Easter Traditions Interview: Igor Akrapovič Waters in Slovenia

ISSN 1854-0805
politicsenvironment
culturebusinesssports
4
April 2007
Easter Traditions
Interview: Igor Akrapovič
Waters in Slovenia
sinfo april 07
SLOVENIAINFIGURES
Who Visits the Slovenian Mountains?
Anja Lorenzetti, source: www.slovenia.info
Mountain hiking is a century-old tradition in Slovenia. In the
new proposal for the Strategy for Slovenian tourism, it is
recognised as one of the key opportunities for the development of tourism. In June and September 2006, the Slovenian
Tourist Board conducted a survey with the cooperation of
the CATI Marketing, Media, Social Research and Consulting Company and the Slovenian Mountaineering Federation.
Questionnaires were distributed to hikers who visited chalets
and either stayed overnight or just stopped for a snack.
an average of twelve. Foreign visitors are drawn to Slovenian
mountains by the pristine countryside, the views and well
sign-posted trails, while Slovenes follow the recommendations of their friends. Slovenian visitors to the mountains are
regular hikers, as no less than fifty-nine per cent go hiking at
least once a month. Ninety-six per cent of the visitors were
very happy with the chalets and said they would visit again,
while ninety-seven per cent said they would recommend the
chalets to their friends.
As expected, most visitors were from Slovenia, especially at
the lesser-known and less frequented chalets, while the popular chalets also had visitors from abroad. At three of them
(the Bled Chalet at Lipanca, Zasavska Chalet at Prehodavci,
and the Frischauf Chalet at Okrešelj), the visitors were, interestingly, predominantly foreign. Most of these foreign guests
came from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Croatia, and
Austria.
What made foreigners choose Slovenia as a destination?
The key element in the tourist promotion of Slovenia is the
mountain world, followed by the natural wealth and unspoilt
landscape, which is reflected in the survey. As the main reason for visiting Slovenia, most foreign visitors stated ‘holiday’
(47%), followed by recreation and sporting activities (24%). As
many as ninety-one per cent of hikers said they would spend
the better part of their stay hiking.
What are the similarities and differences between Slovenian and foreign visitors to Slovenian mountains?
The sources of information on Slovenia vary. The guests
from neighbouring Croatia and Italy say the main source
of information is previous experience and the recommendations of friends, while the main sources of information
for British and German guests are various websites and
printed tourist material. Unlike visitors from more distant
countries, Italian and Croatian guests come to Slovenia
without any prior reservation for accommodation and stay
for shorter periods (up to five days), while guests from elsewhere stay for an average of nine days. According to the
survey, guests from nearby countries have visited Slovenia
on several occasions, while for most other guests, this was
their first visit.
According to age and gender, foreign and domestic visitors are usually very similar. An interesting fact is the great
age span of visitors, as the hikers are aged from twenty-five
to sixty-five years. The first point of difference between foreign and domestic visitors is the level of education, as most
foreign visitors have a superior level of education. Among
foreigners, the majority have been to university, while the
majority of Slovenian visitors have only had a secondary
school education. There are also differences in the amount
of money spent, as a typical foreigner spends an average of
twenty-seven euros per day, while a Slovene would spend
sinfo april 07
Editorial: Government Communication Office, Director: Gregor Krajc, Gregorčičeva 25, 1000 Ljubljana, tel. +386 (0) 1 478 2636, fax +386 (0) 1 251 2312, www.ukom.gov.si
Editor-in-Chief: Sabina Popovič, [email protected], Editor: Polona Prešeren, MA, [email protected], Editorial board: Andreja Šonc Simčič, Vesna Žarkovič, Anja Lorenzetti, Nataša Marvin,
Nataša Pavšek, Production editing: Nataša Simsič, Translation: U.T.A. Prevajanje Miha Žličar s.p., Printed by: Tiskarna Pleško d.o.o., Number of copies printed: 3.500
Available also at: http://www.ukom.gov.si/eng/slovenia/publications/sinfo
Sabina Popovič
POsITIVE ENERGY
8-14 WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Delo's Person of the Year 2006, the Entrepreneur of the
Year 2004, manager of one of the most successful firms
in Slovenia, a man who has greatly contributed to the
recognition of the Slovenian economy – all of the above
have been used to describe the C.E.O. of the Akrapovič
exhaust manufacturing company, Igor Akrapovič, who is
featured in this month's interview.
prime minister visited bosnia and herzegovina and
the republic of macedonia
A GREEN OASIS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY
THE SLAVIC SOUL OF MANCA IZMAJLOV
SANJA GRCIĆ - SLOVENIAN TEXTILE INDUSTRY`S IMAGE
15-18 INTERVIEW
You can also read articles about four other individuals
who have achieved success in their chosen careers: Miha
Zupan, Petra Majdič, Andrej Jerman, and Neisha. The first
is the success story of a deaf basketball player in the
professional sports world of the hearing, Miha Zupan, who
plays for the current Slovenian basketball champions,
Union Olimpija, who also compete in the Euroleague,
the continent’s most prestigious basketball league. This
winter, Petra Majdič has brought smiles to our faces, but
nothing delighted us more than her historic silver medal at
the World Championships in Sapporo. Andrej Jerman, the
best Slovenian downhill skier, has won the first World Cup
downhill victory for Slovenia, which was the highlight of an
otherwise rather gloomy season for the Slovenian Alpine
Team. Neisha (real name, Neža Buh) is unique, too. When
she appears on stage the audience is on tenterhooks with
expectation. Then, she sits at the piano and lets her songs
fill the hall with positive energy.
IGOR AKRAPOVIČ
22-25 COVER STORY
PUPPETS IN SLOVENIA
The earliest known puppet type in Slovenia, called ‘lileki’,
can still be seen at some traditional village fetes or wedding
receptions. Since then, Slovenian puppet theatre has come
a long way, and achieved many successes. How was it back
then? How is it today? Read more about it in this month's
cover story, and the viewpoint section, contributed by
Robert Waltl – actor, director and puppeteer.
34-45 MADE IN SLOVENIA
We also take a look at the waters that criss-cross Slovenia,
present Ljubljana Zoo, a green haven in the centre of the
city, the virgin olive oil made in Slovenian Istria and which
the European Commission has added to the Register
of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected
Geographical Indications. And many other interesting
items.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
36-38 THIS IS SLOVENIA
Waters in Slovenia
Celebration of Easter
Enjoy your read!
44-46 SPORT
MIHA ZUPAN - TOP BASKETBALL PLAYER
Andrej Jerman - Golden Jerry
Petra Majdič - Cross-country queen
Freeride Battle Vogel 2007
Planica Ski Jumping
Cover photo: D. Mladenovič/STO
Government Communication Office: www.ukom.gov.si
Government Institutions: www.gov.si
Slovenian Tourist Board: www.slovenia.info
Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry: www.gzs.si
Slovenian Chamber of Craft: www.ozs.si
Public Agency of the RS for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments: www.japti.si
Ljubljana Stock Exchange: www.ljse.si
Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia: www.stat.si
State Portal of the Republic of Slovenia: http://e-uprava.gov.si
sinfo april 07
Monthly Report
Andreja Šonc Simčič
Žiga Turk, Janez Janša and Iztok Jarc. Photo: Primož Lavre
Parliament Appoints
Two New Ministers
assessed as having brought progress in a number of areas.
The Slovenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed
satisfaction that the report includes all the elements that
define Slovenia as a modern and democratic state, with a
high level of human rights protection, and acknowledges the
efforts of the Slovenian Government in tackling individual
issues, such as trafficking in persons, the status of the Roma
community, and others.
In its response, the Ministry of Justice has stated that the
conclusions in the 2006 State Department Report with
regard to the administration of justice are not surprising,
adding that the findings could only boost the implementation
of the Lukenda Project. To this end, at the end of March or
the beginning of April, the Ministry plans to submit to the
government a draft law on concluding procedures for the
restitution of nationalised property.
According to the Ministry, this draft law is a decisive step
towards solving denationalisation issues, and expects that
the new act will be passed in the first half of 2007. The act
will mean that procedures concerning the restitution of
nationalised property should be concluded more rapidly.
The new act would also eliminate certain legal impediments
obstructing procedures, ensure uniform standards for
dealing with outstanding issues in legal procedures, and
establish the right to a judicial decision within a reasonable
time, and the right to effective legal protection.
In 2005, in order to reduce court backlogs, the Ministry
launched the national Lukenda Project, which comprises a
number of measures to reduce court backlogs by the end of
2010. The main priority measures that the Ministry has been
implementing are ensuring appropriate premises for judicial
authorities, employing additional judges, judicial staff and
Ljubljana, 7 March
The National Assembly appointed Iztok Jarc a new minister
of agriculture, forestry and food, and Žiga Turk a new
development minister without portfolio, who both promised
to get down to business immediately.
Jarc said the ministry would carry out a review of the
rural development programme and the decrees on farm
subsidies as well as tackle farm subsidies for next year and
focus on measures aimed at boosting the competitiveness
of Slovenian agriculture and food industry.
Žiga Turk expressed hope that debates about reform and
development would not pit "us" against "them". "Development
affects everyone of us. Together we need to find a consensus
on the need for development and change," he told the
press.
Response to the State Department
Report on Human Rights in Slovenia
Ljubljana, 8 March
On 6 March 2007, the U.S. Department of State published
its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. The
report for Slovenia is largely positive, and the year 2006 was
sinfo april 07
Monthly Report
legal officers, and preparing legislative changes.
In 2006, the Ministry prepared two draft acts (the amended
Judicial Service Act and the Courts Act) regulating the
status and organisation of judges, with the aim of increasing
the efficiency of the judicial system in accordance with the
Lukenda Project.
In 2006 the Ministry also drafted the amended Notary Act
and Administrative Dispute Act. On 1 January 2007 the Act
on the Protection of the Right to Trial without Undue Delay
came into force.
The Ministry has put a great deal of effort into securing
new premises for judicial authorities, particularly through
the internal real estate market and by buying real estate. In
accordance with the Lukenda Project, 277 judicial positions
were opened in 2006. Seventy additional judges were
employed and 250 judicial staff. In 2007, 90 new jobs for
judges and 250 for judicial staff; in 2008 18 new judges, are
set to be employed.
According to the Ministry of Justice, with all these measures,
backlogs should be eliminated by 2010, which is also
supported by the statistics for 2005 and the first half of
2006, which show that backlogs are decreasing. By the end
of 2005 the number of unresolved cases had decreased
by 42,495 or 7.5 per cent in comparison with the beginning
of 2005. In the first half of 2006 the number of unresolved
cases decreased by 25,069 or 4.8 per cent.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Section 2A of the
report, which addresses freedom of speech and the media
in Slovenia, is favourable, as it begins in a positive spirit
by stating the fact that the Constitution and the legislation
facilitate freedom of speech and the media, and that the
government respects these freedoms in practice. The
Report states that there were reports of indirect government
influence on the media, but they are not presented as facts,
while the report clearly states that individuals could criticise
the government publicly or privately without reprisal, and
that the government did not attempt to impede criticism.
The report also states that the independent media are active
and express a variety of views without significant restriction.
This year's report attempted to assess more profoundly the
real situation in the area of respect for human rights, and
recognised to a greater extent the complexity of individual
issues which demand long-term solutions.
Slovenia believes that the State Department report, like
other similar reports, is an important contribution to respect
for human rights in our own country and elsewhere.
Mr Janša explained that Slovenia does not oppose arbitration
in principle, as this way of resolving outstanding issues
between the countries is far better than a long-running
dispute. "However, to call in a third party to help resolve
conflicts does not reflect well on either of the two countries
involved," said the Slovenian PM, adding that Slovenia had
been looking for additional ways to solve pending issues.
"It also needs to be said that we have not received a
concrete outline of the arbitration from Croatia, apart from
the proposal that, in principle, it be carried out," said Mr
Janša, adding that Slovenia cannot accept arbitration only
for the maritime border. "If the arbitration procedure is
launched, this would definitely have to include the whole of
the Slovenian-Croatian border."
The Slovenian PM also underlined the issue of the credibility
of the Croatian side, which has signed a similar border
agreement with Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also failed to
ratify it. In his opinion, the Slovenian public as well as the
National Assembly will seek an explanation as to why the
agreement which both countries agreed upon was suddenly
deemed inappropriate and was consequently not ratified.
Mr Janša explained that Slovenia does not link the resolution
of bilateral issues to Croatia's joining the EU, and that it has
always supported its neighbour’s efforts to join Europe.
Slovenia believes that a number of outstanding issues –
none of them critical – can be solved more efficiently within
the same political framework. Therefore, according to the
Slovenian PM, raising the issue of arbitration and SlovenianCroatian relations within the context of Croatia's accession
to the EU is out of place.
Prime Minister Janša also said that there is still a possibility
of a joint government session. "However, since this was
suggested, there has been no major progress in terms
of closing the negotiations regarding the two or three
agreements that are supposed to be signed at the next
meeting. When these conditions are met, the meeting can
take place," he said, adding that Croatia has not expressed
a keen interest in bringing the negotiations to a close.
Slovenia issued a benchmark bond
Ljubljana, 13 March
After almost 6 years of absence from the international
markets, the Republic of Slovenia came back with its
inaugural Euro government bond as a fully-fledged member
of the Euro-zone since January first of this year. BA-CA
Ljubljana (Unicredit Group), Dresdner Kleinwort and SG CIB
joint lead-managed this EUR 1 bn issue maturing on March
22nd, 2018.
Following last week's European road show where
representatives of the Republic visited investors in London,
Milan, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris, the order
books opened on Monday, March 12th in the morning with a
spread guidance of mid-swap -8 to -6 bp.
In less than three hours, the orders exceeded EUR 4 bn from
over 90 different accounts. Given the size of the issue of EUR
1 bn, the joint lead managers together with the issuer agreed
to close the books and revise the price talk to the tightest
end at ms -8bp.
Real money orders led the way with asset managers at 53%,
insurance and pension funds at 6% and central banks at
6%. Banks took 33% of the transaction and hedge funds
Prime Minister Janez Janša: We do
not oppose arbitration, but it would
have to consider the entire SlovenianCroatian border
Brussels, 9 March
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša,
who is attending the European Council meeting in Brussels,
has commented on the recent statements made by some
European politicians on ways to resolve the border issue
between Slovenia and Croatia. He said that the proposed
solutions were not new and are well known to Slovenia, that
has been preparing for them for some time.
sinfo april 07
Monthly Report
tourists rose by 1% (to 167,848). Italian tourists were in the
majority (with a 21% increase), followed by Croatians (up
2%), and Austrians (up 10%). Solely in terms of visits, Russian
visitors top the list at 30%, followed by visitors from the UK
(14%) and Germany (9%).
The total number of overnight stays increased by 5%, with
the number of foreign guests rising by 10%, and the number
of domestic guests falling by 1%. Italian tourists again top
the list for overnight stays, with a 15% increase, followed
by Croatians and Austrians (up 3%), and Germans (up 6%
increase).
The statistics for arrivals and overnight stays in this winter
tourist season can be assessed as positive, because both the
categories measuring the trends in inbound tourist markets
exhibited positive growth. Particularly encouraging is the
fact that there were more German tourists (+9% in arrivals,
and +6% in overnight stays), which shows that the negative
trend recorded from this traditionally important market has
reversed. We can also be very satisfied with the figures for the
Italian market where, according to our estimates, Slovenian
tourism still has ample unused opportunities. Austria, too,
remains one of the top countries on the list of Slovenia's
tourist markets, particularly due to its proximity. Among other
countries that have exhibited positive trends in terms of both
arrivals and overnight stays are the UK (up 14% in arrivals,
and up 25% in overnight stays), the Russian Federation (up
30% in arrivals, and up 39% in overnight stays), and the
Netherlands (up 8% in arrivals, and 15% in overnight stays).
Hungary was the only neighbouring country with a negative
trend in both arrivals (down 9%), and overnight stays (down
1%. In terms of geographical breakdown: Germany/Austria
29%, France 19%, UK/Ireland 16%, Scandinavia 12%, Italy 9%,
BeNeLux 9%, Slovenia 5%.
This high quality distribution clearly reflects the EMU
government status that the Republic has just acquired.
Offering a coupon of 4%, the deal priced on Tuesday March
13th at mid-swap - 8bp, equivalent to Bund 01/2017 + 19.3bp.
This is a tremendous success for the Republic of Slovenia,
which illustrates the investor demand for the issuer's scarcity
and credit quality.
A successful 2006/2007
winter tourist season
Ljubljana, 13 March
Judging by the number of tourist arrivals in the 2006/2007
winter tourist season (from November 2006 to January 2007
inclusive), the leading inbound tourist market for Slovenia is
Italy, followed by Croatia, Austria, and Germany. According
to provisional data released by the Statistical Office of the
Republic of Slovenia (SORS), the total number of tourist
arrivals during the period, compared with the 2006/2006
winter tourist season, increased by 7% (427,754 arrivals, i.e.
29,519 more than in the same period last year). The increase
in the arrival of foreign guests alone, in comparison to last
year, was 12% (to 259,906), while the number of domestic
Bled. Photo: Igor Modic/STO
sinfo april 07
Monthly Report
8%); however, it is worth noting that due to the economic
crisis in the country, Hungarians travelled less in 2006, i.e.
they spent their holidays at home.
Individual tourist destinations in Slovenia also recorded a
positive trend this season: in line with the increase in socalled city-break programmes, the last two months of 2006
and the first two of 2007 saw an increase in both arrivals and
overnight stays in Ljubljana. In November 2006, the rise was
15%, reaching 20% in December (+19%), which can definitely
be attributed to the popularity of the capital during holidays.
In January 2007, Ljubljana recorded a 9% increase in arrivals,
while overnight stays in the last two months of 2006 increased
by 12%, in January 2007 by 15%, and in February by 14%.
