Work Begins and Boundaries Expand: Feb 9-15

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 discovered an open courtyard and art gallery tucked behind its doors, another reminder that art and history are woven into everyday life here. I cooked familiar foods with local twists, learning that Slovenian cabbage carries a distinctly pickled character.

Daily walks to the castle are becoming routine, each path offering something new. One afternoon I found a hidden well, a grotto, and even the castle’s vineyard. On the first clear day since arriving, the mountains finally appeared in the distance, quiet and steady beyond the city.

The weekend brought Valentine’s Day energy to the market and Dragon Carnival celebrations tied to Shrovetide traditions. Families in costume filled the streets, blending ancient customs with modern festivity. On Sunday, I joined a small international group for a tour of Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave. The castle, built into the mouth of a cave, and the vast underground formations felt otherworldly, a reminder of how much history and geology shape this small country.

By Monday, I felt both tired and energized, preparing for my first lecture at the Faculty of Education. The week balanced professional beginnings, cultural immersion, and quiet personal discovery. With each passing day, the city feels less like a temporary destination and more like a place where routine, work, and wonder coexist.