’s affluent voyagers (mainly Caucasians). Watched Isn’t That Romantic (played by the lady who had taken my seat earlier which I just resumed playing. Very on point pronunciation of “senorita”.) and Notting Hill. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant... made me draw some parallels to my love life, the lines I draw and the values (or the lack thereof) portrayed. Also caught Emirates stewards & stewardesses bumping their bottoms playfully whilst serving me. Weren’t the friendliest, especially the females - she would smile with a frown between her brows. Huh.

Touch down 8.30pm

Athens City Themis 5 Address: Chiou 20, Athina 104 38, Greece

Shared a cab with Mingen & Keith. Usually about €54 but got an offer for €42. Cab driver has some semblances to Hugh Grant. The sky at dusk was mesmerising. Seeing some quaint European houses with the iconic balconies and shops along the way. It’s dark so it’s hard to see much but I imagine the color tone to be beautiful as well in the day. Loving this Spanish/Mexican-vibey song playing from the radio in the cab ride. Driver has nice long lashes and speaks considerably good English. Replies me that there are many different pizzerias around every corner and town.

Explored the town a little with Keith and Mingen. It was pretty scary with minimal streetlamps around, and hardly saw any females out and about. After much wandering, settled at an eatery right in front of the metro station called The Station and had some bites before returning to our hostel. Hostel was clean and spacious, the other girls arrived as well and everyone knocked out soon after.

8th: Day 2 Locker @ Monastiraki Sq Walk to Monastiraki was long, trekking bag felt pretty heavy on my waist. Stench of piss emanating from place to place, an uncompassionate reminder of homeless people on the streets with flies around them. Typical Greek beggars on the streets situation - thought of San Francisco this time last year. The European architecture seemed more pronounced in the daylight.

Athens station -> Larissa Was a mad rush getting to catch the 9:22 train to Larissa. Got scammed by the taxi driver who didn’t wish to start the metre, charged us €30 for a 5 minute ride. Some of the members grabbed bread for us, I picked out one with ham and feta cheese. View outside on the train ride is of a rather nice, peaceful countryside. Wish I had an earpiece with me right now as I doze off into a warm daze.

Lunch @ Larissa Seems like there are only meat menus here.

Larissa -> Lichotoro

Start trek at Gkortsia Mount Olympus Guide Anastasis around our age (25) Huda seemed to find it a little difficult to keep up with the pace - she had told me she felt nervous about it. Honestly was startled initially by the fast pace - slowed down even though Stasis was still so fast and fit. Had doubts on whether I could embark on the trip as the second day was going to be even worse with steeper climbs and ascends. Listened to the others (mainly Erwin and Moujun) go on about so many different topics. Had a few water breaks here and there, had to ration the water intake towards the later part of the trek. Occasionally stumbled upon some nice views, and I almost couldn’t help but to compare it to Penang, with the overlapping color scheme. As well as the Grand Canyon tour with its beautiful rocky formations. Overall was a tiring and challenging 4h hike, especially given the fact that it was my first proper backpacking one.

Altitude 1940m Should make it a point to talk to Stasis more often tmr. Remember my stance on genuineness in my interactions. The view from the hostel made up for every bit of the fatigue though - saw the most amazing abandoned greenhouse-looking architecture amongst a bed of wild flowers and plants. This was at about 9pm - ran up the hill despite the cold (some of us mid-dinner) to catch the sunset. None of us showered - water must be scarce here (& human instinct is to cower away from the cold hence cleanliness comes second-only). To think we are about to go another day without showering... hope my hair won’t cause too much trouble. Saw a star fulllll of skies. And Jupiter. As well as some twinkling fireflies. Breathtaking to say the least, amazed at how generous the stars were being in revealing themselves to us in all their splendor. Made out a constellation called the Hook(?) that Val pointed out. Overall thankful for the good start off to the trek. Day 2 seems daunting and the most challenging but mind over matter!!! Am sure this will give me the strength and the grit that I would need for the future as well as give me a chance to figure my life out and follow a set of well founded virtues such that I can be happy with who I am and will become.

