Natural Disasters
Let’s hope the trend of natural disasters ends with this recent journey.
In February 2023 our New Zealand trip was diverted to Brisbane, Australia due to Cyclone Gabrielle. Highlights & Pitfalls of 2 Weeks in Australia – Linda Leier Thomason
August 4, 2023, when we arrived in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the country was experiencing record-setting flooding with widespread damage. Slovenia – Record Rain and Floods Cause Widespread Damage – FloodList
Our destination was Portoroz, Slovenia in the southern part of the country where it was raining but not flooding.
On any other day the drive from the capital city of Ljubljana (translates as ‘the loved one’) to Portoroz is 90 minutes. This day it took nearly three hours as many highways were understandably closed.
Sitting in the tour bus, we flashbacked to the multiple times as former Charleston, South Carolina residents, we evacuated preparing for hurricanes to come ashore.
The clogged highway and feelings of uncertainty were evident and felt.
A link if you’re inspired to donate to the re-building efforts in Slovenia.
Donate to Floods in Slovenia Emergency – GlobalGiving
How to Get There & Back: USA
We flew on United Airlines from Omaha, Nebraska to Chicago O’ Hare International Airport. There we boarded Lufthansa-the flag carrier of Germany. This airline is also one of the five founding members of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance founded in 1997. Home – Star Alliance
The aircraft, personnel and service each provided a sense of comfort and security for the 8 hour and 20-minute journey to Frankfurt, Germany. There, after clearing Customs, we were transported via a bus on the tarmac to board a regional carrier for Ljubljana. Upon arrival in Slovenia, no immigration and customs checks were necessary at the Ljubljana airport.
Our return flight departed from Munich instead of Frankfurt-a 9 hour and 50-minute trip back to Chicago. The flight was delayed out of Germany causing us to miss our connection to Omaha.
Lufthansa provided generous vouchers for lodging and food. Unlike the February 2023 experience, this was seamless and hospitable.
Much gratitude to Lufthansa for a very favorable travel experience.
Slovenia’s Location & Recent History
Slovenia is the size of New Jersey.
In 2023, the population is 2.12 million. There are 212 municipalities.
It once was part of Yugoslavia.
Today it is a democratic republic founded on the principle of the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial power.
Most of the people are Roman Catholic.
Statehood Day is a holiday that occurs every June 25th. It commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Slovenia’s declaration jumpstarted the Ten-Day War with Yugoslavia, which it eventually won.
Statehood Day is not to be confused with Slovenia’s Independence and Unity Day which is celebrated each year on December 26th in honor of the December 26, 1990, official proclamation of the results of the plebiscite held three days earlier in which 88.5% of all Slovenian voters were in favor of Slovenia becoming a sovereign nation.
On January 15, 1992, the independence of Croatia and Slovenia was recognized by the international community. Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina would later be admitted as member states of the United Nations on May 22, 1992. Macedonia was admitted as a member state of the United Nations on April 8, 1993; its membership approval took longer than the others due to Greek objections.
Interestingly, Croatia’s Independence Day is celebrated on the same day, as the two countries declared their statehood and recognized each other’s sovereignty on the same day.
Interesting Facts about Slovenia
- Slovenia is the only country in the world with the word love in its name.
- It is known to be one of the safest countries in the world.
- The currency of Slovenia is the Euro.
- Electric converters and adapters are necessary in the country if you’re from the USA.
- Lake Bled is the most popular tourist destination. All You Need To Know To Visit Lake Bled In Slovenia – Travel Slovenia (The tour we’d scheduled here prior to leaving the USA was cancelled due to the severe flooding.) This is the most famous wedding place in Slovenia. Tradition says the groom must carry his bride up the 99 steps to ensure a long and happy marriage.
- Brown bears roam the Slovenian forests. We were told by multiple tour guides that Slovenia now exports bears to surrounding countries. All You Need to Know to Meet With the Wild Slovenia Bears | Slovenia Tour
- 1 out of every 200 people in this nation is a beekeeper. Like neighboring Croatia, Slovenia is known for an abundance of lavender fields. Strolling amongst the fields of Slovenian lavender in Starše (itinari.com)
- NBA player, Luka Doncic, and former first lady, Melania Trump, are Slovenian natives.
- It is the country with the largest number of tractors per person: One in 17 in 2023.
- Salt farming occurs on the coast south of Piran. Piran and salt pans | I feel Slovenia
- Slovenia has diverse and beautiful natural settings. More than 61% of Slovenia’s total land area is covered in forest. This makes Slovenia one of the greenest countries in the world. It combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. Slovenia contains 250 waterfalls.
- Slovenia is home to the Lipizzaner horse-a national symbol of Slovenia.
