Often on a hot afternoon we head to the mountains for some cooler air. Driving out of Kocani we take the mountain road towards Pantelej, through small hamlets where time has stood still. People sitting in the shade watching the world go by. Donkeys grazing on the horizon and houses dotted around randomly on the mountainside.

People must be self sufficient here, I didn’t see one shop.

We drove up towards the old Monastery in Pantelej and admired the amazing fresco’s in the most tranquil setting.

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We heard the goats bells in the distance and watched the shepherd slowly wandering down the mountain with his sheep and goats.

Johan has spoken to the shepherd a few times and he invited us for some fresh lamb kebabs. I bet they would be the best ever! Maybe next time…..