Today's tour was along the Chalkidiki peninsula of Greece. We are camped on one of the "three fingers" (peninsulas) of the big peninsula in Ouranopolis, the end of the road on the Athos peninsula. The land farther along is reachable only by boat and is known as the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain. Only monks and male pilgrims who apply 6 months in advance are allowed to enter. It is self-governed monastic state within the sovereignty of the Hellenic Repblic (Greece). There are about 20 monasteries today, most built or established in the 9th to 12th centuries. The monk population is about 2200. Each monastery is governed by an abbott. Each monk works 8 hrs a day, sleeps 8, and prays 8. We didn't much sign of life, but since it was Sunday, the monks might not have been working. We did see a few monks at the boat dock where we started our ride.
Since I have mentioned the many good restaurant meals provided by our caravan company, I feel that I should show you last night's homemade attempt. It has been very pleasant to have meals outdoors, and that somewhat makes up for the lack of style and gourmet-ness. Last night's menu was pork chops (no longer in Moslem Turkey), peas, tomatoes, cukes, and pasta.
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