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 ...
We did not get a warm welcome when we wore our uniforms ashore in France (near Brest)...people would glare at you when they saw you walking down the street. I didn’t enjoy that as a port of call...Scotland was best! Those people really seemed to like us...:)
“We did not get a warm welcome when we wore our uniforms ashore in France”
Freakin’ ingrates.
It was very strange. I had never encountered that outright cold reception as a uniformed American there or anywhere since, though I suspect things would be different today.
Someone told me that sailors don’t even get to go on liberty today the way they used to...everything is planned and in groups.
Sigh. I guess I understand, but my first impression on hearing that was outrage. I mean, if you can’t be a sailor and go on real liberty in strange and exotic lands, what the heck use is it being a sailor?
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