Monastery Sveti Jovan Bigorski / 25.08.24

We are staying in a monastery that Abbot Goran knows well. On the way there, we drove a bit on the highway. Here, one has to pay a toll approximately every 10 km. I am sharing a room with Norbert that has three beds. The toilet and shower are in the hallway. Breakfast and meals can be taken in a restaurant belonging to the monastery located further down the road. We learn that for about 20 years, there have been more mosques and that the Christian Orthodox community is losing influence. A mass was held in the monastery that lasted over 2 hours. We experienced part of the ceremony, which was very impressive. Goran guides us through the monastery, explaining the significance and use of the individual rooms. Afterward, we set out for a hike in the mountainous/hilly landscape. During the drive to the trailhead, Goran had to be very careful as stray dogs simply lie on the road and do not care about the traffic. For our hike up Medenico 2373 m, Goran brought along a honeydew melon and ham. At the summit, we rewarded ourselves with it, and I can say it was wonderful and incredibly tasty. The tour lasted over 6 hours covering 17 km with an ascent and descent of 1,170 m.