Potential in Romania and little known Dolenjska

Jasmina, how would your loved ones describe you?

A kind, smiling person, always ready to lend a hand. A positive one that strives for realistic goals and their realization.

Your favourite childhood memory from your travels?

Memories of travel in my childhood are tied to spending holidays by the sea, especially by the Adriatic Sea with my parents and sister. Even then, I loved the blue colour of the sea, as well as swimming and walking along the shore. Every vacation has left its mark, but I don’t have a favourite one.

Do you love the mountains? What is it that pulls you towards them?

I love the mountains. I love the views on all sides of the sky. I love the peace, the silence that embraces you. I'm always in awe of all the peaks and because of that I adore the feeling of joy that overwhelms me at the top and after a safe descent.

One of your destinations was also Romania. What surprised you there the most?

In the north, in the hilly part of this country, forests prevail, people are away from the hustle and bustle of the city and therefore struggle with poverty. The further south you go, the more developed, cleaner and of course more populated the country is. Our trip across the country was set up in the way that we were sometimes tourists, sometimes hikers. It was a bit more crowded at certain tourist spots, but by no means excessive. The country still hides its tourist potential, because in addition to holidays by the Black Sea, it is definitely worth exploring.

You are one of many volunteers at Hostelling International Slovenia. How did you find out about them and how does working with them look like?

I found out about Hostelling International Slovenia from a colleague, but my part in the association is smaller compared to those of others, because I only send my articles in the hope that Anja and her team members will like them, so they’ll get published. I mostly keep in touch with Anja via emails and I think we have found a “common language” if I may put it that way.

We now travel more in our home country and neighbouring countries, as it is not yet possible to travel further due to the coronavirus. Which part of your homeland Slovenia would you like to explore more?

The region of Dolenjska is an unknown territory to me and, if possible, I will spend at least a few days there this year.

What do you do to make your travels environmentally friendly?

Traveling or hiking at home or abroad – as much hiking and walking as possible, of course on marked trails, protecting the surroundings (no littering or destroying nature)…

What was the strangest thing you saw on your travels?

It’s difficult to answer this question because I take all things as they are; when you’re abroad you adapt to the local habits and way of life, because you’re just a "newcomer". I don't remember any such thing…

If you were to write a book about your travels, what title would you give it?

My experiences – My Memories.

Luckily, there are mountains and sea in Slovenia, so we have it easier now with the whole situation going on in the world. I hope you enjoy in Dolenjska. Perhaps you even write a book someday. Good luck!