Pride, Purpose, and Finding Rhythm: Feb 23 - Mar 1

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 the Institute gained momentum as I began meeting with patients and supervising students more formally. The balance between preparation, collaboration, and hands on engagement is energizing. Each day deepens both the responsibility and the privilege of being here.

Between work commitments, I kept my routines steady. Walks through the city center, up to the castle, and along the river remain grounding. Familiar café stops and market visits now feel less exploratory and more habitual. There is comfort in recognizing faces, knowing routes, and moving with quiet confidence through the city.

One of the week’s adventures included a climb up Šmarna Gora. From the trail below, I could see a small building perched high along the ridge, which became my destination. The hike to the top was about 1.4 miles and steep in places, but the reward was unforgettable. At the summit there is a bell that is said to grant hidden wishes to those who ring it. From the peak, the view stretches across the Ljubljana Basin and out toward both the Kamnik and Julian Alps. Standing there felt both peaceful and expansive, a reminder of how close nature is to daily life here.

As February turned into March, I felt the subtle shift from arrival to belonging. The early weeks were about navigation and logistics. Now there is purpose layered onto place. Ljubljana no longer feels temporary. It feels lived in, purposeful, and steadily becoming part of my story.