The reason for the successful winter tourist season can be
attributed to the development of a wide variety of tourist
services across Slovenia and at individual destinations (in line
with global tourist trends), the more focused and coordinated
marketing of Slovenia's tourist offer, and tour operators and
providers of charter flights. The cooperation of the Slovenian
Tourist Board (STB) with the tourist sector, collaboration within
the sector itself, additional development incentives and the
marketing of existing and new air destinations (including
charter flights) are becoming increasingly important for
ensuring successful tourist seasons even in unfavourable
conditions, such as this year's winter, when there was no
snow.
According to Dimitrij Piciga, the Director of the STB, on the
2006/2007 winter tourist season and future expectations:
"With regard to the overall trends in arrivals and overnight
stays, and in particular, in view of the number of guests
coming from the most important inbound tourist markets in
the latter months of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, we
expect that the positive trend in arrivals will continue in
2007. These expectations are also based on the fact that
in 2007, the STB is planning to launch more marketing and
promotional activities, continue the collaboration with the
tourist sector, develop and upgrade tourist services, and
focus on furthering destination management, one of the key
factors in tourist development today. At the STB, we firmly
believe that our goals to attain a 4% increase in overnight
stays, a 6% increase in arrivals and an 8% rise in revenues,
will be achieved by the end of 2007."
Manouchehr Mottaki and Janez Janša. Photo: Arsen Perić
supported the right to the use of nuclear energy for peaceful
purposes in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty, adding that in the case of any complications arising
from this issue, the country supports, i.e. shares EU policy. The
ministers agreed that dialogue and negotiations between
Iran and the international community were the only possible
way of resolving the issue. As the Chair of the IAEA Board of
Governors, Slovenia is actively involved in talks concerning
the Iranian nuclear issue.
The ministers also discussed current issues in Iraq. They
agreed that the conclusions of the international security
conference on Iraq, which took place in Baghdad on 10
March 2007 were positive. Mr Rupel expressed satisfaction
with the constructive discussions aimed at finding measures
to stabilise the living and security conditions in the country.
The Iranian Foreign Minister also met the Prime Minister of
the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša. They mainly discussed
bilateral relations. They agreed that both countries shared an
interest in strengthening economic cooperation, particularly
in the fields of energy and transport. They also exchanged
views on regional issues, agreeing that a coordinated effort
by all members of the international community was needed
to stabilise crisis hotspots in the Middle East. With regard to
the Iranian nuclear issue, the Slovenian PM said that he was
convinced it could be resolved through diplomatic channels,
stressing the need for building trust, which can only be
achieved through open dialogue.
Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr
Mottaki Visits Slovenia
Ljubljana, 14 March
On 14 March, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, Manouchehr Mottaki, met the Slovenian
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dimitrij Rupel. The Ministers
discussed bilateral cooperation, energy, and other current
issues.
Mr Rupel assessed the relations as good: "The visit helped
to strengthen bilateral relations, while we still see ample
opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, transport
and energy." An important part of the cooperation between
the countries relates to intercultural and interdenominational
dialogue, which will be among the priorities of the Slovenian
presidency of the EU in the first half of 2008.
The ministers also discussed current issues. With regard
to the Iranian nuclear issue, Mr Rupel said that Slovenia
sinfo april 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Prime Minister Janez
Janša visited Bosnia and
Herzegovina
and the Republic of
Macedonia
Valentin Hajdinjak
Nikola Špirić and Janez Janša. Photo: Srdjan Živulovič/BOBO
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Janez Janša,
visited Sarajevo at the invitation by Nikola Špirić, the Chairman
of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The
official visit, the first one of its kind since 1997, was aimed
at strengthening political dialogue between the countries
and bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sector.
At the meeting the host and his guest agreed that the very
good political and economic cooperation between Slovenia
and Bosnia and Herzegovina was working well, and that the
countries were collaborating on numerous other areas.
Macedonia, Nikola Gruevski, Mr Janša said that the issues
they had discussed over the two-day visit focused on
bilateral cooperation between Slovenia and Macedonia, and
the common European perspective. He added that Slovenia
supports the EU's Open Door Policy and its enlargement
to include the Western Balkans, while the recent reforms
Macedonia has implemented make the country one of the
most serious candidates for NATO and EU membership.
"The Republic of Macedonia, and this I firmly believe, will
soon join the EU," said Mr Janša, taking the opportunity to
encourage the Macedonian government and all parliamentary
political parties to undertake further reform measures. "This
will not only convince the European Commission and other
member states that Macedonian efforts are genuine, but will
above all add to a better future for all the people living in
Macedonia." He appealed to all political actors to engage
in constructive cooperation and intensive political dialogue
between the government and opposition parties, even more
so when it comes to Macedonian national interests – joining
the EU and NATO. According to Mr Janša, Slovenia has
useful experience in this respect, as the interest to join the
aforementioned organisations had been shared by practically
all Slovenian parliamentary parties, which had also signed a
special agreement.
Mr Janša said that bilateral trade and investment cooperation
was increasing. According to Slovenian data, in the first eleven
months of last year, trade in goods, which is comparable in
volume with that between Slovenia and Russia, reached 730
million euros. In this period, Slovenia exported 442 million
euros worth of goods and imported 288 million euros worth of
goods. Imports form Bosnia and Herzegovina grew by more
than 50 per cent, which signals a particularly positive trend
toward balancing trade in goods. Both sides expressed great
interest in further economic investments.
Prime Minister Janša congratulated his host on the progress
his country has made. Mr Janša believes that Bosnia and
Herzegovina will soon meet the criteria to sign the Stabilisation
and Association Agreement with the EU. This is also significant
for Slovenia, particularly in the light of its EU presidency in the
first half of 2008, as one of the priorities of the presidency will
be the European perspective of the countries of the Western
Balkans.
The visit also saw the signing of three agreements (on
inter-state adoptions, on cooperation in healthcare and
medicine, and on the employment of seasonal workers), and
a government collaboration programme on European affairs
in 2007.
The official visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of
Slovenia, Janez Janša, to the Republic of Macedonia has
confirmed the excellent relations between the two countries.
After meeting his host, the Prime Minister of the Republic of
During his visit to Skopje the Prime Minister Janez Janša has
had an informal meeting in Skopje with the Prime Minister of
Kosovo, Agim Çeku, to discuss the situation in Kosovo.
The Slovenian PM stressed that the Republic of Slovenia had
assumed command of a sector in Kosovo, where more than
600 troops from the Slovenian Armed Forced are participating
in a peace-keeping mission. According to Mr Janša, Slovenia
has also offered numerous other forms of aid aimed at
achieving stability more rapidly.
Both Prime Ministers expressed the expectation that the
future status of Kosovo would be determined soon. According
to the Slovenian PM, the Kosovo government understands the
demands of the Serbian population in Kosovo. "I believe that
the international community has found a very reasonable
partner in the current Prime Minister of Kosovo,'' said Mr Janša
after meeting Mr Çeku.
Talks with Nikola Gruevski. Photo: Kristina Kosec/BOBO
sinfo april 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Prestigious Awards from the Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
Samanta Košpenda, photo: Grega Wernig
of Slovenian economy were bestowed by the Chamber in
1969. In the following years, the only additions made were to
its purpose.
This year the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of
Slovenia (CCIS) presented the 39th Awards for Exemplary
Business and Entrepreneurial Achievements. The CCIS
awards are the oldest of their kind. They are awarded to
those entrepreneurs who have headed their companies
successfully for a number of years. At any time, and under
any given conditions, the recipients have proved themselves
capable of achieving excellent results to the satisfaction
of all concerned: customers, owners, employees and the
environment.
This year's recipients of the award for 2006 hail from six
regions and excel in five branches of business. They are the
President of the Management Board and Chief Executive of
the pharmaceutical giant Krka Jože Colarič, whose motto
is borrowed from Leo Tolstoy: "Speak only of things you
understand, otherwise be quiet.". Boris Gorup, Director of
Instalacija d.o.o., whose guideline is to seek out a way to
solve a problem and not why it is insoluble; Trieste's own
Edi Kraus, Director-General of Julon d.d., who is steering his
employees towards common goals and creating team spirit
- he is an open and direct individual, and his door is always
open to solving problems, big or small. Of the company
Arcont d.d., led by Branko Kurbus, it can be said that it is the
biggest manufacturer of office cabins in Europe. The Acroni
company is well aware that the main competitive advantage
of a company is its personnel. Their General Manager, Vasilij
Prešeren, is certain that success is guaranteed only and
above all if one is confident and believes in oneself. Jošt
Rupnik, Director-General of Ydria Motors is not satisfied, in
spite of great achievements. He wants more and intends to
do even better. Bogdan Šavli, Director of TBP, believes in
innovative thinking and honesty. The eighth award recipient,
Ludvik Špan, Director of Špan d.o.o., knows that a company's
credibility derives from a respectful and healthy attitude
towards the competition. He is aware that it is hard to win
and easy to lose.
Taken into account in judging, the accomplishments of the
entrepreneurs count more than a company's general results
in marketing and development, its business and export
results, its internationalisation and successful integration into
the EU. Special importance is also attributed to the fast and
effective expansion of the company's market, the promise of
its vision, and a clear long-term strategy. A company's own
development and innovation are also a factor. There are no
less then sixty numerical measuring criteria. The competitors
have to pass several strict conditions set by the expert
commission. Additionally, "soft criteria" are considered, such
as business and entrepreneurial ethics. This is what places
these awards among the most desired and established in
Slovenia. In short, the CCIS awards are important because
they connect the personality of the company's leading
person to the company itself. When a company receives
this award it is also receives a place in the history of the
Slovenian economy. The specific prestige of this award is
further confirmed by the fact that all the members of the
commission have themselves recently received the award.
Further proof of its prestige is the addition of the winners'
names to the wall of fame inside the Chamber of Commerce
and Industry building, which is at the same time witness to
the history of the award. The first awards for achievements
greatly contributing to the improvement and development
In his speech at the award ceremony, also attended by the
Prime Minister, Janez Janša, the President of CCIS Samo
Hribar Milič stressed that Slovenia was looking to the future
with optimism, knowing that there are many more companies
following in the footsteps of those awarded this year, and
that it is them who will make the dream of Slovenia's high
level of development possible.
sinfo april 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Ljubljana Zoological Park
A Green Oasis in the Middle of the City
Urban Soban, photo: Ljubljana ZOO Archives
When there is talk of the sights of the Slovenian capital, the
words ‘Baroque Ljubljana’, ‘Plečnik’s Ljubljana’ or ‘Art Nouveau
Ljubljana’ come to mind. Some even call it ‘white Ljubljana’
because of its many stone buildings. But the city also has a
green heart, a place for a leisurely stroll, which is favoured by
young and old alike: just a stone’s throw from the city centre
lies the landscaped park of Tivoli, Rožnik and Šišenski hrib,
which extends towards the north-west of Ljubljana. Ljubljana
Zoological Park is also part of this green oasis, and it is a very
popular destination. In the afternoon, and especially during
weekends, it welcomes many visitors from Ljubljana, the
whole of Slovenia, and also from abroad. Slovenia’s first and
thus far, only zoo, which opened in 1949, is just a five minute
drive from the very centre of the city. It covers 19.6 hectares,
and is larger than, for instance, the famous Regent’s Park Zoo
in London or the Vincennes Zoo in Paris, each of which cover
some 14.5 hectares.
would otherwise escape easily, such as certain birds, and
predators such as lions and leopards. The vivaria are home to
insects, lizards and other small animals. There are also many
species of snake, such as the horned viper, which is one of
the two species of European venomous snakes. The Zoo is
very proud of its population of rare black and white storks,
which produces chicks each year. Another special feature
of the Zoo is that it keeps a breeding log of two species of
hornbill, which is a rarity among zoos.
Apart from wild animals from Slovenia and abroad, visitors
can also see domestic animals in an environment emulating
a traditional farmstead, the main feature being a genuine
cottage from northern Slovenia. This gives children from urban
areas the opportunity to become familiar with ducks, geese,
an ox, sheep, goats etc. Children are well catered for, as the
Zoo also features a large playground situated next to an
enclosure with two male giraffes. One of the main attractions
is the feeding of the sea lions, and the Zoo also organises
various workshops, educational guided tours and events
(carnival, birthday celebrations, the petting and feeding of
animals) for young people.
Ljubljana Zoo employs twenty-eight people, who see to the
well-being of 506 animals (the figure does not include insects)
from 119 species. A member of the World Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (WAZA) and European Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (EAZA), Ljubljana Zoological Park is a modern
institution, which takes part in the strategy for the preservation
of endangered species and aims to improve the ecological
awareness of the public.
A stroll along the 6.5 km of trails through the Zoo also offers
visitors an insight into the rich flora of Slovenian forests, as the
various plant species are described on information boards.
Another pleasant feature of the Park are the animal sculptures
by Janez Boljka, a well-known Slovenian modern sculptor,
who also made the imposing buffalo sculpture situated at the
entrance to the Zoo.
The Zoo tries to enable the animals to move as freely as
possible in an environment similar to their natural habitat.
For instance, the lynx enclosure can be found in the forested
part of the Park. This enclosure is particularly interesting as it
presents the lynx in its primary environment, which brings out
the cat’s predatory nature. The forest on the slope of Rožnik
Hill is also home to the wolves; the chamois and the mouflon
can be found on bare rocks; the Siberian tiger can take a
dip in a marshy pond; the gibbons can jump from ropes onto
the branches of a tall tree which overlooks an artificial lake
inhabited by tortoises, ducks and swans. The only animals
which have to be kept in barred enclosures are those who
sinfo april 07
The Ljubljana Zoological Park may be among the more recent
European zoos and it is not one of the largest, but many people
believe that its exceptional natural environment makes it one
of the most attractive in Central Europe.
TriviaEven though Ljubljana’s Zoological Park dates back
little more than fifty years, the people of Ljubljana first caught
a glimpse of an exotic animal a long time ago: in 1552, the
10
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Austrian archduke and future Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian
I stopped in Ljubljana on his way from Spain to Vienna. His
retinue also consisted of an elephant. The people of Ljubljana
flocked to see the gigantic animal with its long trunk and grey
skin. The elephant spent the night in the yard of a Ljubljana inn,
which changed its name after the departure of the eminent
guest. The inn was replaced by a hotel which to this day bears
the name Slon (meaning elephant in Slovene).
Recent Events and Plans for the FutureIn June last year, the
Ljubljana Zoo welcomed Kalle, a four-year-old Californian sealion from Cologne Zoo. A month later, he was joined by another
male, the 18-month-old Jip from Amsterdam. The Jihlava
Zoo in the Czech Republic provided Ljubljana with a female
Persian leopard. She was named Shirin, which means ‘sweet’
in Persian. When Shirin reaches sexual maturity, she will be
let into the same enclosure with the male leopard Archie. The
Zoo is looking forward to their cubs. In 2006, the Zoo acquired
several breeds of miniature domestic animals: smaller than
standard goats, sheep, pigs, horses and pigs. The miniature
pigs and sheep can be petted in the so-called Mini Zoo, an
enclosure intended for contact between the visitors and the
animals. The animals are tame and accustomed to humans.
Another recent addition to the Ljubljana Zoo are two mares
of the local Lipizzaner breed from the Lipica Stud Farm.
Thais and Gratiosa are mares which like being caressed by
visitors. Gratiosa is expecting a foal in June. According to
the Chinese horoscope, the year 2007 is the year of the pig.
How appropriate for the Ljubljana Zoo: fifteen piglets from
two different miniature pig breeds have already arrived, while
the young of the Göttinger mini-pig, the smallest breed of
pig, have yet to be born.Plans for the near future include the
building of a new farm, bear and wolf enclosures, and a new
service area. In the coming years, the Zoo plans to build a new
elephant enclosure and an education centre.
On way to the Slovenian-Greek Cooperation
Andrej Savelli
Last month the Government Communication Office organised
a five-day study visit to Slovenia for ten Greek journalists.
The very successful visit was made on the initiative of Mr
Evangelos Tziavos, who is the Consul General of the Republic
of Slovenia to Greece and the President of the SlovenianHellenic Chamber of Commerce.
economic conference. At that time the Prime Minister Janez
Janša will pay a visit to Greece.
Greek journalists had no particular expectations prior to
coming to Slovenia, but were very impressed by what they saw.
They were particularly delighted by the natural and cultural
sights (Postojnska Cave, Predjama Castle, Lipica), Slovenian
hospitality, and the local wines. They were positively surprised
by the preparations for Slovenia's EU Presidency, which they
found to be focused. They believe that for Slovenia to carry
out this project successfully it will need better capacities and
infrastructure. The guests said they would promote Slovenia
in their media as an attractive tourist destination and also
as a country which is becoming increasingly lucrative for
investors. The result of the visit is that the journalists were
impressed with Slovenia and have ensured their hosts that
they will recommend the country to their audience.
During the visit the journalists met senior officials and
important business people, who outlined Slovenia’s key
political, economic and cultural issues, focusing on the
programme of Slovenia's EU presidency in the first half of
2008. The business people presented the most attractive
business and investment opportunities. The journalists also
visited tourist, cultural and natural sites.
The purpose of the visit was to secure wider media
coverage of the events planned in April 2007 during the
week of Slovenian culture in Greece and Slovenian-Hellenic
11
sinfo april 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
The Slavic Soul
of Manca Izmajlov
More Important than the Goal
Itself is the Path you Choose
Text and photo: Miša Čermak
violin, she realised that above all else, she wanted to be a
singer. She moved to Moscow, where Benjamin was the first
Slovene ever to graduate from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
Manca, too, enrolled in the same conservatory to study opera
singing – mezzo-soprano. With the help of her excellent
professor, many courses and tutors, she discovered she
could sing jazz, musicals and opera. She plans to graduate
in a year from now. In the meantime, she will perform at
home and abroad and become a mother, which is probably
the reason for her soft, tender and glowing appearance. Her
pregnancy could also be the reason behind the beauty of
the music on the Slavic Soul album, which was recorded with
the Russian State Symphony Orchestra of Cinematography
at the Moscow Philharmonic Society. The album features
adaptations of the most beautiful Slavic songs, which are
unique and characterised by the temperament of the Slavic
soul.
