The
history of Slovenia is very similar to other East European countries – early
Roman Influence – ravaged by WW I and WW II – thereafter under Communist
Yugoslavian regime and eventually independence on 25 June 1991. Slovenia joined
the European Union on 1 May 2004. Slovenia is blessed with a very well educated
work force and an excellent infrastructure of road, rail and air connectivity.
It boasts of a well developed economy – second only to the Czech. The
prosperity is very evident as one travels through the capital city of Ljubljana.
Having
come so far we toyed with the idea of visiting next door Ljubljana – Slovenia -
even if it was for a short period. We took a train from Zagreb;the rail station’s
conveniently located opposite our hotel at 0630 h and we reached Ljubljana
around 1000 h. We returned by about 1900 h. The entire journey was smooth and
effortless. The railway system is very modern, clean and efficient. It was
indeed a pleasure to travel without any glitches. There are 101 inhabitants per
every sq km as against 380 in India. As a result one does not see overcrowding
anywhere. It is very difficult to spot any animal. The region around is
mountainous and riddled with a number of rivers and streams – making the
countryside a pleasure to watch.
Ljubljana
is an ancient city, dating back to the Roman period. It is located on the banks
of River Ljubljanica. The city is located
at an elevation of 968 ft. Bangalore is 5 times the size of Ljubljana - which
is blessed with a very low population of 272,000 as against our 10.8 million
that makes it a mind blogging 40 times. It is extremely invigorating to see
very few people on the roads, rail stations, public places and elsewhere as
against our chaotic setting. We strolled our way through the city and spent
considerable time sitting in the market square and absorbing the essence of the
city. We had a fabulous lunch in a restaurant by the river.
East Europe
Over
the last sixty years these countries have toiled hard to consolidate their
economy and infrastructure which in turn has resulted in making their society
vibrant and prosperous. Peace has prevailed in these parts during this period. A
war free environment has been responsible for triggering growth and stability
to a very large extent. Tourism is a big money spinner in these countries and
all of them have taken an integrated approach to sustain it. Dwindling
population poses a very big problem in this region. Looking back on this
wonderful trip, I can say we were quite lucky there was no migrant problem on
hand, whilst we were there. I am sure they will find a solution and life will
continue – albeit a few changes.
Prague,
Krakow, Budapest, Zagreb and Ljubljana represent the best of Europe – loads of
history and culture, brilliant architecture, lively city life, clean and
orderly, good food, excellent wine and much more. In short it is a traveller’s
dream.
Every
time we return from a trip abroad, I feel India is being left out of the race –
be it China or South Africa or even Sri Lanka
- all of them have made great strides in building their nations. We,
meaning the people, government, media and others continue to be preoccupied
with petty issues, low level of politics, party squabbles and other such
useless activities. There is hardly any concern or debate for nation building
activities. Maximum time is spent on non issues such as Sheena – Indrani murder
case, Hard Dick and his uprising, Meat ban, etc.
As
far as we are concerned – “It’s a long long way to Tipperary” and our only hope is the growing concern of
the young, who are making constant efforts in small pockets to make life
better, so we have traffic free Sundays, cycle marathons, cleaning crews like
the Ugly Indians who anonymously work to better our streets, bit by bit.
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| From the train - lovely countryside |
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| Lots of water bodies on the way | | | |
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| Some more water bodies |
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| fairy tale setting | |
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| On the streets of Ljubljana |
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| Adam and Eve.These thoroughly fascinating grotesques are the creations of Slovene sculptor Jakov rdar |
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Sunday market scene - Fruits and vegetables galore
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| Jai enjoying the market scene |
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| The satyr by Jakov Brdar |
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| A lovely lunch at Fany and Mary. The waitress readily agreed to pose for me. |
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| Another interesting poster |
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| Photo after lunch by the river |
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| The river in the heart of the city. |
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| Grand Hotel Union |
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| A very orderly city |
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| Fascinating flowers |
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| Cobble stone street |
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| Upper Carniola Region - Franciscan Church of Annunciation |
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| Love padlocks on Butcher’s Bridge. Couples lock them here to symbolise their eternal love. |
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| A lovely country scene |
