This was taken at the "Meteora" in Kalambaka, Greece.  The Meteora are a group of mountains and cliffs where monks have lived in monasteries for centuries.  The area is very much like our Grand Canyon.  In this photo, you can see one of the monks riding a lift across the gorge to the entrace of the monastery.  A few of the monateries are open to the public, but many remain shut off from the rest of the world where they live as hermits.  The only way for them to access it is either across the gorge in baskets like this, or to be raised up in a net/basket from the bottom.

Us regular "citizens" though, get to use the stairs :-)

Michael - I'm glad you enjoyed it!  The photos just don't do it justice.

June - Tourists from all over the world visit the area daily.  It gets so crowded some days.

Doug - LOL

Peggy - It takes quite a while.  If I recall correctly, it's not automated, there is actually someone on the other side cranking a wheel to bring it across.

Krista - I'm afraid of heights, you can imagine my stress level just walking on the stairs that lead up to the monastery!

Winston - They say that the only time the ropes are replaced are when "the Lord wills them to break".  I guess maybe that's why most of the monks are hermits!  Easier to stay put!

Tad - LOL.  These monasteries have been there since the 11th century.  I'm sure they would require some overtime for insepection!

Joanne - what in the world would you do with one of those in your office?!?  Or do you mean you need a monk?  LOL

Connie - me too, which is why my feet were planted firmly on the ground!

Emelyn (I really like your name!)  Believe me, I didn't put myself into any dangerous spots trying to take this shot.  It was enough just for me to stand near the edge!

James - no way could I be tipsy while on something like that.  Not that I would get on one sober or anything.

Bob & Carolin - thanks for stopping by, glad you enjoyed it (I think!)

Michelle - nice view though, right?  My husband was born in a little town right at the bottom of the cliffs, believe it or not.  I'll have to post a pic from the bottom up.

Jeff - no clue, but I doubt it goes very fast!  You'll have to plan a trip there some day, it's amazing.

A view from the ground up - my husband was born on this street at the base of the Meteora mountains, where the monasteries are located on the top.  Nice view to wake up to every morning, huh?  We're hoping to somehow get the home back into the hands of our family.

Ginger & Roger - I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Peggy - yes, i don't think it's motorized.  I could be wrong, but somehow I doubt they would use such modern facilities!

Mike - They built these monasteries up there because they felt they are closer to heaven.  I guess there is no easy way for us regular folk to get to heaven no matter how hard we try - stairs it is! And, it's not an easy climb!

Robert - glad you like it!  I have seen a number of your photographs, and appreciate the complement!

Toula, yassou!  I knew from the moment I saw your name that you must be 100% Greek, no matter what your last name is!  I'm 100% Greek-American -- Greek parents but I was born and raised in the U.S. 

If you've never been to the Meteora, you will definitely need to make it a point to visit the area during your next trip to Ellada.

LOL, Mike there is already a Greek rainers group.  But, there are only like 2 or 3 members and it's not too much of a happening place.  We could change all that, though...