9th: Day 3 Mount Olympus Bfast at 7 and to leave at 7.30 - was the plan but left at 8. Had some hard bread with about 4 different spreads. The weather is pretty chilly and feels nice with the sun. Frankly didn’t think I would make it through the supposedly hardest day of the trek - I was just so tired having to walk up with such a heavy load. Distributed Huda’s load among other guys so that she would have an easier time keeping up. Took quite a few breaks, met other trekkers and dogs and very beautiful scenery. Somehow reached the refuge after multiple encounters with other trekkers on the way.

Altitude of 2648m The staff here are so good looking! Snapped a few pics, had lunch, and had a nice hour long nap. Saw a dog napping in the sun, staff told me that he was one of the many dogs that roam around the different refuges. There were too many flies in the toilet so Zhiqi and I went to answer the call of nature among nature instead. Was supposed to go to Scalia but changed plans to go to Prophetalios (?) and Tombas (?) instead. Witnessed a construction for a church undergoing at the peak of Prophetalios. Asked them in Greek, with the help of Stasis, how long they would take to finish building it, to which I got a joking reply - 2 days lol. Climbed down, went to see the view of the valley at Tombas. Realised that the hardest part of our trek was already over..! (Supposedly past Stefani and to Scalia) Saw the streaks of sun rays beaming down on the towns down below, as well as some rain clouds ascending into the other bigger clouds - was such a sight. Felt Zeus’ rage through the merciless wind. Started drizzling pretty heavily so we started to make our way back. Walked through a rain cloud/fog and got drenched, but thankfully we were pretty near the refuge. Saw the fog moving very quickly across the sky, dangerously close to us. Realised that it was pretty hazardous for us to be walking there as we were the tallest beings on the terrain, so close to the clouds. Saw a few poles situated intermittently, probably to direct the lightning away. Came into the refuge and had dinner. Had good talks/banters with the group and Stasis. Some amazing red wine as well. Bought group souvenir shirts- both black and grey looked nice but I went with grey. Stasis told us we may have an opportunity to go swimming tomorrow!! Excited since we won’t get to shower today either.

All lying in our bunks by 8pm and having htht (can’t help but cringe whenever I use this word). Went to bed but woke up at 10.30pm, with music playing and lots of talking coming from downstairs. Went down after quite a while - most were leaving for their tents and heading to bed. Was in urgent need to use the toilet so I did despite the freezing cold and the darkness. The night sky was pretty with stars scattered about, but the winds were too strong. The owner of the refuge was so friendly and loving, and smiled with really sweet dimples (he is 42). Moujun led the convo mostly - much to learn, with his animated style of talking and a wide knowledge on conversation topics. Before heading back up to bed, we realised we probably wouldn’t get to see the owner in the morning as he only gets up at 8 but he said that’s just how life works - struck a cord, reminded me how it is like to live by your mantra and do so to your fullest instead of putting on a play-act. Would love to be back here another time despite the steep climbs for the whole experience. All about the timing and the opportunities you take up for yourself. Better be up by 6 tmr (if I wanna catch the sunrise) and hope for another good day.

10th: Day 4 Bfast 645 leave by 730 Woke up at 6.10 and saw a pinkish sky out the window. Some were going down to watch the sunrise and I was highly hesitant but decided to go down eventually - only to realise the view was exactly the same as that out the window. Bid goodbye to the people at the refuge. The wind was insane, almost blew us all right off our feet. Started on our journey anyway, looking out for one another. Realised how severe a phobia could be and how hard confronting it was - initially when Erwin had been scared of heights I had laughed it off, but I realised its severity when he was afraid to let go of Moujun’s hands. Perhaps an area I should take extra care to be more sensitive towards. Took in beautiful sights - even the random bursts of wildflowers were so charming. Took some pretty challenging routes, and the sound of gravels rolling off were pretty haunting, like the audio of a horror film. Had lunch at a mountain restaurant that Mingen had earlier pointed out, claiming that would be the place he would go into hiding upon graduation. Ha-ha. Resumed the hike down after an hour, chatting and listening to others’ stories at times. Mainly on Mingen’s travel to Taiwan with his “Friend”. Knees started to hurt and some complained of blisters forming on their toes. Saw a waterfall shortly before arriving at the exit. Would’ve been nice to have swum in it but it had started drizzling. The wave of relief and accomplishment - as well as the urgent need to pee - hit me when I saw the opening towards the end. Zhiqi and Erwin ran out towards the exit, to which I believe every hiker could resonate with. Took a group photo thereafter. Split into two cars and had a long drive towards our hotel in a town called Kastraki. Arrived and saw a ivory cat with black spots, as well as a dog.

