On the eve of my departure from this wonderful experience which has been Slovenia I find myself asking just one question. Does this really have to end?

The answer unfortunately is yes; all good things do come to an end. But that is the only way they can start again or start another chapter, and that is where things stand for me now. I will make every effort to come here for visits again as often as is possible.

In looking back on my time here, three months turned into nearly six, my SIT turned into Euros, hikes turned into history lessons, people I meet become friends, and an old house become a home. If that were not enough this unusual winter I even experienced the unique beauty of seeing snow-less Alps and a seaside blizzard .

I’ve been able to meet and exchange views with many wonderful people of all walks of life, from the a homeless man on the side of the road to a deputy economic minister, architects, historians, artists, inventors, exchange students, business leaders and even a TV network. I’ve enjoyed such recreational activities as playing basketball with local teens and hiking hillsides with pensioners. I’ve visited old Roman ruins and seen new constructions being built, walked historical landmarks (POT, Žiri, Krn, Memorial) and visited new attractions, I’ve pleaded for the hopeless causes of the past and partaken of all the conveniences of modern living in this fast developing nation. I’ve visited the four corners of Slovenia (Kranska Gora, Ptuj, Novo Mesto, and Portorož) and many other towns and cities in between.

I was even able to visit places historically intertwined with Slovenian history like southern Austria (Carnithia) and (the once Slovene but now Italian port city) Trieste.

I’ve written nearly 50 essays, blog entries and book reviews on Slovenia during my time here and experienced countless more things then I’d never be able to put down in words as I lived life in Slovenia.

As I start packing, there is not much this blogger has collected in the way of souvenirs and trinkets to remember this visit by, but what I am packing away for safe keeping (aside from the nearly 1,600 photos I’ve taken) are the memories of friendships, acts of kindness and consideration that I have felt from everyone I’ve met. From the gracious folks I’ve lived with these many months to the many people I met by chance that showed kindness, a kind word, companionship, a meal, a drink, a chat or just a cheery “Čivio”. That is the Slovenian experience I don’t want to forget, ever.

I realize I got nothing I had expected from my time here (a two week visit and then off to Novi Sad was the original plan), but everything I could have ever hoped for.

Thank you all,

I have been truly blessed.