All Posts

The end of March brought a quick move downstairs into a smaller apartment now that Tony and Loen had headed home. Thankfully, both apartments have been amazing and the location still feels perfect for this experience. The transition somehow also included my first hair appointment in Slovenia, so it became a day of fresh starts all around. The first days of April settled into a slower pace. I discovered Dobra Vila, a tiny sandwich shop with lines out the door and a woman caref

We kicked off the week with a trip to the seaside and a chance to experience a completely different part of the country. Piran, Slovenia and Trieste, Italy felt slower than the energy of Ljubljana, with beautiful coastal views. The balance between work and adventure continued throughout the week. After mornings at the Institute, there were hikes up Šmarna Gora, long castle walks, bakery stops that somehow became daily traditions, and plenty of time wandering through neighborh

The week finally arrived when Tony and Loen made it to Ljubljana after a long travel day full of delays, missed connections, and a last minute reroute into Zagreb instead of Ljubljana. Somehow, even with cold showers and a broken water heater, the trip still started on a high note with dinner at Pop’s and Loen immediately beginning what became a two-week truffle pasta adventure. The days settled into a mix of work, exploring, and showing Tony and Loen all that I love about th

This week felt more settled and a lot more personal. I spent time walking through the city and kept noticing how often learning happens outside of a classroom. Groups of kids were everywhere, moving through the city with their teachers, writing things down and learning as they went. It made me think differently about what school can look like. Work is starting to feel more real. I am more involved with patients and supervisees now, which has been both challenging and rewardin

Exploring Lake Bled felt like stepping into a fairytale. A small island church rises from the middle of a turquoise alpine lake, surrounded by mountains and forests, while Bled Castle stands dramatically on a steep cliff above the water. From its terraces, the panoramic views are unforgettable. Back in Ljubljana, quieter moments brought new discoveries and a different path to the castle revealed peaceful neighborhoods and beautiful viewpoints. Returning to work also meant ste

I returned to Ljubljana from the mountains just in time to stumble into an unexpected celebration. A stage was being assembled near Town Hall, complete with lights, cameras, and a national broadcast presence. By evening, the square was filled with music and pride as the city welcomed home Slovenia’s Olympians. Watching from my apartment window, I felt lucky to witness such a spontaneous moment of national joy. The week quickly shifted back into professional focus. My work at

After a busy weekend of travel and exploration, I spent the start of the week regrouping and preparing for an important milestone. My first lecture at the Faculty of Education was approaching, and the days were filled with quiet focus, planning, and anticipation. When the morning finally arrived, clear skies revealed mountain views that had been hidden since my arrival. Meeting students who were eager to learn about autism felt both energizing and affirming, marking a meaning

This week marked the true beginning of my Fulbright work. I walked to the Institute of Autism for my first official meetings, reviewing cases with colleagues and preparing to supervise graduate students over the coming weeks. There was something grounding about shifting from orientation mode into professional purpose. The work ahead feels meaningful and collaborative. Outside of work, the city continued to reveal itself in layers. I stepped inside Town Hall on a whim and disc

My first full week in Ljubljana unfolded gently, shaped more by daily rhythms than by major sightseeing. After catching up on sleep, I explored without urgency. I wandered through the city market, climbed to the castle, and discovered neighborhood restaurants along the way. Meals became small cultural lessons, from mushroom soup to my first home cooked dinner made with market ingredients just steps from my apartment. Rain was a steady companion, yet it never slowed the city.

Welcome to 4 months, 3 seasons, 1 suitcase! First day in Ljubljana, Slovenia Fifteen hours of travel has a way of stretching time into something abstract. It starts to get measured less in minutes and more in emotions and gate numbers. I left Cleveland at 2:15 p.m., transferring first in Chicago and then again in Frankfurt, watching the familiar give way to the unknown. Saying goodbye to Tony and Loen at the airport was harder than I expected. The moment felt heavier than my