Hiking Around Shiroka Laka, Bulgaria
Today's approximately three-hour hike stayed in the countryside around Ezerovo following small pathways and old merchant trails through meadows and pine forests. It sounded fine in theory but will always be remembered by me as the big mosquito hike. The route up led first through a forest just filled with mosquitos. I had never seen so many in my entire life and by the time we finally got above them, ex-Marine's legs were covered with huge bites and welts. Alida was the only forward-thinking person in our group and always carries repellent because of allergies. Everyone slathered up but a little too late
The first challenge of the day was to cross over a stream on a narrow, shaky log bridge. Up to now, I always thought of myself as the only chicken when it came to log crossings. Fast-moving water below makes me dizzy, sure-footedness is not a strongpoint of mine...and, in other words, I'm almost guaranteed to fall off without a helping hand and logs do not inspire confidence. It was nice to see that others felt the same way and both Tim and Dimitri patiently helped almost everyone across.
Then through the gorgeous forest, unfortunately filled with more mosquitoes and finished in the village of Shiroka Laka, a popular destinations for Bulgarian and foreign tourists.
With a population of only 2,000, Shiroka Laka is famous for its authentic Rhodopean houses. A classic Rhodopean house is usually two-storied, has built-in cupboards and small cellars with a hiding place. All the houses in Shiroka Laka were built on both banks of the river in tiers (classic old Bulgarian architecture). Shiroka is also known for its singing tradition and the kaba gaida, a local type of bagpipe
Shiroka Laka really was a picture-postcard town with all the slate-roofed houses. As a matter of fact, up to now, all towns in Bulgaria were picture-perfect. One last night in Pamporov's Guesthouse and tomorrow we'd head to Kovachevitsa...but first, a visit to a little museum. Dimitri went to look for the caretaker to unlock the doors and then this elderly gentlemen regaled us with Bulgarian stories, and guided us around the museum's typical Rhodopean house with old textiles including wedding costumes.
He then selected Bruce and me, dressed us in typical Rhodopean-style wedding outfits and the group furiously snapped away taking funny photos of us...(Bruce looked much better than I did...)
