Slovenia – 14th to 17th Feb

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, and the first place I’ve visited which I can’t pronounce. But for anyone interested – Lyoo-blyah-nuh.

I’m not exactly sure what my expectations of Slovenia were, but it was absolutely delightful. A very developed central European country. Not eastern european – I’ve been told they don’t like that misconception (in fact there are only 7 Eastern European countries).

It was only a quick two night stop but I felt I learnt a lot. Such as, Slovenia as a nation isn’t geographically defined, or religiously defined, or even culturally defined. The denominator that originally qualified the nation (conveniently and hastily putting politics aside) is language. It was Slovenian, or Slovene, that united the country.

Consequently, in their historical and ornate main square instead of a statue of a politician or a military leader, or ruler,  they have their national poet – France Prešeren. I haven’t read any of his work – it’s in Slovenian (obviously), but quite a nice idea I thought. Despite this, his statue’s erection (hehe) was quite controversial, as behind him stands a muse, the inspirational goddesses of literature. 

‘That’s not controversial, it’s rather fitting’ I hear you say. 

Aha! You’ve failed to consider the square’s most influential resident, the Church. Specifically the Church objected to the topless muse standing opposite in clear view of the parishioners leaving the Church. Or as I would put it, they kicked right off. They had priests cover the statue with their… robes?? Ultimately they didn’t manage to take the statue down, but they had a cunning but simple plan. They planted trees to obstruct the view. I assume they did so in Spring, because they didn’t think to plant ever-greens, however for half the year at least the muse stands slightly more modestly.

Weird tangent aside, more generally as a city it’s beautiful. Somewhat like a smaller, quaint Vienna. I finished my time with a trip to their botanical gardens. A very small operation, but perfectly formed. Snowdrops dominated the lawns, and the greenhouses were toasty and welcoming. I was also the only visitor so I had a lovely few hours walking in circles around the tropical plants. I would have paid the 4 euros just to get warm, the plants were a cherry on top really.

Finally, the Slovenia countryside is also stunning. On the bus out I was glued to the window. Rolling hills, mountains, farm houses, rivers – just everything you want to see. So I can’t recommend Slovenia enough.

Next stop – Budapest.

PS – I also saw some beavers!!