Roadtrip

Sus and I roadtripped to Slovenia this weekend.

Super-cursory Slovenia primer: Slovenia is the wealthiest ex-Yugoslav state, formerly comprising 8% of the population and 20% of GDP. Given its relative prosperity, the rest of Yugoslavia was not surprised when Slovenia declared independence in 1991. Although it bombed the country for ten days, Yugoslavia ultimately let Slovenia succeed because the majority of the population was Slovene (and not Serbian). Besides, the army had more important things to do - like bombing orphanages in Sarajevo.

Slovenia joined the EU in 2004 with the highest GDP per capita of any new member state. The country’s culture varies by region; the north reminds me of Austria, the east has a Mediterranean feel; the south shows Turkish influence.


Our first stop was Lake Bled, although GPS tried really hard to get us to drive to Croatia instead.


It is tradition for the groom to carry his bride up the steps of this church; the bride must remain silent during the ascent.

Sounds like the beginning of a healthy relationship.


When I first googled "Lake Bled", I learned the area was famous for its Kremna rezina.

I then told Susan a weekend in Slovenia sounded like a great idea.


We spent Sunday in the capital, Ljubljana (Looby-ahna).


Crouching apparently alleviates my fear of heights. And feeds my fondness for alliteration.


I kept imagining the mushroom soup in a bread bowl was a giant cupcake.

And no, there was no drug use over the weekend. Why do you ask?


According to Greek legend, upon triumphant return home with the Golden Fleece, Jason slayed the dragon by the banks of the Ljubljanica River.

In unrelated news, no matter what travel books claim, Slovenia tops every other country in gelaterias per capita. I tried every flavor except for "Obama."

If Slovenia were a gelato favor, it would be cream - fresh, rich, appealing but not particularly exciting.