One bright spot in the crumbling village is Igma Tex, a clothing factory that employs about 60 women and 20 men. The owner of the factory, born in Razlovci, aims to create local jobs.

“Here in the village, they don’t have another alternative for work except tobacco and wood-cutting,” he explained.

It also makes good business sense. Since there are many skilled textile workers from Razlovci, there is no need for travel costs.

Despite the difficulties of life in Razlovci, Elena and her neighbors continue to maintain their gardens, raising animals and producing their own food in order to supplement their small pensions. Many city dwellers also keep a foothold in the villages, paying visits to their families on weekends and holidays. Often, when Elena’s children pay a visit, she happily gorges them with delicious home-produced food.

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