Final Thoughts on Slovenia

We are saying goodbye to Slovenia (and to the month of May) and are on the train to Hungary, the second of three countries comprising “The Balkans” segment of ATW70. VERY early wakeup at 3 a.m. to make sure we are in our seat for the eight-hour train ride starting at 5 a.m. Here’s a few final thoughts and observations on this small, beautiful European country.

1. Like us...chances are that two years ago you could not find the country on a map and you didn’t know (and for sure could not pronounce!) the capitol city of Ljubljana. That seems to be the situation for most of the Europeans as this little jewel is just beginning to be discovered as the latest hotspot.

2. We feel that this country is what some of the larger European countries felt like fifty or sixty years ago.

3.  The country is roughly the size of New Jersey. But, the density (people living per square mile) of New Jersey is about 1,300 whereas the density of Slovenia is only 100! This is very apparent when driving around the country ... lots of greenery but very few people.

4. And speaking of driving around, the scenery is just breathtaking. Everywhere.

5. The food is great! Lots of sausages, vegetables, stews, soups and fish. And not too expensive (sorry, Iceland).

6. Ljubljana is home to about twenty percent, or 400,000 of the total country population of two million people. It shows. Traffic getting into city center and returning the rental car was a nightmare. Also, the graffiti fairies have hit the signs and buildings in full force. That said, the old town district where most of the tourists stay is very quaint and the number of bars\restaurants\shops are extensive, varied and are teeming with people.

7. Around the time that we married thirty-three years ago, this country was going through a revolution against Belgrade, Tito and Communism. Democracy is young here, and the people are very proud of their full membership in the European Community. So are we!