Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

There are so many beautiful monasteries around the world. But these six monasteries located in Greece that I am going to tell are the most unique ones. These monasteries are build on natural rock pillar on the edge of the Pindus Mountains in central Greece, these six spectacular Monasteries are known as “Monasteries of Meteora” means floating in the air.

1. The Monastery of St. Stephan

This monastery was founded in 14^th century. Now its convent for nuns. It is located almost on the outskirts of Kalambaka, a bridge there makes it easy to get there.

This monastery was badly damaged in World War II and the afterwards in civil war. So many precious and priceless water color paintings on walls were erased and others were totally were destroyed. Fortunately the Monastery’s most sacred asset the head of St. Charlambos was saved, about that its famous it wards off the illness.

Recently the nuns have been attempting to restore the sections of the monastery that are declining.

This monastery has a small museum having collection of ecclesiastical robes and objects.

Most of all this monastery haves a fascinating view.

2. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity Monastery looks familiar, it probably can be that you seen in James Bond movie For Your Eyes only.

Aside from that great honor, the Holy Trinity Monastery boasts one of the most spectacular positions of the six Meteora monasteries – Agia Triada is perched atop a slender pinnacle and accessible only by 140 steep steps.

The one monk who lives there welcomes visitors and shows them around the monastery’s church, refectory and courtyard. Visitors to Holy Trinity can also see the winch system used to bring people and supplies to the mountaintop monasteries.

3. The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron

If you are not having time to visit all six monasteries of Meteora then visit only one Great Meteoron Monastery. Though other monasteries are worth visiting but this one is top on all.

The Great Meteoron Monastery was founded in the 14^th century but monks built the present monastery in 16^th century that visitors see now.

The lovely church at the Great Meteoron is in the shape of a Greek cross and topped by a 12-sided dome. Inside there are so many watercolor elaborated wall paintings.

The frescoes in the dome feature Christ, the four evangelists, the apostles, and the prophets. Church fathers are by the altar and liturgical feasts are depicted along the walls of the nave. The narthex is decorated with rather frightening images of the Last Judgment and Punishment of the Damned.

Outside the church is a pleasant shady courtyard and a small museum containing icons and illuminated manuscripts. The wine cellar is well stocked with barrels of the sacred drink.

4. The Monastery of Saint Nikolaos Anapafsas

The Monastery of Saint Nikolaos Anapafsas is a little 14^th century monastery approached by a relatively gentle path on the otherwise rugged Meteora in Greece.

It features splendid frescoes by the 16^th century Cretan painter Theophanes the Monk.

5. Roussanou Monastery

Roussanou Monastery is on top of the rocky peaks of Meteora in Thessaly, Greece. Standing tall and strong still yet centuries passed.

It was founded in the 13^th century and now functions as a convent for nuns. The site includes octagonal domed church and beautiful courtyard. Its now easily accessible, thanks to its new bridge.

6. Varlaam Monastery

Varlaam Monastery is named for the monk who first built a tiny chapel on this rocky promontory in the 14^th century.

In the 16^th century two brothers from the monastery at loannina enlarged the chapel and founded the monastery. According to legend, they had to drive away the monster who lived in a cave on the summit before they could move in.

Today, a narrow bridge that runs from the main road on the Meteora can access Varlaam Monastery. Varlaam Monastery’s most pleasant features are the garden and the monk who sometimes sits there and chats with visitors. The old refectory is now a museum.

Varlaam contains frescoes by the well-known iconographer Frangos Katelanos and houses a collection of relics, carved wooden crosses, icons, embroidered epitaphoi and   many other ecclesiastical treasures.

North of the church is the “Parekklesion of the Three” (dedicated to the Three Bishops: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom), which was built in 1627 and decorated in 1637.

The busiest tourist season at Meteora is between May and September. The mountain range to the east and north of Meteora experiences baking heat in summer and severe cold in winter with heavy snowfalls. Summer is the driest time. Storms occur year round, especially at higher altitudes. Most visitors to Meteora stay in Kalambaka or Kastraki, the two closest villages to Meteora.

In my opinion these Monasteries are the standing human hand build wonders of world still standing tall having so many stories along them. A sacred but fascinating place to visit.

Top 5 Amazing Islands of The World

There are thousands of islands scattered around the world. Most of them will be beautiful and attractive also. An island is beautiful and always attracts the tourists; millions around world will be going to the islands of their choice for vacations. But here about islands I am going to tell are the most amazing islands of the world. So here are the world’s top five amazing islands:

1. Gunkanjima, Japan

This island is 15 km far from Nagasaki. The concrete large buildings in Japan were first ever built on this island. The thing that makes it famous are its coal mines. That island is sign of industrial era in Japan. Mitsubishi bought that island in 1890 with purpose of coal mining for the commercial purposes.

2. Surtsey Island, Iceland

A boat crew on November 14^th, 1943 seen smoke coming out far in the sea. They thought that it’s any boat or ship on fire in the sea. But later on it was discovered that under water volcanic change had given birth to a new island. This island is also known as “ The Emerging Island”.

