New Apartment, Fresh Starts, and Spring Everywhere: Mar 30–April 5

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 carefully hand slicing every piece of meat at a pace that would never survive in America. Nobody seemed bothered by the wait, which somehow made the whole experience feel even more Slovenian.

As the weather got warmer, the city became busier every day. Open Kitchen returned this week with drier weather and the city center filled with people lingering outside for hours at a time. The markets were overflowing with beautiful produce and flowers, and nearby restaurants stayed crowded from morning into the night. Even ordinary walks through town started to feel different as trees bloomed and outdoor spaces were crowded.

The week was filled with moments of both connection and loneliness. I spent time with the international community painting Easter eggs and meeting new people from around Europe, something that continues to make Ljubljana feel very welcoming. At the same time, Easter Sunday felt quiet without family nearby. Long walks around the castle helped, along with the chance to experience Slovenian Easter traditions and enjoy another favorite meal at Slovenska Hiša.

By the end of the week, spring had completely taken over the city. Everything around Ljubljana was green and blooming, and another trip to Šmarna Gora offered more opportunities to appreciate the changing scenery.