Nevertheless, it is surprising that every time I am talking to my Slovene friends about the beauty of Slovenia, they normally make a comment on its extension, in a not very positive way. Regarding to the size, what can I say? For a 1.57 cm short girl like me, tiny things are lovely and most of the times I find them practical too. Without any reservation, it can be said that Slovenia accomplishes both adjectives.

Combining splendor and handy is quite complicated, but I must say that Slovenia passes the challenge with ease. Almost magically, the landscape could change in less than one hour of driving, which is a great advantage. Like in a fairytale, your “metallic horse” can ride you to a virgin forest, stunning waterfall, mysterious cave, crystal river or thermal spring. Not to mention that in this contemporary tale, the enchanted characters can take a ride to the seaside to get some sun tanning. Slovenia is definitely a wonderful land.

So for a land of this kind, I think a better slogan than the one being used could not have been chosen: I FEEL SLOVENIA. Personally, this country has impressed me deeply. As the princess, I am completely in love with it – the only difference is that in this fairytale there is no frog but a chicken. I am aware of the all magnificent sceneries that can be found in my country as well, with its spectacular mountaineering landscapes from the north, to the breathtaking sights on the south. But there is a catch; in Spain your “metallic horse” would need a long ride to make you get a hint of these contrasts. Therefore not only a considerable amount of time and efforts are necessary to achieve a similar experience, but it would also be no less than grotesque to see the same slogan applying for my country, would not be?

As a nature enthusiast, it was a fantastic adventure to visit some of the Slovenian spectacular features as Velika Planina, Stol, Golica, Peca, Bled, Bohinj, Vintgar, Cerknica, Ptuj, Maribor, Piran or Kranjska Gora. I think it is so cute whenever my Slovenian friends get surprised when they find out I was on Triglav, as it was me the one who had been astonished to see how crowed was up there. They find it very interesting how paradoxically it is, for a girl who comes from a Catholic country like mine, to be baptized by getting smacked on your bottom once you reach the top. The stone from the peak that by “miracle” appeared in my bag is at my place in the kingdom of Spain like if it would be made of gold.  But among the most exciting experiences in Slovenia are rafting in Soča River and getting to know about The Human Fish at Postojna Cave.

However, there is something I would really like to do but I have not had the chance yet: skiing. When you come from a dry area, skiing is obviously not among the various sports you can practice and to be honest, my knowledge of this winter sport is zero. For this reason, I appreciate a lot when my Slovene friends, who follow the skiing competitions with the same passion as Spanish football fans, explain me the rules and give all kinds of details about brilliant and gorgeous Tina Maze.

I must admit I feel as excited as a five year old girl every time the snowflakes fall down from the sky. And what is more, as one of them, I cannot help to try to catch some of them with my mouth. In my opinion there is nothing more delightful than the sparkling white carpet that covers the landscape. In fact I was truly glad when just a few weeks ago the weather seemed to be sensible enough to give us some taste of what winter is supposed to be in the Alps. I am looking forward to see the cities all covered by the snow, like the pure image of a tale.

Certainly Slovenia is a small country and – no buts – a magical place where you could find charming giants, green dragons, ancient castles and feel like a princess… should I kiss the chicken?

MARIA ANGELES SANCHEZ

Preberite si še ostale kolumne Španke Angie: From the desert to the Alps, Tradition, religion and vacation, Kako se reče po slovensko...?  in  ¡Feliz Año Nuevo 2012!