“For me, Slavic Soul is a way of perceiving the world, which
is first and foremost, with my heart. I learnt about it in school,
reading Slavic literature, but I truly grasped the meaning of
it when I lived in Russia and learnt Russian to a level which
enabled me to read articles on art in the original. I learnt
about the Slavic soul through Russian attitudes and their
perception of the world, as well as their attitudes to fellow
human beings. They taught me how important it is to pay
attention to other people and take the time to exchange a
few nice words.
Furthermore, I learnt how to look deep into myself – in the
very essence of my being, as well as how to understand the
deeper meaning of words. This is what is reflected in Slavic
art and particularly in Russian art. Slavic Soul originates from
the times of the first great migration of the Slavs and has
always been a big part of all Slavic people, although today
it is not as noticeable, particularly in Western European
countries.
Slavic Soul is characterised by a selfless attitude and the
belief that more important than the goal itself is the path you
choose to get there.”
Manca Urbanc Izmajlov is an actress, director, singer and a
hostess. She graduated in Musical Art from the Mouthview
Theatre Academy in London and has worked in Slovenia and
abroad. She is studying to be an opera singer in Moscow.
She speaks ten languages, and she has performed over fifty
shows as a singer. She loves the limelight, just as much as the
limelight loves her, and has proved to be a brilliant television
hostess. She cannot imagine her life without performing and
music. Her last project entitled Slovanska duša ('Slavic Soul')
is a reflection of herself as much as her tender, Slavic soul,
which shines through her rich velvety voice, and is essential
to her genuinely sincere album.
"Slavic Soul is a collection of lyrical Slavic songs – folk covers
and her pieces. The purpose of the album was to bring back
and remind people of the common roots of great nations
whose pristine music culture has been disappearing under
global trends. Although Slavic music is full of sincere beauty
and warmth, people do not know much about it. Currently
it is the only project of its kind. The cultural and intellectual
wealth of Europe is the result of its vast and long history,
which is of the greatest importance to us as a people,
because it helps us understand who we are and what we
wish the future to bring.” But the project, featuring a unique
selection of songs, all of which have been well received in
Europe and at home, has taken Manca considerable time
and effort.
Her life took a different path when she met Benjamin, a man
without whom she cannot and would not want to live. It is
as if he has become her navigator, her haven, her oasis of
peace on this journey called life. After Manca graduated
from the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana, she went to London to
study acting and musical art. She then became a well-known
singer in Slovenia, won the Čufar Award for Best Director, won
at the Chanson Festival, and met his future husband, who
is a professional violin player. Before she met him, Manca
did not know whether to work as actor, in musicals, hosting
or singing, but after Benjamin left for Moscow to study the
sinfo april 07
12
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
Sanja Grcić
The Guardian of the Slovenian Textile Industry’s Image
Andreja Comino, photo: Sanja Grcić Archive
Sanja Grcič was born in Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina
and has had a very special attitude towards aesthetics and
all things beautiful ever since she was a child. Before the
war broke out in Yugoslavia, she escaped to Slovenia where
she enrolled in the textiles course at the Faculty of Natural
Sciences and Engineering. She was already involved in
many projects during her studies. She designed puppets,
studied the form, historical and social context of clothing,
and textile structure in costume design. She was engaged
in interior design, visual design in advertising, worked as a
stylist and fashion designer, worked in the film industry, and
founded her own fashion label. While she has already been
awarded many times, her restless spirit and the incessant
drive to research push her to go even further.
In Slovenia, there are several enthusiastic people
who work in the field of textile design. One of them
is Sanja Grcić, who has been engaged in reviving
Slovenian fashion design and its recognition at
home and abroad. With a few of her colleagues,
she founded the Soto Association and organised
some very well-received projects abroad.
Soto – a scientific project researching Slovenian
textile tradition
Unstoppable eagerness and unlimited energy to discover
new things drive Sanja Grcić to search for new challenges.
One such challenge is the Soto Association. “It is an
association engaged with contemporary textiles and clothing
design. Its main purpose is research, production and the
promotion of contemporary international and Slovenian
fashion and textile design trends, as well as promoting and
encouraging clothing culture and textile art in Slovenia and
abroad”, said Sanja, adding that they have organised some
very well received projects. One of these was Kaj je ostrega?
– Any Sharp Objects?, which toured many countries around
the world.
“The name of the project is a metaphor and a question
that travellers around the globe are asked every day by
airport officials checking their hand luggage. It is a question
suggestive of terrorism, security, surveillance and other
things. The exhibition features hand luggage as a concept
presenting the solution,” said Sanja, who added with pride
that the exhibition, which was also presented in book form,
was seen by a lot of people around the world. The spatial
design studio Elastik, graphic designer Karlo Medjugorac,
musician Tomaž Grom, and thirteen well-known fashion
designers all participated in setting up the exhibition. It
featured suitcases, which appeared to be identical at first
glance, but differed in each having its own unique contents.
The exhibition toured around the world.
Family Ties
At the beginning of 2007, Sanja and her colleagues organised
an exhibition entitled Družinske vezi ('Family Ties') at the
International Centre of Graphic Arts MGLC at Tivoli Castle.
The exhibition looks at fashion and new fashion trends from
an entirely different perspective. “The purpose was to revive
the rich national clothing tradition. Almost one hundred of
the most notable Slovenian fashion and costume designers,
master shoemakers and accessory designers participated in
putting on the exhibition,” said Sonja. The exhibition made an
attempt to resolve the question of where is the line between
clothes in their real, material sense, and fashion in its
symbolic sense. It also tried to draw a line between wearing
clothes as a necessity and the next step, which is fashion.
The clothes were designed in a way that emphasised the
local characteristics and identity of Slovenia and its regions
and, displayed for Slovenian and foreign audiences.
Sanja Grcić is proud that as a result of her own work and
that of the Soto Association's, many doors around the world
have opened. She is also pleased that she and her young
colleagues have had the opportunity to present their ideas
to people around the world, and have received several
awards.
13
sinfo april 07
WHAT MAKES THE NEWS
When
Birds Mate
Samanta Košpenda, photo: Blaž Samec
According to the old Julian calendar, the name day of St
Gregory, who was known as the carrier of light, was on the
first day of spring when the weather is usually already quite
warm. The saint was in fact Pope Gregory the Great, who was
born around the year 540 CE in Rome, and was considered
to be an ideal pope and church teacher. He introduced the
reformed Gregorian calendar, which is still in use today and
is named after him. This reform of the calendar pushed St
Gregory's Day back, which is why we now celebrate it on 12
March, instead of the first calendar day of spring.
Like Valentine's Day, St Gregory's Day is also associated with
lovers. In Slovenia it is true that birds mate on this day because
their calls are louder than usual. It is said that blackbirds are
in the biggest rush to mate, and this has given rise to quite a
few sayings. In the Dolenjska region it is believed that if birch
trees have turned green by St Gregory's, then the blackbirds
will be ready to mate by St George's, on 23 April. However, in
Ljubljana and its surroundings it is believed that birds have
a feast on that day, because there are cakes hanging from
every bush. St Gregory's used to be considered the first day
of spring in Slovenia.
were followed from Cerklje to Šentvid and Domžale. But in
Voklo, only adults were allowed to burn gregorčki. They burnt
bundles of twigs, and if it was still icy, they put the bundles
covered in liquid sap on ice and left them there until they
burnt out. In Genterovci in Prekmurje, boys in their final years
of school, wearing hats decorated with colourful ribbons,
walk from house to house on St Gregory's. They sing songs
in honour of St Gregory, the patron of schools, which is why
this used to be the day when children were invited to school
for the very first time.
Several very interesting customs connected to St Gregory'
originate from work. It is on this day that the days start
getting longer, and in the past that meant that craftsmen
did not have to work by artificial light anymore. This used
to be celebrated by floating tiny lights down rivers and
streams. These lights came in specially defined shapes in
some places in the Gorenjska region. In some Slovenian
towns the custom of a group of people gathering alongside
river banks to watch lights being floated on the water has
survived to this day.
Since nature already reflects the arrival of spring by St
Gregory's, this is also a day when farmers start cultivation,
especially ploughing. There is a saying in the Dolenjska
region which advises that 'On St Gregory's the longest field
should be ploughed', while in the Karst, longer days require
bringing an afternoon tea because the time from lunch to
dinner is too long to go without food. This is reflected in
the saying 'With St Gregory's comes afternoon tea'. Since
with St Gregory the spring weather comes, some well-known
weather-related sayings also originate from celebrating St
Gregory's: 'If peach trees flower before St Gregory's, three
people will have to share one peach', and ‘On St Gregory's
day, foxes come out of their dens. If the weather is bad, they
do not go back in; but if it's nice, they go back to sleep for
fourteen more days.' St Gregory is also referred to in 'The
farmer ploughs the field all day long and wears his hat on
the side, and asks his old wife for a slice of bread', and 'After
St Gregory's, any wind makes the snow melt.'
In Tržič the shoemakers and other craftsmen used to 'throw
the light into water' by lighting a bonfire with brooms, which
they would then spin around in circles and throw the rest into
the water. Others made miniature paper boats, put a few short
candles in them, lit them and set them afloat them. When the
candles were close to burning out, the paper boats would
sink. On the other hand, some put wood shavings in round
straw baskets poured over liquid sap and floated them down
streams to let the water wash away all the uncomfortable
work done under bad light. Gregorčki - small houses and
churches with carved windows made from cardboard were glued to small floating boards. A similar custom was
also followed elsewhere in the Gorenjska region and its
surroundings. With slight changes in form, St Gregory's has
traditionally been celebrated in this area every year. School
children make gregorčki, which are then floated down the
river, and the best one wins a prize. In the past, these customs
sinfo april 07
14
INTERVIEW
Igor Akrapovič:
We are known
as the world's leading
exhaust -pipe manufacturer
Vesna Žarkovič, photo: Primož Lavre
15
sinfo april 07
interview
Delo's Person of the year 2006,
the Entrepreneur of the year
2004, manager of one of the most
successful firms in Slovenia, a man
who has greatly contributed to the
recognition of the Slovenian economy
– all of the above have been used to
describe the C.E.O. of the Akrapovič
exhaust-pipe manufacturing company,
Igor Akrapovič. With all the debates
on reform and the future of Slovenia,
Akrapovič is the kind of man that
embodies all that awaits Slovenian
people in the future: drive, hard work,
respect for work and senior employees,
the courage to take chances. In less
than a decade he became a supplier
and development partner of the
world's leading sport and competition
motorcycle companies. His company
produces exhaust systems for the
best racing bikes in the world.
completed higher education is burdened with a 60% tax.
This is after the government lowered the personal income
tax last year. Before that, it was 67%. What purpose does
it serve then, for me, an entrepreneur, to reward my coworkers better, if the country takes most of this money?
The more one works, the less one profits from it. We have a
progressive tax system, and the distribution of taxes is unfair.
It is the hardworking and the capable who are taxed, and
not the rich. And that is not right. I am in favour of changing
this sort of system. It is property and wealth that should be
taxed, not work.
Your exhaust pipes are regarded as the best in the world.
What makes them better?
They are good because of the extremely high quality of our
production processes and the materials used, as well as
numerous innovations and patents. Unfortunately, at first I
did not have the money to patent; I was more concerned
with the advancement and survival of the company. By
1994, many competitors, mostly in Germany, were using
my exhaust pipes. The Japanese, especially the Kawasaki
Company noticed this and since in internal testing our
products tested better than theirs, we started collaborating
with them. We started developing exhaust technology for
a Superbike-class production team. Since we achieved
excellent results, we were contacted in 1997 by teams from
Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki…It all went on from there. Our
sales growth climbed as high as 70% annually. Now we are
collaborating with the biggest motorcycle manufacturers in
the world, developing very diverse applications, ranging from
competition exhaust pipes to European approved ones. Last
year I hired 89 new people, and this year I also got many
new employees. We began to manufacture titanium exhaust
pipes for automobiles as well, which is an attempt to reach a
new foreign market. There has been a great deal of interest
and many new contacts. I am certain that the range of our
business will grow significantly. Anyway, the automobile
market is a great deal bigger than the motorcycle market.
Igor Akrapovič, who himself used to be the best bike racer
in Slovenia, founded the company in 1990. At first, exhaust
systems were custom-made exclusively for racing teams
who pre-ordered them. However, in the racing season of
1999 their exhaust systems were used by all the Japanese
racing teams at the Superbike World Championship. In 1997,
Titanium was introduced into the company's production.
Exhaust pipes made from this alloy introduced Titanium
exhaust systems to the wider market.
It is said that you are a man who represents everything that
awaits Slovenian enterprise in the future.
"In 1991 you went from being an enthusiastic biker and
motorcycle racer to working in your garage. Basically, you
started with nothing…"
(Laughter) Of what awaits us in the future, we know nothing. I
do believe, however, that what was meant by that statement
is my ability to develop a company, my fair relationship with
workers, and the fact that I am not only making a fortune
and a good life for myself, but for my employees as well. Of
course, it is possible to do more. This is why we are still at
the stage of investing in the company. In the last two years
we invested more than 10 million euros. So we are ploughing
all the profits back into new technologies. As you can see,
I am not spending on salaries alone, but am thinking about
the future, trying to ensure that it will be possible for these
people to work for me in the long term. And another thing:
the competition in our line of business is so fierce that one
must always go further, or the competition catches up. So
far, we are significantly ahead of other world manufacturers,
specifically in terms of quality and high demand. Our market
is constantly growing. This very month we received the
Best Exhaust-pipe Manufacturer Award from the German
Motorrad magazine - as many as 42% of the readers voted
for us. In addition, we have a firm brand name and a strong
corporate identity. This is why we are reckoned to be the
best manufacturer in the world.
...and I fought for years to establish myself in the world
market, which is a little bit harder for a company from a small
country, not widely known in the world. Meanwhile, at home
we were limited by bureaucracy and its restrictive regulations,
which were making the acquisition of various permits take
forever. Until we finally joined the European Union, there
were also complications with customs procedures. In spite
of all this, the company is growing rapidly. At this juncture
we are working with over fifty importers and selling over
30% of our products through motorcycle manufacturers. We
employ approximately 300 people, who we try to stimulate
and reward as well as possible. The search for new talent is
not finished yet. There is a constant need for new experts,
particularly mechanical engineers. In this search we also
advertise abroad.
Are you encountering any problems in the search?
I am. It is difficult to explain to foreigners how much pay is
taxed over here. They are having a hard time understanding
the steepness of our taxes. The pay for people who have
sinfo april 07
16
interview
even if their practical knowledge is lacking. I observe this
whenever an expert comes to me and I confront him with
practical issues. Usually it takes 2 to 3 years of practical
experience before the experts learn how to do things
correctly. Students of the Graz University of Technology
receive this sort of knowledge already in the course of their
studies. Graz University earns 6 million Euros annually from
industrial projects and so it is partly self-financing. Over here
it is usually the country which is supplying the university with
projects, and there do not seem to be any major results.
Slovenian professors conduct their projects through their
own private firms, as opposed to Austrian ones conducting
theirs exclusively through the university. It is important that
products of quality be developed at home, in Europe, and
are manufactured here as well, regardless of the higher cost
of the work-force. Solely the products with a great added
value will aid the survival of our economy.
Were you this goal-oriented in youth as well?
Absolutely. Ever since I was nine I wanted to race motorcycles,
but my family did not support me. So it was not until later that
I could make this great wish come true through competing.
Even after a few years my parents were still not enthusiastic
about what I was doing, but I kept on doing it.
What is the key to the high quality of your products?
To insist on quality, innovation and the support of the racing
teams which promote our products at competitions. I am
proud to say that our pipes are used by the foremost world
champions. We are the biggest manufacturer of titanium
exhaust pipes, which constitute 60% of our products. We
have no real competition in this field. From what competition
we have, there is no one making such quality and
technologically advanced exhausts. We are tapping into the
absolutely most prestigious of exhaust-pipe markets and we
cover approximately 70% of it.
Your advice to Slovenian entrepreneurs…
To have vision, not to give up too quickly. The first 5 to 7 years
are the key. This is when it becomes evident whether the
boat will sink or float. Slovenian entrepreneurs start raising
credit in order to buy luxuries too soon. This often buries
them. I must stress the importance of caution when it comes
to the first substantial income. One must not rush into things.
Furthermore, in order to run a successful business, hard
work is necessary, as is constant investment in the company
and honest working relations with the people – all of this can
lead to success; or not. Personally, I derive most satisfaction
from making something good and then selling it well. This is
not the simplest method of entrepreneurship, but it certainly
guarantees the most personal satisfaction.
How would you go about things if you were in the place of
the Minister of Finance?
I was a member of the Reform Committee. Of course, we
all know how our economy could be improved. On the one
hand, there are companies that do good work and on the
other, there is an oversized state administration and troops
of other consumers weighing down those who are creating
new value. Until this ratio is changed to the advantage of
the former, there is not much that can be done. Apart from
that, the taxation system needs changing. Also, support
needs to be extended to the companies creating new value,
ones that are developing and employing new people. They
should be granted tax relief. It is plain to see the conditions
that are in play, where the country is reallocating and
distributing non-refundable funds in the form of various
subsidies. I would like to see the analysis of the effects of
these distributed funds. I believe that they should remain in
the possession of those who earned them and help them
with subsequent development. Obviously those who are
running everything are powerful pressure groups that form
picket lines at appropriate junctions, organizing strikes that
receive extensive press coverage. This then has an effect on
the more important decisions for society. The first thing that
needs to be done in relation to this is to have order.
What is it about your work that you occupy yourself with
most?
Developing products and planning the development of
the company. The year before last we renovated the part
of the company where the composite-carbon products
are manufactured. The next investment, which has already
taken place, is a new development centre for motorcycles
and automobiles where it will be possible to measure fuel
emissions in order to get European approval for our exhaust
pipes. We are preparing the construction of a manufacturing
and distribution centre (app. 20,000m), which will make
it possible to market the exhaust pipes directly to the
automobile segment of the European Union. This means
that there will be no further need for the standard importers.
From then on in we will be going through dealers only. All of
this will require more complex logistical planning, but it does
raise added value, flexibility, and control over the market.
Marketing will require a great deal of attention, since we
are relatively unknown in the automobile industry segment.
