Slovenia Is Different

Firewood stacked for the coming winter. Slovenia.

Slovenians put their priorities in different places than we Americans do.  For instance, they make a huge deal out of stacking firewood; the image at the left is something one sees virtually everywhere over here. I’ve split a fair amount of wood in my day, but I have to admit I had a considerable devil-may-care attitude to how I stacked the logs when I was finished.

Slovenians are similarly deeply committed to environmentalism.  I was amused by the waiter at lunch today, whose opening monologue, “I’m obligated to tell you that we offer bottled water, but let me add this:  I recommend that you do not buy it.  The tap water around here is just wonderful, and we try to minimize the unnecessary consumption of resources, especially plastic.”  When was the last time you heard anything remotely like that in the United States?

One thing Slovenians take very lightly is warnings about electric shock for foreigners who may not be aware of the danger.  The little train that takes kids into the defunct lead and zinc mine through which the grown-ups bicycled (on right) is powered by an overhead wire, perhaps seven feet off the ground, carrying 150 volts.  A friend asked me to take her picture sitting on the engine of the train; she took a seat, her right ear inches away from what would have been a very unpleasant experience, before I shouted out a warning.  Electric fences for the containment of animals are all over the country, without even a small sign suggesting caution.

Overall, this is a magical land of scenic beauty, and wonderful, environmentally sensitive people.