Embracing new communities
Iza was born in the capital city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. She had a contented childhood within a closely-knit society. As she transitioned into adulthood, her curiosity and eagerness to discover the unknown began to push her forward. During 2022 Iza joined imec as a researcher.
Cultural engagement and exploration
Education played a driving role in Iza’s journey beyond Slovenia. Having completed her master’s degrees in the Netherlands and Sweden, she had established a thirst for knowledge and a willingness to explore new horizons. Therefore, Iza was pumped up for a fresh start whenever an overseas opportunity arose.
Filled with excitement to immerse herself in the local culture, Iza enthusiastically sought out activities in every country she visited. In Sweden, Iza competed in the popular sport of orienteering. It is a game where the participants must run through predetermined control points found usually across forests using a map and compass. This participation gave her an opportunity to engage with a variety of groups and communities in Sweden. After her time with the Swedes, she returned to the Netherlands, to complete her internship, and then the next stop was Belgium. Iza’s transition to Belgium happened without hiccups. She connected her with like-minded individuals through a platform for hosting and organizing activities, gatherings, and events which paved the way for in-person gatherings and offline activities.
Over her travels, Iza’s unwavering enthusiasm and flexible attitude have connected her with diverse communities and equipped her with the resilience to overcome any challenges that come her way.
Nurturing community and culinary traditions
In Slovenia, Iza cherished the generosity of neighbors who would often share their fresh farm produce. The bountiful Slovenian woods provided an abundance of edible mushrooms and fruits to enjoy. As Iza settled into her new life in the city, memories of her homeland’s unique culinary traditions, especially desserts, became more dynamic in memory.
Slovenian cuisine delights with a diverse range of dishes, from hearty stews with barley, beans, and tender meat chunks to indulgent desserts which hold a special place in Slovenian culture, with the beloved Prekmurska gibanica standing out as a multi-layered cake. In the picturesque city of Bled, renowned for its stunning lake and island, the famous Bled cream cake or Blejska kremšnita awaits. Another classic dessert is Potica, traditionally enjoyed during holiday festivities like Christmas and Easter. Additionally, the cherished cottage cheese dumplings, Štruklji, are often served at family gatherings and celebrations.
Speaking of celebrations, Slovenian feasts are a sight to behold. Typically, a large piece of baked seasoned meat takes center stage, accompanied by various side dishes like potatoes, dumplings, and a colorful selection of vegetables.
Must do
Take a traditional wooden Pletna boat to Bled Island and ring the Wishing Bell in the island’s charming church. If time permits take a dip in the lake as well.
A diverse charm of nature and culture
One of the most remarkable aspects of Slovenia is the incredible diversity of nature it offers within its compact borders. Despite being a relatively small country, Slovenia houses a unique blend of landscapes where the Alpine, Pannonian, Karst, and Mediterranean regions converge.
This harmonious meeting of different worlds allows visitors to experience a plethora of natural wonders, ranging from stunning seaside vistas to majestic mountains like Triglav, awe-inspiring canyons like Škocjan Caves, and serene lakes like Bled. Moreover, amidst this breathtaking scenery, one can also explore historical and cultural landmarks like the oldest town of Slovenia called Ptuj, with a rich history dating back to Stone Age, making Slovenia a truly captivating destination for any nature, culture or photography enthusiast.
Lake Bled, a picturesque location synonymous with natural beauty, remains etched in Iza’s memory. Nestled against the majestic backdrop of the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia, Lake Bled becomes a picturesque setting straight out of a fairy tale. The other place she loves visiting regularly is Triglav National Park, nestled in the Julian Alps. The park is recognized for its remarkable biodiversity, harboring a vast array of plant and animal species. Among them are some rare and endangered creatures like the Alpine ibex, chamois, and the elusive Eurasian lynx.
Slovenia is a country that invites a visitor to immerse in the stunning scenery and the rich cultural heritage. It’s a place where history, culture, and nature converge, making it a truly enchanting destination for all.
