It has been a week of minimal yet marvelous activity. I have spent the time in nearly constant conversation which may sound like a nightmare for some but for myself is an ice cream and large bowel of porridge reality. Last Sunday afternoon I moved with disconcerting rapidity out of the dorms to a private student apartment beneath a fire breather's lair. My host there was Jan who is a friend of Ana. I was joined there also by his marvelous five roommates and with these and Jan I spend my hours conversing, munching, road tripping, delivering goods in midsize truck, and playing endless card games. On arrival there I had begun to think that my time in Slovenia was drawing to a close and had visions of gondolas and gnocchi dancing betwixt my ears but now I cannot imagine having spent the days anywhere else. Slovenia has been entiringly refreshing in the quality of experience in building relationships with others who have been so genuine in their desire for that.

I endeavored on two road trips in the last week. The first was with some of my new chums to the tourist capital of Slovenia, Bled. I would have liked to have more time to wander around the lake and see the less tourist populated areas but that will be for a further time. It is a spectacular scence with surrounding mountains and small island accessories. The perfect spot for spring time walks, short boating ventures, and afternoon swims. Apparently no visit is complete without the consumption of some of the region's specialty dessert whose name I no longer remember. It is pictured in the new album on Lovable Quirks and was certainly not to be missed. After Bled we ventured further into the mountains toward the Italian border and the village of Kranjska Gora. That is the hometown of Andrea, one of my companions on this venture. She gave us the grand tour of the area and introduced us to some friends. Kranjska Gora is another beautiful spot where the air is fresh, the winter skiing apparently marvelous, and the river water cold enough to freeze the petunias off of anyone with feeling left in their toes (we ran,walked,suffered through some of this river water in the attempt to take a gander at a trickling of water that had been described to us as a waterfall). I was very lucky on this venture to have a chap named Marco with us as he was the day's translator. When I flashed the look of one who hasn't the foggiest what is being discussed he was the one to frequently attempt to translate which is marvelous because as I have described, to be much of the time on the outside of communication is very debilitating and frustrating.

My second adventure of this sort was a four o'clock wake up and midsize delivery truck ride around the area northeast of Ljubljana. Peter, who also lives where I was staying, is the part time driver of this truck and invited me to go with and see some of the countryside. It was my first experience getting a glimpse of the trucker's life and gave me a new perspective on how I take for granted all that happens so that I can walk into a store and buy whatever I wish. The early wake up meant that I was nodding off after the first pick up. I enjoyed helping to load and unload the contents and the Slovenian countryside kept the eyes peeled but by mid afternoon I was exhausted from sitting and watching the road. I think I could only accomplish this work if someone was with me to chat to. The constant attempts to speak English meant that sometimes Peter began speaking to Slovenes in English. For instance when we had lunch I told him what I wanted and he started to tell the Slovene waiter what I had said but still in English and blank stares resulted. Luckily this was quickly remedied but as for many Slovenes and others he has had little practice in speaking English.

I mentioned earlier the fire breather and should explain. The collection of landlords where I was staying have none of what are termed the social skills and obviously feel powerful having students staying under their roof. They are not friendly to guests of their renters so I was obliged to avoid them as much a possible. My one conversation with the self proclaimed boss was enough to make me realize that I should not remain staying there long. I am so pleased of the time that I did have there though as it was so relaxed and I had much time to sit and know and enjoy the company of my roommates and their hospitality towards me.

I am back at the student dorms since Saturday spending my hours enjoying the company of Ana's roommate Karla and her boyfriend Benjamin. Being well fed and well taken care of. I have posted a new album from my latest adventures. The first pictures are all from the day in Bled, then more with friends from the dorms, and the last from the truck driving adventure.