I mainly prefer to occupy myself with the development of
exhausts. This interests me most. It was this very segment
that was the key to the success of the company.
How would you compare the situation to another
country's?
As far as taxes go, I think that working conditions elsewhere
would be better for me. In terms of the workforce, I believe
Slovenes to be very capable. Above all, they are well educated,
17
sinfo april 07
interview
In receiving your awards you gained most of the points
for increasing profit, return on turnover and return on
capital. You are less successful in increasing exports, but
considerably more successful in the share of exports to the
European Union and profit per capita of your employees.
How much do your annual sales add up to?
Last year it was 23 million euros; more than 5 million were
profits. We had 23% growth. This year is also turning out well.
In the first three months we had 30% growth. Actually, it is not
possible for us to fill all orders. We are constantly looking for
new people and are chronically pressed for space.
Will any of your children follow in your footsteps?
I do not know. I am not forcing my children into the business.
I experienced this sort of pressure myself, and I know that
it does not work out. Let my son and daughter choose their
own paths. I did. I educated myself. The official level of my
education is high school (specialised in technology). But I
educated myself further through working on motorcycles,
both at home and abroad. I read a lot, exhibited interest,
and had some innovative ideas. Every young person must
decide on their future through the lessons of their own
personal development. Of course, they need support and
stimulation from their family and surroundings.
Are you optimistic about Slovenian economic progress?
Actually I am. Of course, this does not mean I would not
change anything. Radical reforms must be introduced. For
example, it does not seem right to me, that we are importing
workers while people are waiting at employment agencies
unwilling to take certain kinds of work. These kinds of people
should not be supported by the state. Social welfare should
be for those who cannot work, and not those who will not
work. In addition, undeclared work is flourishing. This means
intense unfair competition in some branches, especially in
service industries. Poorly executed privatisation contributed
greatly to the bad state of Slovenian finances. In my opinion,
the managers at that time ought to have been offered the
acquisition of the controlling shares; of course, after an
appropriate assessment of value had been performed.
These shares should have been ensured through taking
mortgages out on their private property. They should not
have been allowed to bankrupt the companies and then buy
them back through their bypass firms well under their real
value. The limited possibility to offer flexible employment,
which is mostly the unions’ fault, causes further problems for
companies' development planning. I see the positive aspects
of the Slovenian economy in its geo-strategic position,
in the new governments' favourable disposition towards
reform, and most of all, in the hard-working, adaptable and
relatively well-educated people, who are more than capable
of functioning within the European family.
attain that goal. Anyone in Slovenia can be an entrepreneur.
The problem is that not everyone is prepared to put in 14
hours of work a day while taking professional and personal
chances. At one time, for instance, I had to mortgage all of
my property. The fact is that entrepreneurship brings a great
deal of risk with it. This does not mean I am a gambler. Some
things just do not go according to expectations. When 9-11
hit, we hardly sold anything for two months. So I ask myself
what would happen in some more tragic circumstance. What
would become of our business? Nothing is ever certain in
the world of entrepreneurship.
What does it feel like to be as rich as you, having control
over 70.9 million euros?
You know, in Slovenia this does not constitute a great
advantage. The socialist mentality still weighs down hard
on the people. The belief that people with money have it
easy and can do whatever they want is not accurate. My view
differs quite a bit from this. Most of all, there are no excuses.
If someone wants to become rich, they have the possibility to
sinfo april 07
18
BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS
PETRA SOVDAT,
Business Daily Finance
Telekom. Photo: Uroš Hočevar
Green light for the privatisation of
Telekom
In mid-March, the Ministry of the
Economy selected advisors to assist
the government in privatising one fourth
of Telekom Slovenije (the company's
10 per cent issue of shares is listed
on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange as
TLSG). A detailed study, which will be
conducted by CD Invest Consult and
the German Goldman Sachs&Co., will
set the government back €147,000.
Theirs was the second lowest offer
in terms of prices; the bidder that
had proposed a price €5,000 lower,
failed to provide adequate proof of
conducting two comparable projects
within the EU. Telekom's value will be
assessed by the lowest bidders, Dean
Mikolič's P&S Consulting and Austrian
Epic, who will charge €50,000 for their
services. Advisors on the sale will be
CA-IB Corporate Finance d.o.o. and its
Vienna-based main office, who proved
the most favourable bidders, charging
€170,000 plus 0.2 per cent commission.
In all, thirteen bids were submitted. The
sale is expected to be announced in
mid-2007. In the following third phase,
another 14 per cent of Telekom is due
for sale.
Announcement of advisors whets the
appetites of investors
The names of the potential advisors on
the sale of Telekom – which indicate
how seriously the government aims to
tackle the privatisation of the company
– sparked quite a lot of interest
among investors a day before they
were even announced. In all, 32,068
shares changed hands, their total
value amounting to €10.84m, while the
average price per share (with other
blue chips falling) rose by 3.4 per cent,
reaching €373.46.
The company's business results
presented at the end of last month
failed to motivate investors, since they
were (despite good business at the end
of last year) still far below the figures
expected with regard to the price of
shares. With an 8 per cent increase in
revenues and 5 per cent increase in
profit, Telekom is at the bottom end of
the LJSE list. Despite the fact that the
company acquired the concession to
become the second mobile operator in
Kosovo, investors have little reason for
optimism, as positive results can only
be expected in a few years.
Russians buy into steel company
At the beginning of March, the
government sold 55 per cent of the
Slovenian Steel Group (SIJ), which
is comprised of 14 subsidiaries. The
Group also trades in foreign markets,
exporting 70 per cent of its products.
The previously state-owned shares
were bought by the Russian Koks
Company for €105 million. Koks' main
activities include the mining of coal,
nickel, iron ore, and other raw materials
used by the SIJ.
Comparing the SIJ with the three
leading world steel companies, Arcelor
Mittal, ThyssenKrupp and Nucor, it
becomes obvious that the Russian
19
buyers acquired their share at a
relatively low price. According to the
latest revised data, the book value of
the SIJ is €219 per share, higher than
the sale price. With regard to the book
value, the lowest ranking company is
the world's leading steel manufacturer,
Arcelor Mittal; however, the comparable
market price of SIJ would in this case
amount to €194. The same comparison
with ThyssenKrupp and Nucor, would
yield share values for the SIJ of €213
and €250, respectively.
"In the steel industry, the prices of
takeovers are calculated per tonne
of steel produced, meaning that the
government has managed to secure
the highest possible price," said Tibor
Šimonka, Chairman of the SIJ, refuting
claims about the low takeover price.
He also stressed that more important
than the purchase price was the future
development of the company, in which
the new Russian owners would invest
€330 million in the following 5 years.
Šimonka also expects that Koks would
enable the Group to enter the Russian
Tibor Šimonka. Photo: Nebojša Tejić
market, which has a rapidly developing
automobile industry, and take part
in future joint takeovers. In his view,
the government is the guarantee of
a safe investment, since it will retain
a controlling stake and a 10-year preemptive right.
Laško Brewery to take over Delo
The largest Slovenian brewery Pivovarna
Laško (PILR) with its subsidiaries,
Radenska and Talis, announced in midMarch their intention to make a takeover
bid for the shares of Delo (DELR), the
largest Slovenian newspaper company,
sinfo april 07
BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS
Laško Brewery. Photo: Primož Lavre
where they already control 44.16 per
cent. The takeover bid will be made
public by mid-April, and the intended
offer will be approximately €135 per
share.
Laško Brewery opens a new business
front in Serbia
At the beginning of March, Laško Brewery
acquired the file documents required
for the purchase of the Belgrade Beer
Industry (BIP). According to unofficial
information provided by the Finance
business newspaper, thirteen other
potential buyers have done likewise.
Other contenders for the purchase
include the Serbian MB Brewery (owned
by the Rodić brothers, who linked
their company’s retail business with
Mercator (MELR), the largest Slovenian
retail company, of which Laško Brewery
is the biggest single owner), and the
Efes Brewery from Turkey. The Serbian
Privatisation Agency did not wish to
confirm these claims, but they said that
all parties interested in the purchase
had to submit offers by 30 March. The
offers will be opened within a fifteenday period, while the evaluation of the
offers and the choice of buyer could
take a while, they added.
The Laško Brewery owns two foreign
breweries, the Split-based Jadranska
Brewery in Croatia and the Peć Brewery
in Serbia. Its bids for the purchase of
several other breweries or beverage
companies in Serbia, including the Knjaz
Miloš Mineral Water Company, were
unsuccessful. Also, at the beginning of
2007, the Serbian government annulled
the purchase of 52 per cent of the
Jagodinska Brewery by the Infond
Holding Company (the largest owner
of the Laško Brewery) and Pan Beer
Company from Novi Sad, Serbia.
sinfo april 07
Istrabenz to purchase almost all
Droga Kolinska shares
Luka Koper with Hungarians for a joint
logistics centre
At the end of February, the Koper-based
Istrabenz Holding Company (ITBG)
made public its takeover bid for Droga
Kolinska (DRKR), the largest Slovenian
food company. Istrabenz already owns
66 per cent of the capital, but analysts
estimate it is most probably going to
amass more than 90 per cent of the
capital. In this case, Istrabenz will be
able (in accordance with Slovenian
legislation)
to
squeeze-out
the
remaining shareholders if they do not
respond to the offer. Even if Istrabenz
decides on a smaller share, provided
it owns 75 per cent of Droga Kolinska,
it has the right to withdraw the stocks
from the Ljubljana Stock Exchange.
But at Istrabenz, managed by Mr Igor
Bavčar, they say they do not plan to
follow any of the above scenarios.
The management of Droga Kolinska
with its President Robert Ferko believes
that Istrabenz would encourage
further development of the company,
and supports its business plans and
strategic objectives.
On 5 March, Robert Časar, President of
Luka Koper (trading as LKPG), signed
a letter of intent to build a container
terminal in the town of Curtici together
with the multinational corporation
Trade Trans Invest and the Hungarian
company MAV Kombi Terminal. The town
of Curtici lies on the transport corridor
5, which connects Europe to the Black
Sea. A terminal there could grow into
Orbico makes a successful takeover
bid for Emona Obala
The takeover season continues with
the conclusion of the takeover bid
placed by the Ljubljana-based Orbico
Company for the retail company Emona
Obala (EOKG), which lasted from 9
February to 9 March.
In mid-January 2007, Orbico purchased
a 50.39 per cent share of the Koperbased retailer at an auction where the
shares of Emona Obala, previously
owned by the Slovenian Indemnity
Fund, the Primorski skladi Managing
Company, Interfin Investments, and
Modra linija Holding Financial Company,
went on sale.
Orbico paid €7.50 per share, and
the total cost of the purchase was
approximately €6.6 million. Orbico now
owns 95.35 per cent of Emona Obala.
Successful management buyout of
Jata Emona
A bid for shares of the poultry company
Jata Emona, published by the Irgram
consulting company, which is owned
by 13 managers of Jata Emona and
headed by Stojan Hergouth, expired in
the middle of March.
The management, which controlled
over 55 per cent before announcing
the takeover bid, is reported to have
increased its share to over 90 per
cent.
20
20
Port of Koper. Photo: Primož Lavre
an important European logistics centre,
as it has a major railway hub and also
the main border crossing between
Hungary and Romania. Curtici is only
17 kilometres from the Romanian town
of Arad, the most important business
centre in North-Western Romania.
For Slovenia, Hungary constitutes a
bridge between Central and Eastern
Europe and has been one of the most
important of Luka’s markets, which had
a record of 1.1 tonnes of transhipment
for its partners there last year.
Krka's organic growth enough for first
place
The business results of only a handful
of listed companies were worse last
year in comparison with 2005, while
for the majority of companies last
year's consolidated, but unaudited
figures are significantly better than in
2005. The rankings are based on five
indicators: annual growth of operating
revenues, annual growth of operating
profit, annual growth of operating cash
flow after adjustments for net working
capital (cash-flow table), last year's
capital profitability, and last year's
EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortisation).
The first characteristic of this ranking is
that companies from traditionally less
profitable fields, but with an agenda to
BUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESSBUSINESS
grow quickly, were at the top; with the
purchase of Sava Trade, Merkur (MER)
made it to the third place, but did not
generate positive net cash flow. Also,
an important share of its operating
profit growth can be attributed to
clearing the bad name acquired in
the takeover deal. In second-place,
Droga Kolinska (DRKR) managed to
additionally rationalise both indices
after take-overs.
Moreover, there were significantly
better results for the new heads of
Mercator (Žiga Debeljak, who took over
in January 2006) and Petrol (PETG
– Marko Kryžanowski, who took over in
November 2005). However, the growth
of both companies was also influenced
by unique events. Considering the
higher gross margin on the sale of oil
products provided by the government
to Petrol at the end of last year, Petrol
received more incentives; however,
Mercator recorded a higher growth in
activities, also due to the takeover of
the Serbian retailer MB Rodić.
There were less pleasant surprises
for brewery Pivovarna Laško, whose
dominant position in the market
reflected well in margins, but not in
capital return, which was only 3.3 per
cent.
Despite rare losses, only a handful of
companies grew by more than 10 per
cent without buying up competitors, and
created more than 10 per cent return on
capital, which is surprising considering
the 22 per cent weighted average rate
of the current market profit. Average
non-weighted net return on the capital
of selected companies is 7.9 per cent,
while annual growth in revenues was
10.2 per cent - another reason to look
for investments in individual companies,
not markets.
Eurostat: introduction of the euro in
Slovenian did not spur inflation
The introduction of the euro in Slovenia
did not significantly influence inflation,
as calculations show that the impact
of the change could have reached a
maximum of 0.3 percentage points.
These findings were published by
the EU statistical office Eurostat in a
document entitled 'Euro Changeover
and Inflation in Slovenia '. January
inflation in Slovenia reached 2.8 per
cent, and in February it was 2.3 per
cent, while in December last year it was
3 per cent. The decrease in January
– as always during this month – was
mainly due to winter sales of clothing
and shoes.
Eurostat summarizes the findings of
the Statistical Office of the Republic
of Slovenia with regard to unusual
price rises in restaurants, bars and
coffee shops, which occurred between
December 2006 and January 2007, and
reports price increases elsewhere (in
personal services, footwear services,
repair of household appliances, repair
services, and transport services). The
impact of unusual price increases in
restaurants, bars and coffee shops
was estimated at up to 0.12 percentage
points, with an additional impact of
0.12 percentage points from other
expenditure groups. In January 2007,
some further unusual price increases
for the same purchases and additionally
for recreational and sports services
were highlighted. Based on preliminary
information, Eurostat considers that the
Krka. Photo: Leon Vidic
21
Photo: Nebojša Tejić
likely total impact of the changeover on
consumer price inflation will not exceed
0.3 percentage points.
Ministry of Finance optimistic due to
higher GDP growth than forecast
When the data on economic growth in
2006 was published in the middle of
March, the finance ministry, headed by
Andrej Bajuk, concluded that the macroeconomic
projections
considered
when preparing the amending budgets
for 2007 and 2008 were relatively
conservative. After a more favourable
GDP and the main categories of final
consumption, new estimates forecast
more favourable effects of macroeconomic currents on individual
categories of general government
expenditure and revenue.
The macro-economic projection in the
Autumn 2005 Report by the Institute
for Macro-economic Analysis and
Development (IMAD), which provided
the basis for the last year's budget
memorandum and the approved
budget for 2006 estimated four per
cent real growth in GDP. According to
the Statistical Office of the Republic
of Slovenia, the realisation was much
more favourable, as real growth in GDP
was 5.2 per cent, 1.2 percentage points
better than when adopting the budget.
Last year's growth in GDP and the
composition of its expenditure was more
favourable than the macro-economic
projections in the 2006 Spring Report
by IMAD, which provided the basis for
amending the budget proposal for 2007
and the proposal for the 2008 budget.
However, the spring assumptions were
higher than the autumn estimates –
real GDP growth was estimated at BDP
4.2 per cent, real export growth at 8.2
per cent, import growth at 7.6 per cent,
real investment growth at 6 per cent,
private consumption at 3.3 per cent,
and government consumption at 2.8
per cent.
sinfo april 07
COVERSTORY
Puppets in Slovenia
in Times Past and Present
Anja Kumer, photo: Mini teater Company Archive
“Puppets convey their
message in a universal
way; the vantage point of
a puppet is its capacity for
non-verbal expression.”
sinfo april 07
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COVERSTORY
The earliest known puppet type in Slovenia, called ‘lileki’,
can still be seen at some traditional village fetes or wedding
receptions. The puppeteer, hiding under a bench, operates
two simple puppets – a hat and a coat hanging on a wooden
cruciform frame. The puppets, usually representing a couple
of neighbours or villagers, bicker over a land boundary issue,
and they are calmed down by an actor in the role of a judge.
Professor Niko Kuret, a leading Slovenian expert on popular
theatre, was the first to shed some light on the lileki puppets.
He states that this Slovenian form of folk puppet art is unique
and, so far, no equivalent has been found anywhere among
European puppet theatre traditions. A special feature of the
lileki puppet shows is the participation of a live actor on
stage. And so begins the story of Slovenian puppet theatre.
known from puppet stages, delighted the listeners of
Ljubljana Radio. Pavliha took his last bow in 1960. The years
1945–1960 saw fundamental changes for the puppet theatre,
and are viewed as the golden era of Slovenian puppetry, as
the Yugoslav authorities opened eighteen new professional
puppet theatres across the federal state and, after that,
regularly provided them with the necessary funds.
In 1948, Slovenia’s first professional puppet theatre was
founded. It is now known as Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, which
developed rapidly under the leadership of Jože Pengov.
Pengov is considered the greatest Slovenian puppeteer of
all time, and he brought Slovenian puppet art to a European
level. In the late 1950’s, as he was still managing the theatre,
Slovenian puppeteers became involved in the international
puppet theatre scene. This period also saw an increase in the
number of amateur groups. New puppet operation techniques
were introduced, such as the aforementioned hand puppets,
rod puppets, etc. More importantly, the modernised puppet
theatre became interesting to Slovenian authors, who began
writing plays for puppets. The theatre in Ljubljana was first
recognised internationally in 1958, when it participated at a
puppet theatre festival in Bucharest. This was followed by
numerous accolades from appearances around the world.