Hotel @ Kastraki Finally got to have a good hot shower after so many days. It felt so good to have basic necessities met such as hygiene. The balcony of this room opens up into a corner of the neighbourhood, with calming colours and idle scenes. Took a look into the mirror - not quite sure if I had visibly lost weight after so much activity. Val commented that she had indeed lost weight from the long days of trekking. Changed into our team shirts, had dinner within the neighbourhood. It was about 9pm when we set out of the hotel and the atmosphere was warm and cosy, felt safe roaming down the streets. All the eateries had a similar warm yellow ambience to them, inviting and classic. Had really good deep fried zucchini + sauce, chicken+pork+sausage. Apparently restaurants in Greece only close when the last of the customers leave! Had ice cream for dessert as well and good talks over dinner (mainly on Mingen’s funny idiocy). Also saw a black cat that got easily scared by humans but also approached our table, looking for food. Was a really good experience, eating half alfresco where the roofs were rolled back into place once it started to drizzle. Rooming with Valerie tonight. She’s knocked out almost immediately after getting into bed. We’ll be heading to Meteora tmr on foot. Hope we get to see the sunrise.

11th: Day 5 Bfast 715 leave at 8 Had a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast at the hotel. View from our hotel room was pretty okay, with nice clouds. Left for Meteora (only a few of us carried our backpacks). Views from the climb were pretty sweet, though it personally couldn’t compare to that we had witnessed on mount Olympus. Stood atop one of the great rocks that gave us a good view of the town down below. Felt like it would’ve been nice to lay down and suntan there, with the slight breeze, good sun and minimal human activity. Arrived at the biggest monastery called the Grand Meteoro (?). Met our guide, a middle aged lady called Dina who gave us detailed explanations about the context and history of the monasteries atop such inaccessible places. Girls had to wear wrap skirts despite wearing long pants. The fresco wall paintings and architecture/chandeliers were very intricately and delicately done by the monks from some centuries ago, mainly from the 14th and 16th, and yet they were so well kept and preserved (the aridity of the environment helped). Took in a lot of history and beauty of the craftsmanship that the monks had displayed for the Orthodox Christian monasteries. The complexity of the rituals in place stood in sharp contrast to the Christianity that I subscribe to and have believed in all my life. Would love to get a chance to study more about European art with relation to history in context. Started on our descent - by this point most of us just wanted to get back down to the town and have lunch. As our very last hike, it was a rather breezy one (discounting the fact that we couldn’t feel our legs or toes anymore). A good end to the series of hikes we had had. Overall, kudos to Valerie for managing the team effectively and trying her best to keep everyone in check and on time throughout - must’ve been tough with her own fatigue too. The place we were to have lunch at (same as last night’s) was closed, so we went to another restaurant. The food was good, especially the pork rib and the Greek baked dish. Had a variety of dishes, not forgetting the Greek salad that has been present in every meal that we have had thus far. Restaurant owner gave us a special Greek dish made of hot cheese, peppers etc. Had some ice cream with whipped cream as well. Randomly struck me that it is such a blessing that all of us made it out of the mountains alive and unscathed (mostly). Dad had sent me an article on how a storm in the northern part of Greece killed 6 tourists just yesterday, and with the elevated risks of summertime forest wildfire, there can only be much to be thankful for. It was time to send Stasis off. Was surprised, moved even, at how genuinely disappointed and unwilling Erwin seemed to be at having to bide farewell. Moujun, on the other hand, seemed the most nonchalant, probably from having met and departed with so many other people throughout his Europe trip. Grabbed a quick hour long coffee break at a cafe near the train station - we were all dying for a cold drink and a place to sit. Were making plans for Moujun, Keith and Mingen’s rnr travel plans when it hit me that the official trip was almost over..?? Oh dear (in Mingen’s voice). Can’t believe we only have two nights and a day more together. Would really have loved to get to know Zhiqi and Erwin better should time permit us. Took the last train out of town to Athens. Saw the outstanding Meteora figures shrinking into the distance, reminding me that we have experienced Meteora and it was time to leave it behind. Once again, time really slips beyond our fingers, but at least we make it count. So tired, but pretty content - am sure this must be the common sentiment among all of us seated quietly on our seats. Sunset was pretty, the last of its rays golden and all-encompassing. Took a few photos with Huda next to me.