- There are 46 different dialects in Slovenia. The Slovene language is the primary language followed by German and English. Speaking English with locals was never a problem.
- Slovenia has more than 10,000 caves with 22 open to the public. Postojna Cave, the biggest and the longest cave system in the world, is the most popular. Postojna Cave Park (postojnska-jama.eu)
- Slovenes love their wine, they are the sixth biggest consumers of wine per capita. There is one winery or vineyard for every 75 people. The oldest vine in the world is in Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor; it has been producing grapes since the 16th century.
- Piran, Slovenia on the southern coast is a must-see destination. It is a short walk or public bus ride from Portoroz and is filled with interesting architecture, art, shops, cozy cafes and restaurants.
Southern Coast-Where We Stayed & Toured
As part of the Edward Jones Travel Award Program (TAP), we stayed at the Kempinski Palace Hotel in the center of Portoroz, Istria, Slovenia. On the above map it is near Piran (bottom left). 5 Star Luxury Hotel in Portoroz, Slovenia | Kempinski Palace Portoroz
The property is divided into two buildings: original and modern. We were housed in the original building on the 5th floor with a hillside view. NOTE: The property does accept pets. Irons and ironing boards are not in individual rooms, but available upon request.
The staff, the fitness center, swimming pool (indoor and outdoor) and sauna areas were outstanding. Some of the best we’ve experienced in our travels.
Piran Day Trips
We spent most of two days in the city of Piran.
One day was a sponsored scenic group city walking tour highlighting Piran’s most interesting and fascinating sights. Tartini Square-a Venetian feeling square of white marble surrounded by wonderful architecture dedicated to its most famous citizen-Guiseppe Tartini- a violinist and composer- was always bursting with activity. All You Need To Know To Visit Tartini Square In Piran, Slovenia (travelslovenia.org)
We were fortunate to tour the Guiseppe Tartini Memorial Room and listen to a performance from a local award-winning violinist: a trip highlight.
Another day we walked along the seawall to Piran, stopping often to take in the spectacular views.
Piran feels and looks like many Italian cities. Residents and guests alike move in a relaxed manner and comfortably rest and visit wherever is desirable and convenient.
One could spend days in this city, exploring, shopping, eating gelato, drinking coffee and enjoying many fine restaurants.
NOTES:
- Toilets are scarce and many require a Euro coin to use. Be prepared.
- Mercator is the largest retail company/supermarket chain in Slovenia. One is within a very comfortable walking distance of the Kempinski Hotel in Portoroz, and multiple stores are in Piran.
- On our trip, city bus drivers were not helpful. Work with the hotel concierge to determine which public bus route to use if you plan to ride the bus in the coastal region.
Family-Friendly Portoroz
Within minutes of the front door of the hotel, there are multiple family-friendly recreation and entertainment options for children of all ages to enjoy: land and water. There are also plenty of dining options at all price points.
Side Trips from Portoroz
Casino
We did a Portoroz day hike and happened upon this casino at the hilltop. Since we didn’t have identification (passports) on us, admission was denied.
The views are spectacular and worth the hike up there.
Olive Farm
We enjoyed an informational tour and buffet dinner with live music at the olive processing facility at the Lisjak Olive Farm near Koper, a city on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast.
Our story – Gregor Lisjak extra virgin olive oil
Lisjak – Official Guide to the World’s Best Olive Oils
Other Side Trips
Portorož to Venice – 5 ways to travel via train, bus, ferry, car, and shuttle (rome2rio.com)
Bike and motorbike hire – Portorož – Piran (portoroz.si)
Home | Piran, Slovenia | Vintage Boat Tours (vintage-boat-tours.com)Gastronomy | Slovensko podeželje | Združenje turističnih kmetij Slovenije (farmtourism.si)
More Information
Slovenia International Travel Information (state.gov)
Portorož – Piran (portoroz.si)
Piran and salt pans | I feel Slovenia
The BEST Slovenia Tours and Things to Do in 2023 – FREE Cancellation | GetYourGuide
Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Final Thoughts
First and foremost, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to travel and to experience the world with Ken’s peers.
Slovenia is a hidden gem. It is relatively easy to reach. Once there, the people are friendly and getting around is exceptionally easy. They even drive on the same side of the road as we do in America.
No matter where we went, we felt safe, regardless of the time of day.
Portoroz is very walkable for all levels of mobility.
Since there is so much of the world we have yet to see, we seldom say we’d return to a place we’ve previously visited.
Portoroz, Slovenia is the exception. We’d return, hopefully with our family in tow.
LIKE & SHARE & Definitely let me know if you’ve made a trip to Slovenia. What were the highlights? Any pitfalls?
©August2023 Linda Leier Thomason. All Rights Reserved.