The heyday of the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre was in the last
years of Jože Pengov’s leadership, from 1964 to 1968.
The Beginnings of a Puppetry Tradition
The true father of Slovenian puppet theatre was Milan
Klemenčič. In 1910, inspired by foreign puppetry, he staged
his first show at his home at Šturje near Nova Gorica, using
marionettes 10-12cm which he had made himself. The first
peak of Klemenčič’s career was in the years 1920-24, when he
led the Slovenian Marionette Theatre in Ljubljana, which he
had founded. Klemenčič’s main character, Gašperček ('Little
Casper') retained a central role throughout the era of Sokol
theatres run by the cultural section of the Sokol Gymnastic
Societies. In the late 1930’s, as many as forty-seven different
puppet stages featured shows with Gašperček, whose name
was later changed to Jurček ('Little George') to make it
sound more Slovenian, while the marionette hero’s character
remained intact. The great number of Sokol theatres was one
of the main contributing factors in the creation of Partisan
Puppet Theatre, active between 1944 and 1947.
Puppet Theatre Today
Today, there are two government sponsored puppet theatres
in Slovenia: the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre (with a staff of 40)
and the Maribor Puppet Theatre (with a staff of 15), as well
as at least a dozen smaller professional theatres. The Jože
Pengov Theatre (formerly Dravlje Theatre) is one of the most
important theatres of its kind, as it sparked many changes
in the art and proved to be a starting point for many notable
artists. The recently closed Papilu Theatre holds the record
for the most appearances outside Slovenia, which is why it
Before the Second World War, in 1938, Niko Kuret introduced
a new character, a hand puppet named Pavliha. Until the
onset of the war, a radio programme entitled Pavlihova
druščina ('Pavliha and Friends'), featuring the characters
23
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COVERSTORY
The Most Notable Shows
Edi Majaron has founded several puppet theatre troupes
(Jože Pengov Theatre, Freyer Theatre, etc.) and has directed
more than eighty shows at professional puppet theatres
across Europe, many of which have won awards at festivals
around the world. He also currently teaches puppetry at the
Faculties of Education of the Ljubljana and Koper Universities.
We talked about the most notable puppet shows: “Among
the shows produced by the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, the
show entitled Sinja ptica ('The Blue Bird'), directed by Jože
Pengov in 1964, has a special place. Unfortunately, the
props and puppets were later destroyed by fire and were
never restored. Also noteworthy was Kozlovska sodba v
Višnji gori ('The Goat’s Lawsuit at Višnja gora'), which the
theatre company performed all around the world, including
China. Among the productions of the Jože Pengov Theatre,
I would like to mention Mlada Breda, which for the first time
combined the actors of the Slovene National Theatre Drama
Ljubljana and puppeteers.
The professional history of the Maribor Puppet Theatre is
half as long as its Ljubljana counterpart. Also, the current
stage does not allow for a wide creative scope, but their
repertoire includes several classics, such as Cinderella,
Snow White, and Zvezdica Zaspanka ('Twinkle Sleepyhead'). The most notable show of the Konj Theatre is Don
Giovanni, a reworking of Mozart’s famous opera. The show
entitled Čudovite dogodivščine vajenca Hlapiča (The Great
Adventures of Hireling the Apprentice) produced by Mini
teater has been performed at numerous festivals around
the world. Another breakthrough show was their production
of Thumbelina, a virtual presentation featuring computer
generated images.”
was better known abroad than home. The same goes for the
Freyer Theatre. The Konj Theatre does not stage any shows for
children, while the Zapik Theatre only caters for the youngest
audiences. The latter company combines tradition with the
intimacy of improvised puppets, and it exceeds the classical
boundaries of theatre by using puppets for therapeutic
purposes. “The puppet is not yet an officially recognised
therapeutic tool, but our company, the Zapik Theatre, uses
the approach of preventive therapy. Our interactive shows,
where the audience is an active partner, help boost the
creativity within the family, thereby strengthening the bond
between parents and their children,” says dramaturg Jelena
Sitar. Other Slovenian puppet theatres include Zoom, Tri,
Easy Pictures, Fru-fru, Ultra, the independent puppeteer
Cveto Sever, and many others. Mini teater could be seen
as an alternative puppet theatre for the 21st century. A small
venue situated in Ljubljana Castle enables the company to
maintain a permanent repertoire. In 2006 alone, Mini teater
gave 456 performances (the figure includes performances
at other venues in Slovenia and abroad).
sinfo april 07
In terms of the number of performances, the absolute record
holder is Žogica Marogica ('Spotty the Ball'), directed by Jože
Pengov, which remains hugely popular after more than 1100
performances. Sapramiška ('The Darn Mouse') is another
firm favourite of puppet theatres. Also important is the
reworking of Klemenčič’s classic staging of Doctor Faustus
with miniature puppets, a real treat for puppeteers.
Festivals and Awards
The Slovenian puppet theatre scene is complemented by
numerous festivals. One of the most important events is
24
COVERSTORY
the International Puppet Festival Lutke, organised by the
Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, which awards the Little Prince
Award. Other important festivals include the national biennial
of puppet artists held at the Koper Theatre and formerly
known as Klemenčičevi dnevi (Klemenčič’s Days) and the
‘travelling’ Lutkovni pristan (The Puppet Quay) Festival,
organised by the Maribor Puppet Theatre. It focuses on
children’s shows and a jury composed of children decides
on the winner of the Maček v žaklju (The Pig in a Poke)
Award. Also worth mentioning are the Guncl fest at Novo
mesto and the Koruzno zrno (The Grain of Maize) Festival at
Slovenska Bistrica.
At the Linhartovo srečanje (Linhart Meeting) of amateur
theatres, which is held at a different location each year, the
best amateur puppet theatre troupes meet and perform.
Each summer, Ljubljana Castle hosts an international festival
called Mini poletje (Mini Summer), organised by the Mini
teater Company. “We wanted to make the art of puppetry as
accessible as possible to children and to other audiences
of all ages, and offer performances very similar to street
theatre. Our aim was also to enliven the sleepy historic town
centre, particularly Ljubljana Castle. These ideas were the
basis for the first Mini poletje Festival in 1999.”
The Thumbelina show combines computer animation with a live
puppet theatre performance, which takes place in a virtual computer environment. The heroes of the fairytale come to life with the
aid of an animator. With the help of audience participation, Thumbelina resolves the tricky situations she faces throughout the play.
The Future of Puppetry
All festival performances were free, but children also had
other benefits. In the seven years of its existence, the
festival has gained a good international reputation and has
won critical acclaim. Numerous languages, various puppet
operation techniques and different approaches to the art of
puppet theatre have made our festival one of the events
contributing to the quality and diversity of the cultural image
and tourist appeal of Ljubljana and Slovenia. Due to our good
location, it is perhaps not surprising that many foreign tourists
visit our theatre during the festival, as well as throughout the
year,” says Robert Waltl, actor, director, puppeteer, artistic
director, and theatre director of Mini teater.
Barbara Bulatović, who graduated from the Ecole Supérieure
Nationale des Arts de la Marionette puppetry school in
Charleville-Mézieres, France, cooperates frequently with the
Ljubljana Puppet Theatre, working as a puppeteer, director,
designer, set designer and playwright. She is a founding
member of the Society of Puppet Artists, which aims to create,
in spite of limited funds, good quality shows for children and
artists. In 1998, at the International Lutke Festival, her show
Mundus et Infans (The Child and the World) won the Little
Prince Award for Best Show. She says that she likes to take
her shows to the Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival, as
street theatre is the real cradle of puppetry.
Puppet shows also participate at other theatre festivals, such
as Ljubljana’s Trnfest and Emona Promenade, at Slovenia’s
most eminent theatre festival Borštnikovo srečanje (Borštnik
Meeting), at the Ana Desetnica Street Theatre Festival in
Ljubljana, the Zmaj ima mlade Festival in Postojna, Kamfest
in Kamnik, Kislfest in Kranj, etc. The International Children’s
Festival in Šibenik, Croatia, is one of the most important
festivals in this part of the world, with regular appearances
by Slovenian puppet theatre companies.
But she is not too optimistic about present-day puppetry,
saying that there are virtually no shows for adults, nor is
there any public interest in such performances. “Prospective
puppeteers used to be intrigued by the amateur approach
to exploring puppet animation and puppet-making, by
taking part in meetings at municipal, regional, national and
international levels. Some of us took it a bit further, exploring
the wide spectrum of this art form; we have been taking
part in various workshops, expert courses, and enrolled in
international schools… We have become professionals, some
free-lance, others employed by the Puppet Theatre. But there
seems to be no interest among the younger generation, so
all of us who could pass on our knowledge and experience
to our successors have been left somewhat empty-handed…
With the waning interest in amateur puppetry, I think we have
missed a whole generation or two of young puppeteers and
puppet-makers.”
In the second half of the 20th century, Slovenian puppet
theatre developed rapidly and could easily be compared
with established European puppet theatres. Today, some
think it is becoming too commercialised. Only time will
tell what the consequences of the current situation will
be among puppet artists, where a great amount of artistic
freedom is undermined by the artists’ insecurity about their
financial status.
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COVERSTORYVIEWPOINT
a puppet theatre piece has a prominent story line, I try to present it
by combining traditional puppetry techniques; conversely, I usually
approach texts with a poetic or prosaic character not as one would
do with dramatic texts, but instead by using puppet techniques to
imply this special emotiveness.
Often the function of a puppet theatre director is also educational.
I wish to perceive education in its original, humanistic sense, where
education does not relate exclusively to childhood, adolescence
or schooling. A true humanist is educated throughout life. Puppet
theatre direction draws its stock of motifs from narrative experience,
oral tradition and artistic heritage. At the same time, it follows the
postulates of the fine arts. An interesting point is that puppet theatre
exists in cultures where figurative representation is unwelcome for
religious reasons.
I see my ‘ars poetica' of puppetry as an art form and my approach
to it as open and experimental. This is not a question of boastful
self-definition. As long as I enjoy discovering the possibilities
of the puppet medium, I will pursue it. I am proud to say that my
productions have been performed at festivals all around the world,
and that I directed what was probably the first-ever virtual puppet
show, which we took to numerous international festivals and which
was met everywhere with a fantastic reception: from Iran, Cuba
and Venezuela, Poland and Turkey, to Austria, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia,
Serbia and Pakistan.
Photo: Personal Archive
Robert Waltl,
Mini teater Company
Perhaps it is already a bit of a cliché to quote Heinrich von Kleist’s
definition of puppet theatre as the most sublime theatrical genre. In
western terms, one could compare puppetry, with its simple form
yet powerful message, to eastern art forms. Its essential feature is a
moment of wisdom, simplicity and experience. Without getting into
interpreting the monumental nature of individual puppet shows, one
could say that puppetry conveys the essential nature of theatre:
primarily as a medium which creates (in a sense, constructs) the
imaginary. Due to its metaphorical approach and structural use of
symbols, puppetry is an authentic art form which, contrary to what
is often said, is not merely a symbiosis of fine arts, movement and
sound. With its non-mimetic nature, the puppet introduces us to
magical regions where human beings build parallel worlds different
from those in which they live. The dramaturgy of puppet theatre is
very much akin to music. Therefore, the principles of directing a
puppet show are essentially modern, and one should not overlook
the fact that the avant-garde theatre of the early 20th century, as well
as post-avant-garde currents from the 1960’s, relied on experiences
in puppetry, through its unchanging manifestations, and the
tendency to see material in a sensual, concrete way. Also, the acting
of puppets is inherently anti-psychological. In its deepest sense,
animation serves as a vehicle of the rudimentary choreographic
structure. To animate a puppet is to convey a movement which has
already been created.
The director of a puppet show differs slightly from the traditional
theatre director. As for myself, I start working on the basic material,
the text, and then build from there in concentric circles by adding
set decoration, music and choreography.
The choice of text often determines the choice of style, puppet
technology, choice of materials, and approach to stage lighting. If
sinfo april 07
This is originally a project I created with my friends, Darij Kreuh and
Tadej Fius. Ivica Buljan dramatised Andersen’s Thumbelina, which
was transferred into the digital domain. As the actor, I am linked
via computer with cameras in the programme and directly operate
the characters by using a joystick, keyboard and a tracker. I do the
voices and animate simultaneously, which enables me to offer the
audience views of different characters, just like in a film. This is an
interactive show, which means that children are able to suggest the
moves of the animated heroes.
A puppet is a magical object. I remember when Mini Teater, our
theatre, was working on the world premiere of Bernard-Marie Koltès’s
The Day of Murders in the Story of Hamlet, and we found the remains
of an old puppet with a skull in my collection of antique puppets.
All that remained were the strings which had once been tied to the
puppet’s limbs, and a skeleton head verging on the ridiculous. The
body consisted of two cruciform wooden sticks. Koltès’s Hamlet is
an intimate, intensely compact poetic reverie, imbued with psychosexual nuances. The rehearsals went as planned, perhaps too much
so, as they lacked the necessary motivation, up to the point when
we introduced the said puppet, or more appropriately, what was
left of it. The puppet represented the spirit of the father, and was
animated by Jose, a Slovenian actor and rapper. The first time he
took the puppet into his hands, he gave the spirit of the father an
overwhelming air of persuasiveness. Later, Jose continued working
with puppets, and he now works regularly at Mini Teater. I will never
forget this first contact and the experience, which overwhelmed me,
even though I had a lot of previous experience with puppets.
In my latest productions, I like to focus increasingly on the synthesis
of working with an actor and a puppet. If I tried to analyse why, I would
probably find that I was influenced by post-modern dramaturgy, film,
television and music videos. The puppet has become a common
feature of this new reality of the media. I prefer hybrid forms. I
love it when an actor as a dramatic persona meets a puppet as a
dramatic persona, when multiplications of characters and persons
are performed, when the puppet takes on the role of both. The
animator no longer has the traditional role, remaining hidden behind
the puppet, but becomes an actor and a character who interacts
with it as an equal partner.
It may sound narcissistic, but the child for whom and with whom
I produce my shows, is myself. When I direct puppets, it is as if I
succeed, like Albert Camus, in talking to myself; to that ‘Me’ who
remains somewhere close to myself.
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26
S
O
Jože Osterman,
Miša Čermak,
Polona Prešeren
A Fierce Battle for the
Candidacy for the European
Capital of Culture in 2012
It is surprising how many Slovenian
towns have realised that there are
promotional
and
development
opportunities if their town is selected
as the European Capital of Culture,
which will be hosted by Slovenia in
2012. Apart from the capital city of
Ljubljana, the towns of Maribor, Celje,
Ptuj and Koper have also submitted
applications in response to a call
issued by the Ministry of Culture. The
closing date was the end of February.
Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje and Ptuj are
traditionally rich in cultural institutions
and cultural heritage, while a candidacy
application by Koper came as a
surprise to many, as the town has fewer
cultural institutions and is culturally less
developed than the other four towns.
However, the fast paced development
that it has undergone in the past few
years and the fact that it finally has its
own university have enabled it to make
progress in the field of culture. The
selection committee, which comprises
Slovenian and three impartial foreign
members, who will contribute to the
greater credibility of the successful
applicant, will have a difficult decision
to make, since the presentations of
all the towns have reflected a high
level of expertise, self-confidence and
innovation.
Magris in Ljubljana
The famous Italian writer Claudio
Magris is a scholar of German literature
and an essayist living in Trieste. In
a well-attended event in Cankarjev
dom the writer gave a presentation of
the Slovenian translation of his novel
Danube, which he sees as a symbol of
all the threats, but also the opportunities
in life. As he says, “The Danube is a
symbol of the present day Babel. It
is a river which can be identified with
several truths and myths – political,
religious and linguistic – in the regions
through which it flows, thereby bringing
down borders on one hand, while also
symbolising the problems that occur
on its way.” Although Danube, which is
part travelogue and part philosophical
treatise, was published in 1986, the novel
is gaining relevance due to current
developments in this part of Europe.
C
I
E
Slovenian Actors Perform
Pasolini’s Pigpen in Trieste
With
the
performance
of
the
controversial political drama directed
by the renowned Croatian director Ivica
Buljan Pigpen, the Slovenian Permanent
Theatre in Trieste gave a landmark
theatre performance. It is an extremely
demanding work, which deals with the
difficulty of existential and ideological
issues in the present day world in a
grotesque way, and has remained
relevant to this day. The performance
attracted attention from theatre experts
from both sides of the border, and will
certainly be staged in Ljubljana as a
guest performance.
T
Y
that audiences liked the new venue,
which enabled a better spectacle
than the old, limited stage of the
Opera House, which is currently under
reconstruction.
Dostoevsky’s central psychological
novel Crime and Punishment has also
been turned into a dance-theatre
performance at Mestno gledališče
ljubljansko (‘Ljubljana City Theatre’).
The author of the performance is the
renowned Slovenian choreographer
Uršula Tržan, who saw as the main
challenge the sensitive relationship
between theatre and dance elements,
which were intertwined so as to preserve
the clear and obvious content.
Two Classics Turned into a
Dance-Ballet Performance
The Anniversary of Kremna
rezina (‘Cream and custard pastry’)
The Slovenian National Theatre Opera
and Ballet put on a performance of
Don Quixote on its temporary stage
at the central Slovenian exhibition
centre Gospodarsko razstavišče in
Ljubljana. This time the classical opera
Don Quixote, which was performed a
month earlier, was turned into a ballet
performance. The choreography was
by the Croatian artist Dinko Bogdanić,
who wanted to give a different portrayal
of the grotesque hidalgo of La Mancha.