Collect luggage

Acropolis Hostel Address: 25 Eschilou, Athens, 10554, Greece Was given the wrong room by the hotel. Very small and crammed with despondent living conditions. Mingen even raised his voice whilst taking to the hostel staff. After much ordeal, got promised that we would be given the original room tmr.

12th: Day 6 RNR day - everyone set off on their own paths, converging at times. Explored various places of Athens. Temple of Olympian Zeus Panathenaic Stadium Tomb of Unknown Soldier Propylaea

Did some shopping for cheap but pretty accessories + magnets etc. Val got a few dick keychains that apparently were symbolic of Greece... Had lunch together and I didn’t feel that good so I went out to the square and sat under the sun, with a zillion pigeons flying around which I usually would’ve shunned. This time I just let be.

Lots of more walking and random purchases along the more commercialised streets. And more visiting ruins.

The walk back to the hostel felt final and conclusive - we would have our last dinner together over some pizza and drinks, and doze off into a last sweet slumber together that would set us off to embark on separate paths.

What a journey together it was - 8 individuals coming together and witnessing, feeling, and overcoming so much with such intensity over a short but long span of 7 days. Definitely one of the best decisions that I’ve made this year, and one that allowed me to experience a country called Greece from a wholly new vantage point. Will be coming back for another round. Thank you guys 💯 till the next time we meet - back in Singapore or wherever around the globe!

-cont-

Valerie: following the 6-7 official days of the trek, we disbanded and went for our unofficial RnR!

Yeju and myself headed to Santorini, Zhiqi, Erwin and Huda to island hopping (with night being spent at Poros and Aegina), Moujun to Milos (where Yeju joined him after), and Ming En and Keith staying in Athens because they were too lazy to plan (and proceeded to book one day tours at the very last minute, and ended up meeting with Zhiqi and the rest because they were on their island!) I felt empty afterwards as the numbers dwindled-- 8 became 2 and then I was all by myself as Yeju left Santorini.

While I've interacted with about half of the org comm+participants of the trip at the very beginning planning stage, what was most heartwarming to me was seeing how they all came and blended together, forming a fresh group dynamic and bond :) A big thank you to everyone- Thasis for leading the group and teaching us allll about Greece and Europe, Zhiqi for helping me liaise with the vendor, school, participants, and always stepping up when needed, Ming En for scolding the landlord (HAHAH) and being so responsible throughout, Keith for always being willing to try sth new and being there for us whenever we need support, Huda for taking nice marketing pics and pushing on despite the fatigue, Erwin for conquering (hm) your fear of heights and bringing joy to the table, Yeju for your friendliness, cheerful attitude and effort to bond with everyone and lastly... Moujun... for just being yourself la... heh for all your jokes, silly banter, expertise, and single-handedly raising our group's actual and mental age!...., Yall were all so cooperative and lovely!

Putting this pic here to immortalise this memory

In retrospect, the trip went really smoothly and I'm happy. Zhiqi and I, along with the rest of the org comm, were initially afraid and sceptical of going to a land so so distant, and it was really out of our comfort zones. We had to pay quite a large sum too, and there was always this nagging voice at the back of our head telling us that we had to maximise our money and time there, to ensure that everything was done to perfection. The Athens room situation where we lost our cool with the landlord, having to change our trekking plans because we were too weak to continue, to lead the group in a foreign culture and environment were all meaningful experiences to me. And though I mentioned that it would be my last trek ever cos I've been on several consecutive treks and found them draining, 6 months on, I wouldn't mind reliving this trip and have also been making future plans to continue my trekking adventures :3 Is it becoming a way of life ?_?