On to Ljubljana

Well - we didn't finish writing about our Croatia trip and we are now in Slovenia. I should back up just a bit. After we got back from Croatia, we needed to turn our attentions to packing up the apartment and getting ready to leave Pecs. We had lots of final stuff to do and it was the final week of Wimbledon which ranks right up there with LSU football as "can't miss" events. We went to our landlord's vineyard for a cook out one night. We had our friend Gabi and her two sons over for dinner at our house one night and of course we had our farewell dinner at Cafe Zona (Enoteca). We even visited with our friends Gyozo and Andrea and Carol worked some with their daughters on writing a essay. There was the final round of goodbyes and then cramming everything back into the suitcases we came with.

We had some things that we knew we would not be transporting back home and made stacks to give away. Some things could be of use to Gabi's son Andrew who will be setting up a new apartment. Some things went into a collection of items to be given to the next Fulbrighter - no need to buy another iron and ironing board to be used for a short time. And then there were some pillows, sheets, towels and blankets that we did not feel should be added to the collection. We decided to give those types of items to the man who sells home grown flowers everyday on the street corner near the house. This become one of the most touching moments of all of our goodbyes. Carol and Gabi had arranged for him (named Laszlo or Lassie) to come by at 9 AM today to get the items. I should say that Lassie is out selling his flowers every single day - rain or shine - hot or freezing cold. We would wave to him several times each day and we would exchange pleasantries - us in English, him in Hungarian - not having a clue what each other was saying but certainly feeling the spirit of friendship and affection. Once, as we were going to the bus station for a weekend trip, we wheeled our suitcases by his corner and he got a stricken look on his face thinking we were leaving town for good. Only when we indicated that we would return in 4 days did he again smile and wave his usual greeting. Lassie lives with his Mother in a rather shabby apartment near us. They obviously have very limited resources.

Lassie came to the house at 9 o'clock sharp and presented us with a bottle of wine. We were so touched by his gesture. He may be a poor Hungarian flower seller but he went out of his way to show us that he appreciated our friendliness and occasional purchase. He was delighted with the sheets, towels, coffee maker and fan. We are going to miss his big smile and cheery greeting.

We will try to catch up with our travels and stay current on this final month traveling around. Ljubljana is a very picturesque town in northern Slovenia. We will see the castle and other sights tomorrow and then Thursday we will be on the Lake Bled.

We will try to keep you posted.