Bogdanić wished to stress the
dignifying nature of the conviction that
every human being is looking for a role
model as well as for an ideal and fatal
love. The nature of this search is that it
is not so much grotesque as it is noble,
trustworthy and human-like, and ought
to be respected. The performance was
well received; moreover, it was clear
Cream and custard pastry, which
originates from Vienna, is a dessert
made from custard, topped by sweet
whipped cream and covered in a
crunchy, slightly baked crust of flaky
pastry. In Bled, the iconic Slovenian
tourist resort, they have mastered the
making of this dessert to the extent
that it has also become famous in Italy
and Austria. So it is not at all surprising
that the making of the nine millionth
cream and custard piece of pastry was
recently celebrated in Bled. If these
nine million slices of cream and custard
pastry were placed on the ground
side by side, they would take up more
space than the area of Lake Bled. Over
a thousand slices of the pastry were
eaten at the event, and the lucky winner
received the number of slices equal to
her weight in kilos. The organisers of
Photo: Katarina Krmelj
27
sinfo april 07
S
O
the event were lucky in that the winner
was a nice tiny lady from Bled, whose
weight did not match the stereotype of
a pastry fan. Even though she was only
able to eat one slice, she gave the rest
to her grandchildren and their friends.
Last Supper: A Multimedia Event
The young fashion designer and
recipient of many awards abroad,
Mateja Benedetti, who works in Italy
and the Netherlands on a regular
basis, gave a fresh presentation of her
trademark Benedetti Pure Couture in
Ljubljana at Stara elektrarna (‘The Old
Power Station’), which has been the
venue for many of the extravagant fine
art, theatre and multimedia events of the
young generation of Slovenian artists.
Her fashion show featured a unique
blend of photography, illustration
C
I
E
Night of a Thousand Dinners –
Twenty-Two Thousand Euros for
Landmine Clearance in Croatia
The American Chamber of Commerce
hosted the sixth ‘Night of a Thousand
Dinners’
humanitarian
event
in
Slovenia. It was held in the Union Hall in
Ljubljana. The hosts of the event were
His Excellency the Ambassador of
the USA, Mr Thomas B. Robertson, His
Excellency the Ambassador of Canada,
Mr Robert Hage, and Mr Robert
Gačnik, the Director of the International
Trust Fund for Demining and Mine
Victims Assistance (ITF). More than
280 distinguished guests attended
the event. Guests included members
of the diplomatic corps in Slovenia
and notable people from the world
of culture, politics and business. The
organisers have collected over 22,000
euros from voluntary contributions.
The final amount of money intended
for humanitarian purposes will be over
44,000 euros, as the United States said
it would double the sum collected.
This year’s donation will finance the
landmine clearance project in the
Sisak-Moslovac County in Croatia,
where the donation will help eliminate
the danger of landmines from around
houses, railway station and roads, thus
enabling the safe use of agricultural
land and the unimpeded movement of
persons within settlements.
The ‘Night of a Thousand Dinners’ is the
only event of its kind in Slovenia. During
the event, the ITF gave a presentation
entitled ‘A Landmine Cleared is a Life
Photo: ITF Archive
Mateja Benedetti. Photo: Primož Lavre
and animation. Twelve of her unique
designs, the so-called Superheroes,
were shown in a setting inspired by
Leonardo’s Last Supper. The event
opened with the men’s clothing line in a
cold and rational presentation, the exact
opposite of the woman’s line, which was
emotional and warm. The fusion of the
two was pure balance and perfection.
Hence, Benedetti succeeded in
bringing a fashion show to a new level
i.e. a multimedia event, which was well
received by the audience.
sinfo april 07
28
T
Y
Saved’, which informed the guests
of ITF’s work on demining. The event
has a registered trademark – Night
of a Thousand Dinners ® – and since
2001, it has been held each year in
more than fifty countries. It is part of
the Adopt-A-Minefield ® campaign.
It should be noted that there remain
83 mine-infested countries around
the world, six of which are located in
Southeast Europe, where the presence
of landmines presents a direct threat to
the lives of more than three and a half
million people.
The core activities of the ITF since
its foundation in 2001 have been
landmine clearance projects and
providing assistance to mine victims
– prerequisites for the establishment
of adequately stable conditions in the
countries where landmine pollution
has delayed the return of displaced
inhabitants and refugees, and hindered
the development of the country. The ITF’s
mission is to help landmine-infested
countries in any way possible to reach
the final shared goal: a landmine-free
Southeast Europe. In the period 19982006, the ITF raised USD 215,334,896.34
in donations. With the financial support
of the donors, the ITF has cleared over
72.8 million square metres in Southeast
Europe: in Albania, Croatia, Bosnia
and Herzegovina, Montenegro, FYR
Macedonia and Serbia, and 2.1 million
square metres of minefields in the
Caucasus, in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The ITF is also beginning work in
Jordan, Colombia and Lebanon.
S
O
Memory of the House of
Kindness in Alexandria Revived
Janez Lenassi, a Slovenian sculptor of
international renown, who specialises in
stone sculpture, has recently completed
a relief commemorating the emigration
of Slovenian women who are known as
aleksandrinke in Slovene (‘women of
Alexandria’). In the coming weeks, the
relief will be placed on the façade of the
School Sisters of St Francis Asylum in
the Moharren Bey quarter of Alexandria
in Egypt. At the unveiling ceremony, the
School Sisters will also receive a State
Award of the Republic of Slovenia, a
symbolic gesture of gratitude for the
Sisters’ humanitarian work with the
aleksandrinke.
This moving story began in the middle
of the 19th century. In the construction
of the Suez Canal, stone from the
village of Nabrežina (Aurisina) near
Trieste was used and the workforce
included Slovenian stone-cutters from
the village and its surroundings. The
men were followed by women and girls
from the wider Gorica (Gorizia) region
(the westernmost part of Slovenia).
The women went to Egypt, mainly
to Alexandria and Cairo, to work for
wealthy expatriate European families.
They were employed primarily as wet
nurses, because this was the highest
paid job available to women. Their life
stories were poignant, as they had to
abandon their own children and families
to earn money which would save them
C
I
E
and their family farms from ruin. The
mothers left their children in the care of
grandparents or other members of the
larger family for many long years. This
profession demanded a great deal of
sacrifice, it caused suffering, destroyed
families and left a profound mark on
the mothers, children and fathers of
many homes in the Gorica region. And
yet, their work was held in high regard.
They were the epitome of kindness,
honesty and diligence, and were hired
by the upper classes of 19th century
Egyptian society.
The
relief
commemorating
the
aleksandrinke was financed by the
Municipality of Nova Gorica. The project
also involved the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, the
Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in
Cairo, the Office of the Government of
the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenes
Abroad, the Gorica Regional Museum,
and the Society for the Preservation
of Cultural Heritage in the village of
Prvačina. The initiator and co-organiser
of the project was Ivan Martelanc of
Ljubljana.
Slovenian Impressionists on Display
at the Severia Gallery in Koper
It has been two years since the Severia
Gallery in Koper opened its doors
to artists and their admirers. During
this time it has managed to gain a
reputation as a distinguished gallery
T
Y
Since the owners of the paintings by
Slovenian Impressionists preferred that the
exhibited paintings not be photographed,
the Severia Gallery published a catalogue.
Photo: Miša Čermak
which is very important in the gallery
business. The last exhibition, which
opened in February in honour of the
Slovenian Day of Culture, was unique
and extraordinary, as it featured
the Slovenian impressionists Rihard
Jakopič, Matija Jama, Matej Sternen
and Ivan Grohar. The work of these four
representatives of the Association of
Free Artists Sava was shown at a joint
exhibition in 1904 at the Miethke Salon
in Vienna and achieved great success.
The exhibition featuring the works by
these great artists, who have been
extensively written about at home and
abroad, took a whole year to organise,
as the exhibited works mostly came
from private collections. Therefore, the
gallery had to justify the trust bestowed
on them by the owners of the paintings,
who agreed to lend the paintings for a
little less than a month. They did this
by going along with the owners’ wish
to remain anonymous. “We are very
grateful that the owners let us display
the paintings, which are valuable not
only because of their financial value and
because they are a part of Slovenian
cultural heritage, but also because
they are unique in the sense that they
cannot be reproduced, as all the four
painters are dead. The procurement of
so many paintings is not an easy task,
because some of them are priceless,”
says Janko Severia.
Such an exclusive collection of
paintings (fifteen were shown for the
first time) by the four Slovenian masters
of the nineteenth century would make
any internationally renowned gallery
proud. Judging from the number of
visitors who had the opportunity to see
the collection by the end of February at
the Severia Gallery in Koper, Slovenes
were aware of the cultural importance
of this exhibition. It was definitely worth
seeing works by such unique and
superb artists.
Photo: Ivan Martelanc
29
sinfo april 07
Jože Prešeren, photo: Katarina Krmelj
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
The King of Vegetable Oils
sinfo april 07
30
hardly be compared to the big manufacturers of oil such as
Greece, Spain, and Italy. This is even more reason for this
acknowledgment of Slovenian oil being of great importance
to Slovenian oil producers.
Slovenian Istria is the small area of land between
Croatia, Italy and the outskirts of the Slovenian
Karst. Renowned for its enchanting natural heritage,
it attracts an ever-growing number of visitors and
nature-lovers to its mystical and tranquil landscape.
Wine enthusiasts also explore this part of Slovenia.
The white wines produced in the region of Slovenian
Istria are: Prosecco, Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Pinot
Griggio, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The representative wine of this region is Refosco,
with its full body and distinctive acidity.
Strict standards, superior quality
From 7 March onwards, forty-four manufacturers of olive
oil, having decided to compy with the strict criteria set by
the European Commission, will be labelling their bottles
with the European PDO (protected designation of origin)
label. The processing methods must meet strict criteria as
well, thus ensuring superior quality and distinctive features.
Oil produced from one particular variety must contain at
least 80% of the declared variety. The varieties allowed
are: Istrska belica (Bianca Istriana), Leccino, Buga, Črnica,
Maurino, Frantoio, and Pendolino. Oil produced from Istrska
Belica (Bianca Istriana) contains particularly high levels of
biophenol, which serves as a preserving agent, keeping the
oil fresh and helping it retain consistency for a prolonged
period.
In March we were delighted by the European Commission’s
decision to add Ekstra deviško oljčno olje Slovenske
Istre (Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Slovenian Istria) to the
Register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected
Geographical Indications. This is the first Slovenian product
with a protected designation of origin. Currently, 17 more
applications are awaiting entry approval in Brussels.
As of this year all producers must be entered into the
register. All processing must take place in registered
mills; furthermore, each container must be marked with
a designation of geographical origin and a specific serial
number. The bottling of protected oil is allowed in registered
bottling plants of Slovenian Istria only. In order to ensure
premium quality, several factors must be taken into
consideration. In picking olives the producers must follow
strict regulations. The picking must always take place at
appropriate times. The olives can be stored for a maximum
period of 48 hours. They must be processed within 36 hours
of picking, and cold extraction should only be performed at
a temperature below 27 degrees Celsius.
Virgin Olive Oil is extremely healthy and safe for the human
organism. This is why it is used by world’s most acknowledged
chefs and recommended by nutritionists and dieticians.
Some have anointed it the “king of oils”. It is indispensable
when preparing various (Mediterranean) dishes, such as
tasty seafood or salads. It can complement virtually any type
of food, including desserts. Many sinfully tasty dishes which
seduce one with their rich flavour, feature this ingredient, his
majesty Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
All good chefs and home cooks know that one can hardly
use too much olive oil when cooking a good meal – this
fact is known in Mediterranean countries and elsewhere.
Nevertheless, the countries of the Mediterranean are better
acquainted with the benefits of olive oil; indeed, there is
even an ancient saying telling of olive oil’s ability to drive
all ailments and worries away. The benefits of olive oil to
cosmetics and medicines have long been recognised.
Slovenian Istrians rejuvenate approximately 50 hectares
of olive plantations annually. It is worth mentioning that
there are currently around 1200 to 1400 hectares of olive
plantations in Slovenian Istria. In the last decade their size
has doubled. The olive growers produce approximately 500
to 700 kilograms of oil per hectare and their number keeps
increasing. The average price of a litre of oil is eight euros.
Oil protected by the EU
The demand for olive oil is always growing. The Slovenian
consumption of 0.5 litres per person is relatively low in
comparison to neighbouring Italy, where consumption
reaches an astonishing 12 litres per citizen. In spite of
this, it can be expected that the consumption of olive oil
will increase tenfold, especially since restaurants are now
making olive oil their first choice.
The protected designation of origin is of great importance
to Slovenian olive oil producers, since the tradition of olive
oil production in Slovenian Istria (which is the Mediterranean
part of Slovenia) has been passed down to us through several
centuries. This is why Slovenian producers of olive oil were
extremely pleased to hear the news from Brussels: that Extra
Virgin Olive Oil from Slovenian Istria has been included in the
Register of Protected Designations of Origin. Thus, as of this
year, 44 Slovenian olive growers will be allowed to use both
the designation, as well as a European label, provided they
meet the quality and traceability standards that are set for
oils. Only oils containing at least 30% of the processed olives
of the Istrska Belica (Bianca Istriana) variety are awarded the
denomination of a protected designation of origin. Chemical
and sensory parameters as well as processing, extraction
and storage procedures are also regulated.
Included in the latest Brussels register, along with Extra
Virgin Olive Oil from Slovenian Istria, are Huile d’olive de
Nîmes, the Corsican Oliu di Corsica, and the Portuguese
Azeite de Alentejo Interior. Of course, Slovenian Istria can
Depending on the type of technological procedure
and thus the type of quality, there are several categories
of olive oil: virgin oil (in this category extra virgin olive
oil ranks highest, its levels of acidity being below 0.8
percent); refined olive oil (derived from virgin olive oils
through refining); a blend of refined olive oil and virgin
olive oil; and pomace olive oil. Olive oil contains many
antioxidants which benefit the health. Among its other
advantages is olive oil’s protective power against arthritis,
coronary diseases and breast cancer. It is the foundation
of the Mediterranean diet and recommended by experts
for its ability to preserve health and prolong youth.
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sinfo april 07
THISISSLOVENIA
Traditions and Customs Tied
to the Celebration of Easter
Kornelija Ajlec, photo: Katarina Krmelj
Easter is upon us again. This holiday in Slovenian has many
colourful traditions and customs dating centuries into the
past.
parts surrounding Slovenjgradec and in the Dravska Valley
they call it “snop”, in Gorenjska “beganica”, in Dolenjska it is
known as “žegen”, in Bela Krajina “drenek”, and in Notranjska
it is referred to as “butarica”.
On Palm Sunday at the beginning of Holy Week, bunches
of spring greenery are blessed. This custom is not only
observed in Slovenia, but also in other European countries.
These bundles are made with various types of foliage: in
Istria, olive branches, the top parts of which have been
stripped of leaves, are braided with other olive branches.
The end result is reminiscent of a palm tree. Some people
carve little roosters out of fig or elder piths and adorn their
combs with red cloth. In Bloke the weaving of bundles is
taken very seriously. In order to constitute a proper bundle
it must contain as many as 14 ‘items’: a one-year-old hazel
twig, and one branch of each of the following: cherry, pear,
apple, plum, dogwood, a juniper twig, thistle, and haselwort
(the former two are forest plants), ivy, an olive branch and a
potato or two in the middle. In other towns in Slovenia they
use also oranges, lemons, apples, different types of ribbons
and the like.
The Christian custom of plaiting bundles dates to the
9th century, and probably derives from a custom known
throughout pagan medieval Europe. In those days people
used bundles from sacred plants - trees, bushes, herbs or
flowers - as protection against lightning and other threatening
weather. They hoped to improve plant growth and fertility, as
well as drive away evil forces and disease.
These bundles, of different shapes and sizes, are known by
different names in different parts of Slovenia. In the Primorska
region it is called “presenec”, in Istria “fašine”, around the
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THISISSLOVENIA
The most special of all bundles is the ‘Ljubljana Bundle’.
There is not much greenery in it. Customarily it consists
simply of a spray of juniper branches, a twig from a box tree
or a cypress. Placed in the middle are wood chips, dyed in
various colours and skilfully curled and plaited. Customarily
they are white, blue and red, and sometimes other colours.
These Ljubljana bundles are renowned abroad for being the
only bundles of their kind. The easiest way to acquire them
is to go to Ljubljana’s flower market, near the Cathedral.
While Easter Sunday is a day for solemn contemplation and
staying at home, Easter Monday is a day of relaxation. On
this day it is customary to go visiting, hiking, or celebrating.
People from Ljubljana used to go to places like Posavje,
Štepanja Vas, and Šmarna Gora. In the Gorenjska Region
the chosen destinations were local inns, but they were not
supposed to be too close to home.
They used to celebrate a special holiday in Ljubljana. It was
called Jabolčna Kanonada and it took place in Turška jama, a
gravel pit located behind the former St Christopher’s church in
Bežigrad, the location of today’s Navje Cemetery. This custom
was connected to the victory over the Turks in 1584 after
they had set up camp in the pit and pillaged the outskirts of
Ljubljana. The first mention of Jabolčna Kanonada dates to the
beginning of the 19th century, but it was especially lively at the
end of this same century. Standing in for the Turks, a crowd
of young boys gathered and was ’bombarded’ by Ljubljana
citizens throwing fruit, Easter eggs, sweets and the like. This
caused the boys to fight among themselves for the snacks.
This custom disappeared after the pit was filled in order to
expand St Christopher’s Cemetery, now the resting place of
Slovenia’s greatest intellectuals. Changing the old wardrobe
for the new on Easter Monday was also an old custom.
After they have been blessed, the bundles can serve various
purposes. In the Prekmurje region it is customary to go
around the homestead, leaving a part of the bundle in the
fields; another part is reserved for the bee hives, and yet
another part is left on the roof. In the Gorenjska region, after
the blessing, the bundles are propped up against fruit trees.
In the countryside bundles are status symbols. The bigger
and the more lavishly decorated the bundle, the more
esteemed the family that made it.
The belief that one should not work in the field on Good
Friday used to be held virtually everywhere. This was
supposed to render the land infertile. This day remains a
strict day of fasting. In some areas the fast continues on
Saturday. Until recently a special ‘fast dish’ was eaten on
Holy Saturday which was intended to remind people of the
times of severe hunger which plagued Carniola in 1529. This
dish is called Aleluja and was made from turnip peelings. As
late as 1944 on Good Friday and Holy Saturday, stallholders
at Ljubljana open market were still selling Aleluja soaked in
vinegar.
