Гьоврен (Gyovren)

One of the best things about being a Peace Corps volunteer is knowing people in cities, towns, and villages across the country. As a result of such connections, we get to visit places like Гьоврен (Gyovren). When we visit these places, we are treated as welcomed guests. Like Горно Дряново (Gorno Dryanovo), Гьоврен is an amazing, authentic village found between two interesting but slightly touristy villages.

This is the view from our hosts' balcony. In the distance is the Триградско ждрело (Trigrad Gorge).

As in many Bulgarian villages, donkeys are common and the wood is piled high for the coming winter.

The instruments used to care for the land are often crude and homemade.

The баби (grandmothers) tend to do much of the work.

Including the heavy lifting.

As this woman, one of our obliging hostesses, observed, "It's very beautiful, but there is much work."