Thanks for commenting. Ljubjana (LJ) is the capital of Slovenia which declared independence from Yugoslavia twenty-six years ago. Slovenia is about the size of Massachusetts but with a population of only 2 million. LJ, with a population of 330,000 or so is the largest city, Maribor the second with 100,000 plus change is second. The country is bounded by Austria to the north, Hungary to the east, Croatia to the south, Italy to the west and very small bit of the Adriatic to the northwest. Trieste, Italy is the border town on the coast.

I met a Slovenian Jesuit priest in 2007 when he moved into our community at Georgetown University where I was teaching at the medical school. We quickly became friends. When he returned home after finishing his PhD he was named superior of his community in LJ. He wanted a native English-speaking Jesuit to fill-in for six months (Many Slovenians speak English ranging from fair to excellent). After a quick visit in January 2016 where I fell in love fast and hard within thirty-six hours, I returned to Boston, was given permission by the superior, and made arrangements to return. Arrived in September and remained until July. Our community was located a short walk from the center of LJ which allowed me to shoot photos on an almost daily and nightly basis. For a guy who spent nine years living in D.C. the ability to walk alone on the streets of LJ as late as midnight and as early at 5 AM while carrying camera equipment was a luxury. No fear or anxiety on the streets ever. I returned to the U.S. reluctantly after a close Jesuit friend asked me to help with a new project he was instituting.

Slovenia is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been after fifty plus years of international travel. Highly recommended as a photography destination.

Slovenia is easily accessible from Venice (I think about three hours by bus or train), Austria, Croatia, and, though it is a long drive to LJ, Hungary. Some people fly to Venice and then train or bus to LJ rather than deal with layovers in Germany. The LJ airport is small. No way to fly direct from the U.S. I generally fly to Germany, Frankfurt or Munich, short layover, and a short flight to LJ. There is a good train system to other countries and the highways are well-maintained. Slovenians do not entirely understand the concept of speed limits. I don't entirely understand the toll system as I didn't drive while there for insurance purposes in the community. The center of LJ is eminently walkable and eminently unparkable. Maribor is worth visiting as is Ptuj and many of the other places. I traveled frequently between LJ and Krsko to do some consulting. Note about the language. Even fewer vowels than Polish. The word for square or plaza is 'trg' pronounced 'turg' (roll the r a little).

The summers offer multiple festivals, including a month-long (or longer) music festival in Congress Square. The LJ Marathon on the last Sunday of October is a tremendous event. It includes a half-marathon and some shorter runs as well. Though a few thousand runners participate it lacks the absurd crush of runners characteristic of Boston. Got some tremendous shots in 2016. I went up to Neboticnik (little carat over the c) the tallest building in LJ (I think) and got superb shots looking down.

Well, could go on. Slovenia is an unusual vacation destination for Americans. It is a fantastic one for photographers.

It is 2 AM in Ljubljana as I write this. All in all I would rather be there at the moment rather than in Boston (awaiting snow tonight). The Carnival parade kicks off at 11 AM. The center of town will be packed with people. Parking will be even more of a nightmare than it usually is.

The celebration is held the Saturday before Ash Wednesday (which is in five days). It is a delightful exhibit of folk customs, some music, and many groups of children parading in costume. When I was there two years ago I was out for about 5 hours shooting. Perfect weather that was cool but not cold, brilliantly sunny, and no wind. It would take very little for me to shout yes were my superiors to suggest that I go back. Wouldn't even be a matter of obedience, just a screaming yes, I'll go pack right now.