Easter celebrations used to extend into the week after Easter
Monday. This week was called Easter Week or the Octave of
Easter. On Low Sunday which was also called mala velika
noč (the Little Easter) Easter festivities came to an end.
On Holy Saturday in most Slovenian towns people bless their
Easter meals. Already in the second half of the 17th century
the procedure of the blessing ceremony was described by
Valvasor. Ham, potica (a typical Slovenian cake), horseradish
and five Easter eggs were taken to church for blessing. This
remains traditional Easter food to this day.
Blessed and coloured eggs are a long-lasting tradition of
the Slovenes. Their first mention dates back to 1393. This
is when a document was written in a former Dominican
nunnery in Radlje stating that on Holy Saturday eggs were
to be distributed to all the nuns. It is evident from their
Slovenian names, which are still in use, that the original
Easter eggs were red. The words pirh and remenica (used
in the Prekmurje region) derive from words meaning “red”.
Slovenian coloured eggs, also called pisanice or pisanke
(in the Bela Krajina region) are among the most beautiful in
Europe. Pisanice and remenice are typical of the Slovenian
east in their characteristic geometrical and stylised forms.
On the other hand, Easter eggs in the Primorska and
Gorenjska region feature mostly nature motifs, usually
flowers and plants. In the painting of pisanice special
wooden instruments are used. On one end there is a hollow
holding the wax. When the eggs are dyed, the dye does not
adhere to the waxed surfaces. In former times, only natural
dyes were used. The red dye was made from a Brazil wood
decoction, the brown from onion skins, the yellow from
saffron and barberry root, while the black dye was obtained
from oak and alder bark. The dyed and decorated eggs
were usually also rubbed with salt-pork skin in order to give
them a nice shine. Traditionally, Slovenian boys received the
most beautiful pisanice from their sweethearts, as red was
deemed the colour of love.
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THISISSLOVENIA
Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik
Food prepared by: Peter Lenče
Buckwheat štruklji with cottage cheese and mint
To make dough:
750g [1.6lb] buckwheat flour
salt
1l boiling water
1tbsp wheat flour
To make filling:
a handful of mint sprigs
1kg [2lb] cottage cheese
3 eggs
5tbsp cream
breadcrumbs
50g [1 3/4oz.] butter
In a bowl, pour boiling water over flour,
stir well and allow to cool. Knead the
dough on a flat surface dusted with flour,
and roll it out about 1cm [2/5in] thick.
Spread filling over dough, sprinkle with
breadcrumbs if too moist, and roll it up.
Wrap the štruklji in a kitchen cloth that
you soaked in cold water, wrung it out,
and sprinkled with breadcrumbs. Cook
in boiling water for 30 minutes. When
done, cut it into pieces, and garnish
with golden breadcrumbs.
Buckwheat zlevanka with pumpkin seed oil
Ingredients:
200g [7oz.] buckwheat flour
400ml [1 3/5 cup] milk
4 eggs
a pinch of salt
1tbsp pumpkin seed oil
Preheat oven to 180ºC [356ºF], and
grease a baking dish with pumpkin
seed oil. Sift flour in a bowl, add milk,
eggs and salt, and whisk until smooth.
Pour batter in baking dish, sprinkle
with pumpkin seed oil, and bake for 15
minutes.
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THISISSLOVENIA
Ingredients:
1kg [2lbs] leg of lamb
1 onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
1 stalk celery, diced
2 sun-dried tomatoes
200ml [4/5 cup] lamb stock
200ml [4/5 cup] dry white wine
3tbsp olive oil
a pinch of coarse flour
salt
black peppercorns
3 cloves garlic
a bundle of herbs (parsley, thyme, bay leaf)
Lamb bakalca
Rinse the meat and wipe it dry, and cut it in smaller
chunks. In a pan, glaze onions and garlic on olive oil,
and add vegetables and herbs. Stir constantly until
liquid has evaporated. Add flour and stir well, then
add wine and cook until all liquid has evaporated.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, lamb stock,
season, and simmer until meat becomes tender.
Remove herbs and take out the meat and keep
it warm. Cook the bakalca (the sauce) until thick
and aromatic. Add the meat, freshly ground
peppercorns, bring to a boil, and turn off the heat
Natural Easter-egg dye
A.L.
The colours achieved by the use of natural dyes are
harmonious, they possess depth, and their brilliance adds
a specific allure to the painted materials. The dyes, found
mostly in plant roots, stems, bark and blooms, can be
extracted from almost anything found in nature. The same
goes for the dyes used to paint Easter eggs.
The most frequently used are red cabbage, onion skins, fresh
beetroot, turmeric, ground coffee, or green tea. The dyeing
process is always the same. The colouring matter is mixed
with a litre of water and a few spoonfuls of white vinegar. A
spoonful of salt is added to make the dye last longer. The
material must first be chopped up or stirred with a blender.
Then this mixture, with the addition of a convenient number of
eggs should be boiled on a low flame for approximately half
an hour. The amount of dye material should be determined
by the number of eggs and the desired intensity of colour.
The pot is then removed from the stove and the eggs are
left in the liquid to cool. After the eggs have cooled they are
wiped down with a cloth and given a thin layer of oil to give
them a nice shine.
The dyed eggs can either be decorated with stickers you
can buy, or you can turn once more to nature for other ideas.
A leaf of parsley, celery or a flower can be attached to the
egg which is then wrapped in a nylon stocking to keep the
ornament attached during cooking. After the egg has been
dyed, the covered area acquires a light pattern.
Natural materials for achieving various colours:
Red: Teran wine, dog-rose syrup, dried red-onion skins
Green: spinach leaves, green tea, nettle, dandelion
Yellow: marigold blooms, saffron, golden delicious apple
peelings, and dried elderberry flowers
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THISISSLOVENIA
Waters in Slovenia
Rich in waters, concern remains
Jože Prešeren
As people around the world grow more concerned
about the increase threat of climate change,
Slovenia can happily acknowledge it belongs to
the relatively water-rich countries. Nevertheless,
a priority for development remains the reduction
of potential harmful influences on the ecosystem
and the preservation of bio-diversity, as well as the
subsequent careful management of water resources.
Numerous countries have already started struggling
with the shortfall in the availability of drinking water,
some due to normal droughts and some because of
improper water exploitation. Increases in population,
inappropriate water exploitation and climate changes
can all cause a global water crisis. Slovenia has all the
options to avoid such a crisis by respecting regulations
and constantly attending to its water resources.
Photo: B.Kladnik/STO
The Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning is
responsible for water in Slovenia. The Environmental Agency
of the Republic of Slovenia acts as a body of the Ministry
and its task – among others – is to monitor the quality of all
waters, rivers, lakes, underground water and sea, to measure
their levels, temperature and changes; it also issues alerts for
possible floods, manages waters, and deals with numerous
administrative procedures regarding this issue. Like most
of European countries this is done in compliance with the
regulatory guidelines on comprehensive water resources
management.
Slovenia also has abundant rain and snow, most of which
falls in the high mountains, the Julian Alps, whereas to the
east the level of precipitation falls, making the north-eastern
region of Prekmurje the most arid in Slovenia.
Karst caves – the work of underground waters
From the permeable karstic surface the water seeps
underground through fissures in the bedrock limestone,
slowly shaping the mysterious subterranean karst world of
caves and chasms. So far over 6500 caves and chasms have
been discovered and explored in Slovenia, and there are
many still undiscovered. A hidden water network with dense
labyrinths and vast cave halls has been created underground.
Most of them are adorned with special cave formations, the
speleothems – stalactites and stalagmites – as well as other
unusual forms of the karstic underworld. Among the Slovenian
caves the Postojna Cave is the most famous and most
visited by the tourists, but the Škocjan Caves, which are on
the UNESCO World Heritage List, are even more interesting.
They comprise a network of 5,800 metres of caves, through
which the River Reka has sunk underground. A large part of
the Škocjan Caves is a large water tunnel. The water runs via
the subterranean gorge through several chambers, of which
the Martel’s chamber is among the largest in the world.
The Slovenian water system has both surface waters
– still and flowing continental waters – and underground
waters. The fresh surface waters are lakes and marshes,
and smaller watercourses such as streams, which flow into
larger and smaller rivers. There are over 26,000 kilometres
of watercourses in Slovenia. The sea water of the Slovenian
part of Adriatic Sea has the same characteristics as most
world seas. A large part of Slovenia can also be classified as
karst area. It is typical of such terrain that it has almost no
surface water, but in this part of Slovenia the rivers typically
sink underground and reappear on the surface as powerful
karstic springs.
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THISISSLOVENIA
The fan of Slovenian rivers
The fan-shaped river network shows that Slovenia is a land
of waters. The combined length of permanent and seasonal
torrential watercourses is 26,000 kilometres, the length of
watercourses longer than 20 km is just over 4,700 km. It is
noteworthy that the majority of waters running through our
country make an approximately 100-kilometre journey over
the course of a single day before leaving Slovenian territory.
Annually, 34 billion cubic metres of water run through
Slovenia’s rivers and streams; while this is only 0.4 per cent of
world fresh water resources, this percentage is high relative
to Slovenia’s share of world population or land area. Thus
we can gladly establish that in the collective quantity of river
water per citizen Slovenia is among the richest in Europe, 4
times exceeding the European average.
Lake Cerknica. Photo: A Fevžar/STO
The longest Slovenian river is the Sava, which has two
sources: the Sava Dolinka springs in Zelenci near Kranjska
Gora, and the Sava Bohinjka flows from Lake Bohinj to
Radovljica, where it converges with Sava Dolinka. The entire
length to the Croatian border is 221 km. The Sava is also
the biggest source of drinking water in the country, as it
supplies more than half of Slovenia’s requirements and is
also the main source the capital, Ljubljana.
Lately, the Ljubljanica has also become famous for the finds
which archaeologists have made on the riverbed, which has
been reported in National Geographic.
The Ljubljanica, the river that flows through Ljubljana, is only
41 kilometres long. It springs near Vrhnika and meanders
across the Ljubljana Moors. Many mysteries have been
associated with this river, particularly due to the karstic
landscape, so some call it ‘The River with Seven Names’.
The Savinja emerges in one of the most picturesque alpine
valleys, the Logarska Valley in the Kamnik-Savinja Alps,
starting its slightly over 100 km journey at the captivating
Rinka Waterfall.
The Krka is regarded as ‘The Beauty of Dolenjska’ as it springs
and pours into the Sava in this region. Its 94 kilometres have
multiple karstic sources in a beautiful valley near the village
of Krka.
The Soča is one of the most beautiful Alpine rivers and
especially admired by the people who live in its valley. One
of them, the Slovenian poet Simon Gregorčič composed
an ode in tribute to the river, praising its beauty, as well as
the symbolism of the people living in its basin. In the last
few years the Soča has become increasingly popular with
foreign and Slovenian tourists, particularly for fishing and
sports tourism such as kayaking, rafting, and canyoning.
Interestingly enough, Walt Disney Pictures chose the beautiful
valley of the Soča as a locations for their new fantasy film
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Filming will take
place in June this year.
River Krka. Photo: J. Skok/STO
The Kolpa is noted for its purity and suitability for swimming. It
is a border river between Croatia and Slovenia and has great
development potential due to its unexploited opportunities
for tourism.
Entering Slovenia near Dravograd in the north of the country
is the River Drava. Its Slovenian watercourse is about 145
km long. In both Austria and Slovenia it is a river of hydroelectric power plants and tourism.
A remarkable impression on the landscape through which
it flows is made by the Mura. Springing from the Alpine part
of Austrian Steiermark it becomes a typical lowland river
in Slovenia, complimenting its 95km through Slovenia with
many bends and meanders.
As well as the biggest Slovenian rivers there is a long list
of smaller, picturesque rivers which make their mark on
individual Slovenian landscapes. Thus, the Sora, Kokra
and Kamniška Bistrica are familiar in the Gorenjska region,
the Temenica and Mirna stand out in Dolenjska, while the
Štajerska region has the Dravinja and the Sotla border river,
the Krupa in Bela Krajina, and the Dragonja in Primorska…
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THISISSLOVENIA
The Slovenian Mediterranean
Beside being known as Alpine, Pannonian or Central
European, Slovenia is also a Mediterranean country, despite
having only 47km of coastline at the Adriatic Sea, which is
part of the shallow and very warm Gulf of Trieste. This gives
Slovenia many transportation advantages, with direct access
to the open sea, and allows the mild Mediterranean climate
to penetrate the interior.
This part of the coastline is important for the country’s
comprehensive economic development, particularly in
tourism and transport (through the port at Koper), and for
being a habitat for people and animals. This area has some
protected wetlands, especially the salt-pans in Sečovlje at
the mouth of the River Dragonja, which is a protected nature
reserve.
Slovenia is still fortunate with its water so far. There is enough
drinking water, making the tap water quality keep up with
the quality of bottled water in most cases. This also means
that the authorities and the general public must devote all
their care to maintaining the purity of all the water resources,
eliminating harmful effects on ecosystems and preventing
the pollution of the country’s rivers, lakes and sea.
Photo: J. Skok/STO
Waterfall Rinka. Photo: A. Fevžar/STO
Waterfalls and lakes
Waterfalls are one of the most breathtaking natural
phenomena, as they give a primal impression of untamed
nature. Most Slovenian waterfalls change their appearance
according to the season: mighty during the wet season,
some can then dry up completely, and some turn to ice
during winter. Slovenia boasts some 260 waterfalls. Among
the most famous are the Savica Waterfall above Bohinj,
Peričnik, Rinka, and the mightiest Slovenian waterfall: Boka
in Posočje. High waterfalls are those which fall more than 30
metres - the highest in Slovenia is over 100 metres high.
Lakes are a rarer landscape phenomenon in Slovenia, but all
the more attractive to visitors. Of all Slovenia’s natural lakes,
the Alpine Triglav Lakes attract the most admiration and
are the most frequently visited natural attraction in Triglav
National Park. Locked in a glaciated valley is the largest
permanent natural lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj, which covers
an area of 3.18 square kilometres. One of the best known
symbols of the Slovenian landscape is Lake Bled. Because
there are so many attractive natural sights packed in this
relatively small area, the development of tourism began very
early on there.
Lake Cerknica has a special place among Slovenian lakes.
It is an intermittent lake, disappearing underground in
dry periods, and is the largest lake in Slovenia after a wet
period. Next to Lake Cerknica the Karst features several
smaller intermittent lakes and potholes. In the last decades
numerous smaller artificial lakes have formed in Slovenia,
particularly with the building of hydro-electric power plants.
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THISISSLOVENIA
Manuchar Markoishvili, Georgia
themselves in Europe or even beyond. So it was important
when I had to decide where my career would continue. Now,
as a foreign player, I can truly say that Slovenia has also
promoted itself through basketball a lot, and I hope they
will keep on doing so. Some more information about this
country was given to me before coming here by Vladimer
Boisa, another Georgian player, at that time the captain of
KK Union Olimpija. He had only nice things to say, so moving
to another, new country, was a bit easier than I expected.
You can only imagine how hard it was for me to leave my
family and all my friends at an early age, with only hopes and
beliefs in my basketball future.
My first experience in Slovenia, I am sad to say, was very
hard. After landing in Brnik, sleeping only for couple of hours,
I had my first practice, one of the hardest in my life. I found
out first-hand why Olimpija was famous for having one of
the best practice sessions. After that, I could hardly stand
on my feet, but still I took a walk through the city centre and
had lunch with Boisa, so after my first afternoon in Ljubljana
everything started to seem nicer and better. While staying
in Italy, I had to learn Italian fast if wanted to communicate,
so one of the first surprises here was the fact that almost
everybody speaks English. Later, I was told that it was due
to the good education system in Slovenia. But that didn’t
stop me from learning Slovene; I am still far from speaking
perfectly, but now I can also communicate with people who
don’t know English.
I am Manuchar Markoishvili, and as you may guess from my
name, I come from a country which is not known to most of
Europeans. I was born in Tbilisi, the capital city of a country
called Georgia. I decided to dedicate my life to basketball at
a very early age, and because of that I left my family to live
and play in Batumi (city in Georgia) when I was 13. My first
big break-through happened 2 years later, when the Italian
Benetton club in Treviso signed me up. From there, I went to
Germany and by the age of 17, I had ended up in Slovenia,
where I currently play for KK Union Olimpija.
This is my third basketball season in Ljubljana and as far
my schedule allows (I practice twice a day, 6 days a week
throughout the 10-month season), I am discovering this
beautiful country little by little. Although it is very different from
Georgia, because of the different cultures, geographically
there are some similarities: a small country which offers
everything that nature can offer: a beautiful landscape,
picturesque valleys, hills and mountains, and the seaside. So
that is one of the things that impressed me. I really have to
say that my experience with the people in Slovenia has been
only good: everybody has been really friendly to me and I am
happy to notice that Slovenes really know their basketball.
Although the club is not in the best situation right now, we can
still play in Tivoli in front of thousands of supporters cheering
for us, and that is the situation where any sportsman feels
the best. I have also noticed another nice thing: during the
weekends there are a lot of families spending quality time
outdoors, just walking around, or cycling, maybe going to
the mountains or the seaside, getting together with friends
over a cup of coffee...It all creates a warm feeling of a small,
connected, friendly country, with hard-working people who
know when to take time off.
My previous knowledge of Slovenia was not great, but I had
heard about this country when I was still in Georgia. At that
time, Vladimer Stepania, another Georgian basketball player,
was playing in Ljubljana. I also knew that Union Olimpija
is a good club for young players who want to establish
Although I don’t know where my future career will take me,
one thing is for sure: Slovenia will always stay in my memories
as a beautiful experience which I will try to repeat at least in
the form of holidays. And I warmly recommend it to anyone
who hasn’t been here yet.
