There were some 20 pilgrims sleeping in the monastery. Two foreign tourist were treated as the Greek pilgrims… The monks encouraged us to wake up fo the 4 am liturgy. Sorry, I did not. Why? The Greek fellows were snorig loudly all night and I slept a little bit only. When they went to the church it was a good time to sleep in the silence…
But all hospitality is free of charge here: since one thousand years when monasteries were founded the monks accept pilgrims fo the night, offer simple meals (they eat only twice a day, no meat or eggs) and pray…
This was my hardest day: the rough trail to Megiste Lavra Monastery goes at the bottom of Mt Athos. I was a bit afraid if I will manage this 6 to 7 hours mountain walk… I did!
The begginning was the hardest part – almost 2 hours uphill with all my stuff… Then from the cross located on the ridge I enjoyed great view… After hours at the end of the trail from the little pass I saw down there unexpected Romanian Monastery. It was great temptation – to make a detour (1,5 hours) and to visit this place. It was worth. But when I reached Lavra after 8 hours on the trail I was really tired, true.
No shop to buy food or drinks! And to get the afternoon meal in the huge, ornate reflectory you must go first to the church to attend the service. It is very, very interesting but my reception after this hard walk through the mountains was so… so…
Finally after all ceremonies I got my plate and my bed. Lavra is a big monastery. Ane chance for the non-snoring dorm?
