Day 17, from the chapel to the monastery

Day 17, from the chapel to the Monastery of St. Archangel Michael

We started early in the morning at 7 o'clock. We hiked through the villages of Mrežičko, Konopište, and Bošava. Along the way, we passed by the Macedonian Sinalco factory where the gatekeeper wanted to give us several bottles of mineral water, but I politely declined since I already had 2 liters of water with me - however, Willi gratefully accepted one bottle. The gatekeeper also told us that we could get a coffee further down the road. After about 500 meters, we saw 3 buildings and an older man. Willi asked for coffee, but the old man first waved us to a property where fish were being bred to show off his work. Then he indicated that we should follow him to his humble house, where he promptly made coffee for Willi. After a short coffee break, we continued on. In the afternoon, when we were exhausted from walking, we deviated about 200 meters from our path because according to the map, there should be a monastery there! But we only found a dilapidated building. We were just about to turn back when a car came from the road and stopped. We asked about the Monastery and if it would be possible to camp there for a night. The passenger, who spoke good English, said that the monastery is only about 500 meters up the hill and we could stay there overnight. We didn't hesitate and started walking up the steep path towards the monastery. When we reached the last bend, we were greeted with the first view of the monastery and it brought us joy. We saw an old monastery with a renovated bell tower and a beautiful large garden, a large walnut tree, and a water source. Here, an entire family (4 generations) was working on the renovation of the monastery (the grandfather has been working on it for over years). But now they were in the preparation phase for the annual feast of St. Michael. We set up our tents under the large walnut tree, and soon after, we had dinner. We were invited to the table. First, we had Raki (grape brandy), which you simply have to try🤪, and frozen, spicy, and sweet peppers and feta cheese. Then a really good pepper stew and lots of Ajvar and bread. We felt very comfortable with this very nice and open family! We entertained the youngest member of the family, the 5-year-old son, who already spoke very good English, with playing football and setting up the tent. Eventually, we retreated to get some rest so that we could start a little earlier the next morning.

(Willi) As a lover of espresso, I have to practice patience and patience in North Macedonia. The Sinalco sign was a signpost to a bar for me. The rural population exclusively drinks Turkish coffee with plenty of sugar. In a blind taste test, I wouldn't recognize it as a caffeinated beverage. There are usually no bars or coffee houses along our route.

I imagine Peter's mother coming to us looking for work. I experienced her as a loving and generous woman ('everyone is welcome here'). How will she be treated as a foreigner and job seeker in our country?