3. Easter Island, Chile

This island is having now no population. Its 36,00 km far from West Chile, before it was having population but now it’s taken over by Government. This island is famous for its cultural heritage and historic monuments.

4. Alcatraz Island, USA

Basically this island was taken by Government for recreation, it haves many buildings and also haves the prison. This island is located in the San Francisco Bay in California.

5. Mljet, Dubrovnik

This island reflects the true color of the nature, having a dense forest on it, which gives it a mysterious look, and there are already so many rumors about ghost and legends on this island.

Christmas Eve Quotes

All around the world Christmas Eve is celebrated and on Internet Christmas Eve quotes are the top search because people want to send sentimental words of appreciation for Christmas Holiday. 

Here I had collected the quotes for Christmas, some of these collected quotes are written by famous writers and some quotes writers are unknown.

Enjoy Christmas and share these quotes to your loved ones.

Here are the Christmas Eve quotes:

• “The grate had been removed from the wide overwhelming fireplace, to make way for a fire of wood, in the midst of which was an enormous log glowing and blazing, and sending forth a vast volume of light and heat; this I understood was the Yule-log, which the Squire was particular in having brought in and illumined on a Christmas eve, according to ancient custom.” Washington Irving
• “There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not to be a child.” Erma Bombeck
• “Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won’t make it ‘white’.” Bing Crosby
• “He who had not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.” Roy L. Smith
• “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it had come around, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.” Charles Dickens
• “Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age.” Carrie Latet
• “ May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace, the gladness of Christmas give you hope, and the warmth of Christmas grant you love.” Author Unknown
• “Christ bless you with all His blessings on this Christmas” Author Unknown

Share all these quotes with your loved ones because as I know Christmas is name of sharing and caring for loved ones and closer ones.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Africa

Africa is a vast country. Trying to choose the top 10 places to visit, is not a simple task. However, to make it easier, for people planning to visit Africa, a top 10 list has been created. Whoever, visits Africa should definitely explore these places. There are many places to visit in Africa. However one can’t travel the whole of Africa. There are certain places that must be explored in Africa. These include Zanzibar, Mount Kilimanjaro and Cape Town.

1. The Masai Mara

The Masai Kara can be found in Kenya. The best time to plan a visit is during, the months of July till October. The wildlife is simply fantastic. It is the only place, where one could, view the migration of more than a million wildebeest. One can view this delightful spectacle from a hot air balloon.

2. Victoria Falls

The Falls are located between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The view of the falls is simply amazing. One feels as if they are caught in the middle of a rainstorm.

The Falls have been calculated to be more than 1 mile. Its height is about 355 feet. More than 500 million liters of water, falls onto the Zambezi River. The water is generated so quickly, that, the spray shoots up to 1000 feet, into the sky.

3. Pyramids of Giza

The pyramids are situated in Egypt, on the outskirts of Cairo. The pyramid is one out of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was built about 5000 years ago.

In total, there are three pyramids in Giza. These are the Pyramid of Menkaura, the Pyramid of Kafhre, and the Great Pyramid of Cheops. All three pyramids are the tombs of the different Kings of Egypt. A Sphinx can be found, outside the pyramids.

4. Djenne

Djenne can be found on an island, which is located, in the Niger River Delta. It is about a few hundred miles away from Timbuktu. It was found in 800 A.D. Many Muslims live here and the market square also features a Grand Mosque.

On Mondays, there is a market held in Djenne. It is one of the most fascinating markets in Africa. A good time to visit would be during the months of August and September.

5. Cape Town

Cape Town is a popular vacation spot in South Africa. It is a scenic city and has many beautiful mountains and beaches. The cuisine and the wines are simply delicious. It is a very diverse city.

6. Marrakech

It can be found in the country Morocco. A good place to stay in would be the Riad. It is in the medina.

It is a fascinating city. One must visit the Majorelle Gardens, the Djemma el Fnaa and medina. They are lovely places and thoroughly memorable.

7. Omo River Region

It is a part South-western Ethiopia. Tourists who love cultural cities should definitely visit the Omo River. More than 50 tribes reside in this area. Visitors should become part of a tour, as it would be difficult to, explore the place otherwise.

8. Virunga Mountains

These mountains are located at the border of Rwanda, Uganda and DRC, in East Africa. Mountain gorillas are fast become extinct. However, these mountains are home to about 300 gorillas. It is, therefore, a great place to explore and observe the gorillas.

9. Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the world's tallest mountain. It can be found in Tanzania and is about 19,340 feet high. Those of you who are adventurous should visit this place. It shall take about 6 days to climb the mountain.

The advantage to people is, that nor special climbing equipment or expertise is required. However, many people fail at climbing the mountain. They are not prepared for how difficult it can be to climb the mountain.

10. Zanzibar

The last place is Zanzibar, which can also be found in, Tanzania. It has an interesting history and great beaches. Zanzibar is world famous for its spices.

Zanzibar is, mostly, an Arab dominated city. This is apparent in Stone Town, which is a famous tourist spot. The Town has many great places such as mosques and the Sultan's Palace.