This post is merely dedicated to this simple and small village, fifteen minutes away from Razlog.

It's the symbol of love, kindness and happiness.

There are two supermarkets, two bus stops, one school, one cultural center and humble houses all around. It's breathtaking.

Me and the my team go there on Tuesday and Thursday.

We start our morning with the offer of great coffee and traditional Bulgarian food. We don't ask for anything, they just give what they have. We are learning the meaning of being good.

These people are the epitome of greatness. I am thankful every single day for them.

The teacher that accompanies us in the activities is a dear friend. She'll stay close to my heart when I leave Bulgaria.

Tuesday, me and my partner had to give an English test. We arrived at къща дъшка and we're greeted with food, like usual. The class was at 13:00h and we started at 13:15.

The "menu" was traditional bread with cheese (of course), potatoes and a mix of vegetables. We were very full and satisfied, but there was going to be more.

We were told that after the class we were going to the teacher's house to eat and have a friendly afternoon. So we did.

We sat outside in the table and ate whatever she had to offer. She apologized, thinking it wasn't enough. Little did she know that her gesture was more than we could ever ask for.

She told us about her experience with Portuguese people, her traveling around Portugal and we listened, delighted to see the love she had for our country.

At the end, she walked us to the bus stop and I hugged her. Bulgarian people don't give hugs. They shake hands. But I brought her close to me and took her in my arms. That was my way of showing what she meant to me.

I hope she caught that.

I'm so thankful for this experience.

I thank Bulgaria. I thank Bulgarians.

And to Gorno Draglishte: never change.

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With love,

Maria Branco