Slovenia, land of crystal waters
In 2023 I went to Slovenia to spend time in a tiny village of Stero Stelo. My beautiful friend was living there while working at the 2 start Michelin Restaurant Hiša Franko.
Moriah at a public water fountain on a remote path through the villages of Soča Valley
The trip started in Ljubljana —the beautiful city in the heart of the country. We drank Spritzes for the girls and enjoyed delicious food.
We stayed at the most beautiful Airbnb downtown, with big windows where the light came in and local wines and beer provided. It felt like home. So much so that I stayed there on my journey back through the city as well.
Slovenian natural wine from the sweet porch of Moriah’s home in the valley
The journey to Soča Valley involved multiple busses, and many hours. But we made it to the incredible haven that is the valley!
My days in the valley were wonderful. Walks through the countryside to go soak in the river, slow mornings with coffees and figs from the neighbors tree, nights sipping wine and reading—I’d eat dinner with the staff of her restaurant each night, whatever the family meal was. One day (my birthday) I got a private kombucha tasting led by Moriah. I biked to Kobarid—on a bike with a taped on pedal— the larger town for iced coffee, the national park, meals, etc. It was magical, slow. A rest and a jolt of energy all the same.
I traveled around Italy for a while—Venice and the magical Trieste—and then met up with Moriah and her coworkers again in Ljubljana—for the Slovenian Michelin Star awards. It was held at the Ljubljana Castle and Hiša Franko won its third star!! *** A Celebration commenced.
My final full day in Slovenia I took a small tour to Lake Bled.
“The pletna boats of lake bled are the key to a special story: If you wish to get married at the church, you have to rent a pletna, the groom as to paddle to the island, the groom has to carry the bride up the 99 steps and she is not allowed to speak, then you must ring the bell at the top and state you wish to be married. The minister will come and do so.”
I would return to this wonderful place in a heartbeat. Truly the most magical way to spend so many weeks. To close, here is my favorite photo I took in Italy, in the marvelous city of Trieste, which sits in a little corner right by Slovenia, and based on my two other Italian city visits, I think should be part of Slovenia ;)
