Fulbright Greece/Bulgaria

We’ve headed north through Patras, on to Delphi, Arahova, and Meteora, site of six Orthodox monasteries.  We made brief visits to two (actually a monastery and a nunnery).  They are perched on top of rock outcroppings that overlook a broad valley.  I wanted to post some pictures, but I forgot them upstairs in the room.  I’ll have to post them later. The Amalia Hotels have been very nice with spacious rooms and pools.  A swim has really felt great after a long bus ride or tramping around ruins all day.  We’re in Thessaloniki now, the second largest city.  The center city is very picturesque with cafes, broad streets, and a long water front.  We heard a terrific lecture yesterday about the current state of the Balkans and got to meet the U.S. Consul General, Hoyt Yee.  Today we’re touring a couple castles from the Byzanntine era and touring a museum.