Posted on 10/24/2017 4:20:49 AM PDT by simpson96
Melania Trump’s home country of Slovenia — a small Central European nation that declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, which marked the beginning of the region’s devastating wars — has made headlines since her husband was elected. But as a recent visit reveals, there’s more to this picturesque part of the world than the first lady’s stateside celebrity status.
(Funny enough, the Slovenians we met didn’t bring her up in conversation at all.)
With its natural wonders, incredible array of food, active local wine industry and new hotels, Slovenia lures folks interested in exploring a corner of Europe that’s refreshingly untouristed.
Unlike nearby nations of the former Yugoslavia, especially Bosnia, Slovenia faced relatively little psychological and physical damage from the regional conflict.
It’s a developed country about the size of Massachusetts that’s easy to explore via rental car, thanks to a highly developed and well-maintained highway system. Here’s a primer for a first-time visit.
Ljubljana — Slovenia’s quaint capital, whose population hovers around 275,000 — is one of Europe’s smallest capital cities, but it boasts a surprisingly bustling dining scene.(snip)
Slovenia's famed Lake Bled.
The majestic Slap Savica falls.
One of the country’s top chefs, Janez Bratovž, helms a tasty Ljubljana eatery.
Slovenia’s now home to chic new hotels, like the just-opened InterContinental in Ljubljana.
Adventurers navigate the stunning caverns of Postojna Cave.
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Getting there
Swissair and Austrian Airlines fly from New York to Slovenia via their European hubs.
For a more affordable fare, Turkish Airlines operates a JFK-Ljubljana route with a brief stop in Istanbul (from $789 this fall).
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Eastern Europe has everything. But most importantly an appreciation for liberty they were so long denied.
I drove through Slovinia a couple of years ago. Going between Vienna, Austria and Venice, Italy,
I found the people to be very nice and helpful, even the border guards. English speaking was never a big problem - in fact better than Germany or France.
But the areas I travelled were not booming industrial or sight seeing areas. You could tell they are still recovering from being a Soviet satellite.
Certainly would be an interesting vacation area some summer. You could live like a king on vacation for not too much money. Just don’t expect as many big sights like Paris or Prague.
It may be that they didn’t bring it up because YOU might be a Dem.
“Melania Trump’s home country of Slovenia”
Starting an article like that when it talks of today’s First Lady is a CAREER KILLER.
Should have started it more like:
“Despite being Melania Trump’s home country, Slovenia has a lot to offer...”
...but too late now.
Swissair, eh?
Fortunately I have my travel agent on speed dial...
It is mighty satisfying to have a real woman in the White House. If Melania can’t promote international friendship, nobody can.
I went to Yugoslavia in 1977 on the USS Kennedy, and I recall we were the first US Navy group to do a port call there since 1945.
It was scrupulously clean in Dubrovnik (little old ladies patrolled the streets with little brooms) and I remember those orange tiled roofs.
It was the one of the very few places I recall visiting on liberty where we had to wear our uniforms ashore.
I also recall Airman Benton and I, in our full uniforms, got into a basketball game with a bunch of Yugoslav men, and I ruined my coroframs when one of the guys stepped on my foot and irreparably scuffed it.
And the women...just beautiful as I recall. We heard a girl call out to us, and looked up at a stone bridge going over us, and she was looking down at us with a big, friendly smile, with her hair hanging down like Rapunzel even though she was more silhouette in the fading light. Funny how you remember those things.
I saw a program on Slovakia on TV about 6 weeks ago and was simply enchanted by the scenery, people, food, etc. I said at the time that Melania should produce a travelogue of Slovenia because most of us know so little about these countries. (for instance, I learned about the large number of castles in Slovakia — largest number in Europe). I think that we (in the west) know so little about the wonders of these regions because they were under Communist rule for so long and closed to western tourism.
Oh yes, Slovakia borders Russia and has a region that is chock full of wooden churches that are 1000 years old. These beautiful buildings are built without nails — carefully fitted together piece by piece. They reminded me of the little Russian church that used to be in Fort Ross in CA — a remnant of the Russian occupation of the region before the US purchased Alaska and Northern CA from the Russians. Unfortunately some idiots set fire to that darling little church and burned it to the ground in the 1960s. Certain woods may be impervious to rot, but they cannot withstand idiots who set fire to them!
I would love to go on a tour of Eastern Europe and the balkans someday.
My ancestor's land. The call of home for us Slavs.
Listen to this video and keep your eyes closed until the singing starts, and then realize all the sounds you heard before that were made by this amazing a cappella choral group from Slovenia. Their name is Perpetuum Jazille. I had, but missed, a chance to see them perform here in the U.S. once. I am hoping with Trump’s wife in her role now that they will make another tour in the U.S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbpwlqp5Qw
It would be nice to see the country before the developers ruin it.
Someone will probably try to turn the entire country into some damnable Disney park.
“Just don’t expect as many big sights like Paris or Prague.”
It seems to have much to offer for those who prefer an area’s natural beauty.
The mountains, lakes and small towns and villages are what would draw some.
WOW.
Thanks for that link!
Any country that produces women like that.........
Fantastic! Thanks for the link!
I got onto their Email list so I’d be sure to get notice of any new tour/performances in the U.S.
I had the chance to see them once in NYC but the show was sold out when I looked for a ticket.
Yes, there were times and places where doing liberty in uniform had its advantages. Australia and Israel come to mind.
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