Photo: Personal Archives
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sinfo april 07
LETTERFROMABROAD
Vesna Boben, Spain
Photo: Personal Archives
The first time I came to the Catalan capital of Barcelona was
six years ago to study for one year. I must admit that for the
first few days I was a bit lost, as I was not used to the bustle
in the streets, rushing crowds and crazy traffic. I had a feeling
that people were constantly in a hurry; however, only after
the first few days I was able to see the city in a completely
different light. I slowly began to learn my way around this
wonderful and energetic city, which could be referred to
as a very big village, despite its two million inhabitants,
because every quarter feels like a separate unit with its own
soul making it unique. Barcelona is a melting pot of different
cultures, full of contrasts which tolerantly complement each
other and hence create a warm atmosphere. It is a pleasure
to get lost in the old part of the city, which is full of alleys that
are scattered around in such a way that it is impossible to
know in which direction one is going after just five minutes of
walking. Having a very bad sense of direction I still manage
to get lost and I always end up finding a recently opened
antique bookshop, a hat shop, antique shops, dressmaker’s
shop, a young designers’ shop, or an interesting cafe, tea
house or restaurant.
and although the Catalans are said to be more reserved
than the Spanish from the south, they are still much more
open than Slovenes. To this day the ease with which they
express their feelings and talk about personal problems has
never ceased to amaze me. They simply want to discuss and
share their feelings with other people. On the other hand,
it is interesting that their homes are a private zone, where
friends are invited only on rare occasions. Even birthdays
are celebrated in restaurants, where it is customary for the
guests to pay for their own meal.
In Barcelona, it is easy to get the impression that people
only go home to sleep, which is not even that strange if
one considers the official working hours. They are from
9am to 2pm, when it is lunchtime, which is one to two hours
depending on the company. Afterwards, it is time to go back
to work for three hours, which means that most people,
including me, leave work at around 7pm. Although such a
lifestyle makes it difficult to juggle between work and private
life, my friends and I always find time to go for a drink or
dinner after work. It is very difficult to resist Spanish food,
which is full of imagination, or any of the other international
cuisines.
The ocean and an ideal climate, with a lot of sun and mild
temperatures in the winter, contribute to the great charm of
this city. I remember that just after I had arrived I used to go
out as soon as I got up in the morning and saw that it was
sunny to make the best of the nice weather. Today I am not
as obsessed with sunny weather and can manage to stay
at home even on a nice day - which brings me to the local
population. The people of Barcelona live out ‘in the streets’
if I compare them with Slovenes, who tend to stay at home
more. They spend a lot of their free time in restaurants, bars,
shops, in the streets or on the beach. They like to socialize,
sinfo april 07
I began to discover Barcelona and its people six years ago,
after which I returned home leaving behind two kinds of
love. One was the city, while the other was the stronger one
which made me decide to come back and set up my life
here. I have to admit that it was a difficult decision to make,
because Slovenia is a wonderful country, and even though I
often go back home, I miss my own people. However, I like
the expression that says that if you want to have roots you
should not fly. I chose to fly.
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Neža Buh – Neisha
PEOPLE
“I am aware that I have only one life and even this one
will go far too quickly, which is why I try to keep myself
happy by doing things that I like, surrounding myself
with people that mean a lot to me. I hold on to the
motto ‘seize the day’ or ‘carpe diem’, but I do it slowly
and thoughtfully.”
“Carpe Diem!”
Anja Hreščak, photo: Drago Koren
When she comes on stage the audience is on tenterhooks with
expectation. Then, she sits at the piano and her hands begin to
caress the keys. She appears effortless and relaxed, and her
songs, usually ballads, fill the hall with positive energy. With her
music, which she defines as a mixture of pop, soul and funk
rhythms, Neža Buh or Neisha, fills a big gap in the Slovenian
music scene, which might be the reason for the enthusiastic
and warm welcome of the Slovenian public wherever she
appears. She comments on her unique music, which she
creates herself: “The music is the product of my subjective
perceptions of the world, as well as the experiences that follow
as a result. I sometimes experience good things, while at other
times they might be bad, and it is then that it is essential to be
aware that after rain there is sunshine, so that you can pick up
the pieces and go on with your life.”
concerts in Cankarjev dom and the Križanke open air theatre
which followed the release of her album were sold out. Neisha
says that she gets more nervous at her solo concerts because
she does not want to let down her fans, who come to see and
listen to only her. And how does she cope with stage fright?
She says, “Sometimes I get stage fright, especially when the
concert hall is full. I get over it by becoming completely involved
in my music. Stage fright is useful, because it makes you give
everything you’ve got.” And it obviously works, because at her
concerts she is at one with the audience, who sing, feel and
breathe with her and her songs.
At the moment she is busy recording her second album, which
will be a natural development from the first one. She says that
the challenge is to express thoughts which she will identify
herself with just as deeply in many years from now.
Having been born into a family of musicians, Neisha has been
surrounded by music since she was a child. Her background in
classical music influenced her style of music, which she started
to write professionally when she was eighteen. Five years later,
in 2005, she released her solo debut album entitled Neisha,
which immediately won over audiences across Slovenia.
Several of her singles remained in the Slovenian charts for
more than ten weeks, which won her many awards, including
one for accomplishments in the media called Viktor, and the
Slovenian music award SRF. She says that out of all the songs
she is most proud of the ballad But So Here, But So Now. She
explains the reason behind her choice: “This song touched so
many people, and wonderful things happened when people
listened to it. Some got married, some got engaged, while
others conceived a child.”
Her work with many foreign and Slovenian solo musicians,
including big names such as Vlado Kreslin and Gibonni,
shows that she is always eager to try new things. The concert
with DJ Valentino Kanzyani in Kranjska Gora in March is one
such collaborative projects. She has managed to combine
her style with electronic music. “Working with Valentino was
a new experience for me. It was a collaboration between two
musicians who at first glance appear to be incompatible. One
has to have an open mind and listen without having prejudice.
I hope that the people in Kranjska Gora liked it and had fun
listening to us,” Neisha commented on her last concert.
When she is not writing music, Neisha likes sport and cooking.
She says she is a total hedonist and lives according to the
motto ‘seize the day’; however, she stresses that she never
does that thoughtlessly. And what are her plans for the future?
“I would like to do shows in Europe and have my own audience
who appreciates what I do. If one day I am no longer a singer, I
would like to continue writing music. I am especially interested
in writing music for films.”
After the release of her first album, she played at several charity
events, including the UNICEF Charity Concert, the Disabled
Students Support Concert and the Concert to Raise Funds for
kidney patients in Kobarid. She also performed for children at
the Department of Oncology at the Paediatric Clinic. Her solo
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MIHA ZUPAN
TOP
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PLAYER
How do deaf people communicate with each other and how
do you communicate with people who can hear?
Deaf people communicate in several ways. Most often, we
use sign language and lip reading. Reading and writing are
also of great help. We also use the manual alphabet, hand
and facial movements. But most commonly, we communicate
in sign language. The special signs allow us to understand
each other. There are several different sign languages. Most
frequently, we use Slovenian and International sign languages.
The English Sign Language is also commonly used, and in the
United States, it is the fifth most widely used language. Deaf
people cannot hear anything, but they do perceive vibrations.
If a deaf person wears a hearing aid, it does not mean the
person can hear or that he or she is hard of hearing. For
instance, my wife Maja, who is a presenter of the Prisluhnimo
tišini TV programme for deaf people, learned to lip read at a
very early age.
Luka Šefic, photo: Katarina Krmelj
The story of the 24-year-old Miha Zupan is a story of two
worlds: a story of silence and a story of sound. The success
story of a deaf basketball player in the professional sports
world of the hearing. The 206cm tall Miha Zupan plays for
the current Slovenian basketball champions, Union Olimpija,
which also competes in the most prestigious basketball
league of the continent, the Euroleague. Zupan, who is also a
member of the national basketball team, says that he could
not have overcome all the obstacles he faced without the
help of his parents, who have supported him unconditionally.
He has proven that deaf people can be very successful and
that they are unfairly – but, alas, too often – forced to live on
the fringe of society.
How do you communicate with your team-mates?
At team practices and matches, I rely heavily on my hearing
aid. Without it, I doubt I would be still able to function properly
on the basketball court. With it, I can perceive sounds, which
allows me to hear the referees. I react to the referee’s whistle
and other sounds. But I still have to observe my surroundings
carefully. At the beginning of my basketball career, when I still
played for the Association of the Deaf, in the third Slovenian
league, I played without wearing the hearing aid. There,
everybody communicated with their hands, they used sign
language. Later, when I joined a professional team, I started
wearing the hearing aid, which helped me to adapt to the world
of the hearing. In both teams, Slovan and Olimpija, my team-
A hearing impairment is one of the hardest impairments
affecting human beings, as it prevents the afflicted person
from receiving the auditory information important for many
aspects of human life, education being one of them.
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mates helped me a lot. At Olimpija, it was the team captain,
Marko Milič, who helped me the most. We were also roommates when the team played abroad. Marko Milič showed
great interest in learning some of our basic expressions. This
made our communication easier. But I must say that all players
are willing to give a helping hand. Perhaps I have a bit of a
hard time communicating with strangers when we first meet,
but after a while, we establish a good enough communication
and relationship.
P
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hosted the European Deaf Basketball Championships, and we
became the best team of the old continent. Two years ago,
we participated at the Deaflympics in Australia. In Melbourne,
we won our second silver medal.
Deaf people have problems with balance, do they not?
Yes, everyone with hearing problems also has difficulties with
balance. Sometimes a deaf person seems drunk. But in reality,
problems with balance are the reason for this condition. I
experienced these problems too, but I managed to limit them
through training. In the deaf basketball team, we did special
balance exercises. We practised rebounds and landing on
our feet, and we also had to learn how to fall in order not to
injure ourselves. During a match, I sometimes fall, as I struggle
with rival players for space under the basket. These problems
with balance could be compared with diving. If you close your
eyes when diving and cannot hear a thing, you have no idea
how to resurface. Something similar happens to us.
Do you wear the hearing aid in your private life?
As a matter of fact, I do not think I could do without it anymore.
When I was a child, the doctors said I would never be able to
hear anything at all. But my parents just would not give up. In
spite of the diagnosis, they persisted and bought me various
types of hearing aids, which they had to order from abroad.
On numerous occasions, we consulted different doctors, who
helped me with my handicap.
Do you have any hobbies?
I was also examined at a specialist clinic in Zagreb. It was not
until later that the Slovenian doctors also mentioned the option
of operating on my ears, which would improve my hearing
ability. But I did not go for the operation, as it also meant I
would have to give up basketball. They were many difficult
moments, but I am very luck to have such great parents.
My favourite hobby is computers. I spend a lot of time surfing
the internet. I am very interested in everything related to
computers. I like to create graphic animation and really enjoy
designing and building websites. As a matter of fact, I like
everything related to information technology. The internet is a
very helpful tool for deaf people. We can use it to communicate
with each other and to find daily news. Another brilliant tool
is the webcam, which help us maintain visual contact. And
we really appreciate TV Slovenia’s subtitling of the TV news
programmes. I also like to listen to music. I can’t hear the
lyrics, only vibrations of drums and guitar.
We hear you are going to be a parent yourself in the near
future
It is an unbelievable feeling, I can hardly wait. My wife Maja
and I are expecting a baby at the end of March. But I will
not tell you if it is going to be a boy or a girl. I am really
looking forward to becoming a dad…This will most probably
prevent me from participating at the World Deaf Basketball
Championships, which will be held in the summer, in China.
But it goes without saying that I would be glad to take part in
the future events awaiting the national deaf team. Next year,
Germany is hosting the European Championships, while in
2009 there are the Summer Deaflympics (in Taiwan). But I will
also have to make arrangements with the Olimpija team, to
which I am bound by my professional player’s contract.
So you also play for the slovenian national deaf basketball
team?
I always like to come back and play for the deaf team. Janez
Perčič, the first coach of the National Deaf Basketball Team
gave me the opportunity in 2000 to play at a Junior All Stars
match in Ljubljana. This was a kind of a breakthrough event for
my future career in ‘hearing’ basketball, as I was voted the most
useful player of the match, and subsequently joined the ranks
of the Slovan professional basketball team. I do experience
problems when playing for the deaf team, as deaf basketball
has special regulations. Players are not allowed to wear
hearing aids, something I have learned to rely on completely.
So I spend two or three weeks playing for the deaf team and
then have to get used to the hearing aid all over again. But
I must say, I have had many wonderful experiences with the
national deaf team. For an entire decade, the Slovenian team
has been one of the world’s very best deaf basketball teams.
In 1997, at the Denmark Deaflympics, we won fifth place. At the
2000 European Championships in Greece, we were also fifth.
And after 2000, we had a string of top placements. At the 2001
Deaflympics in Rome, we took the silver. In 2004, Slovenia
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Andrej Jerman Petra Majdič
Golden Jerry Cross-country queen
Luka Šefic, Photo: Nebojša Tejić
Downhill is the royal discipline in Alpine skiing, the Formula
1 of the white slopes. The skiers reach speeds up to 150 km
per hour. Andrej Jerman is the best Slovenian downhill skier.
On 23 February, the 28-year-old won the first gold medal in
the World Cup downhill for Slovenia.
Petra Majdič was the only Slovenian strong card in crosscountry skiing even before the 47th FIS Nordic World
Ski Championship in Sapporo, as in the last Olympics
in Torino. The first test of the World Championship on
Hokkaido Island proved she was in top form, as she took
silver in the classic individual sprint event.
In Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, with starting
number 11, he out-skied the world competition, bringing the
50th World Cup win for Slovenia home. Even the next day,
he proved his mettle by coming in second on one of the
most difficult downhill courses, the Kandahar course. This
made him the first champion of this elite Alpine discipline in
Slovenian skiing history.
Only Norway’s Astrid Jacobsen was better than the
Slovenian champion, pipping Majdič at the line in the
final dash of 30 metres. Majdič led for almost the whole
race and was very confident and fast; it seemed no one
could beat her. But just before the finish line her pace
dropped and Jacobsen did not let the opportunity slip.
However, silver on the kilometre-plus track has a golden
shine to our cross-country skier.
Winning one first and one second place in GarmischPartenkirchen made him the third in the overall downhill
rankings. The victory and success of Andrej Jerman had
a dual effect. It was both an award for the long years of
hard work, plagued by many severe injuries, as well as
motivation for other Slovenian skiers who have been stuck
in the doldrums for years. Much of the credit goes to his
long-term coach Jože Gazvoda and good quality Stoeckli
skis, excellently maintained by Primož Gregorčič.
This is the first medal for Slovenia in big cross-country
skiing competitions and worth gold, especially when
considering that Petra Majdič has been an inspiration
with her stamina for several seasons. Third place went
to Finland’s Virpi Kuitunen, who is currently leading in
the overall World Cup ranking. Slovenia’s coach Ivan
Hudač, originally from Slovakia, has timed her peak form
perfectly.
But the 2006-2007 did not star well for Jerry (his nickname).
He broke his wrist before the pre-season preparations
and it seemed another season was going down the drain.
Despite the injury, Andrej continued his training – in fact, he
only missed 10 days of practice. He knew this would be an
important season for him. He came in 40th at the season’s
opening downhill contest in Canada. In Beaver Creek he
finished 12th and everything went smoothly from there.
Though the World Cup in Åre in Sweden did not result in
a top placing due to the particular weather conditions, 17th
place was not a bad achievement.
The Slovenian team left for the Far East a few days before
the championship and thus acclimatised to the Japanese
weather conditions well. Alongside Petra Majdič, the other
Slovenian competitors were Vesna Fabjan, Katja Višnar
and Nejc Brodar. This was a first Word Championship
for Katja Višnar, who used it mainly to gain experience.
Although Vesna Fabjan underwent her baptism of fire
two years ago in Obersdorf, Sapporo was a precious
experience for her too. As the young skiers have a role
model for success – Petra Majdič – there is no reason
to fear for good results from the Slovenian cross-country
skiers in the future.
After an excellent finish to the season he looks forward to
the World Cup Finals in Lenzerheide. The Ski Association of
Slovenia has given him a symbolic gift for the 167th podium
and 50th Word Cup win for Slovenia, even before the end of
the season: a visit to the Formula 1 race in Monte Carlo.
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Freeride BattleVogel 2007
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Anja Lorenzetti
This winter was very mild, with spring-like temperatures, and
most people, much to their dismay, were deprived of any
outstanding skiing pleasures. Even though the maintenance
teams at ski resorts were doing their best to make the slopes
at least useable, everybody missed proper snow. The worst
off were the extreme skiers and snowboarders (known also
as ‘freeriders’) who seek off-piste skiing enjoyment. There are
two high altitude ski resorts in Slovenia offering breathtaking
views and skiing off the beaten track: Kanin and Vogel. Both
host extreme sporting events, and this year for the second
consecutive time Vogel was the venue for the O’Neill Freeride
Battle 2007. Contestants from all across Europe treated
spectators to sensational acrobatics. The Vogel competition
has become one of the qualifying events for the O’Neill Xtreme
2008 race, which is held traditionally at the end of March in
Verbier, Switzerland, and is considered the biggest event
in extreme winter sports. This was a great success for
the Slovenian organisers.
In the scoring, the most important element in the final score is the
difficulty of the skiing line chosen by the contestant. The judges
also award points for the fluidity of the skiing (the contestant
should make as few stops as possible), and the aggressiveness
and visual appeal of the skiing, which must include jumps, twists,
etc. The timing of the descent is also taken into account, but is
not a very important factor for the final score.
Fifty-seven freeriders from Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Germany
and, surprisingly, Finland, took part in the competition. The
contestants were divided into four categories. The highest number
of participants was in the men’s skiing category (28), followed
by twenty-one male snowboarders, five female snowboarders,
and three female skiers. At Friday’s qualifying rounds, the ideal
conditions put a smile on everybody’s face, and they could
not wait to tackle the slopes and impress the jury in order
to qualify for the final on Saturday. The contestants spent
Friday evening exchanging information and watching
video clips of extreme sports. After the final on
Saturday, the results were announced in the evening
in a discotheque near Lake Bohinj. This year, the
best Slovene in the men’s skiing category was
the forty-year old Jani Pogačar, whose age
and rich experience makes him the doyen of
Slovenian extreme winter sports. He has won
multiple national champion titles in different
disciplines, such as skicross, half-pipe and
mogul skiing. In the men’s snowboarding
category, the winner was Slovenia’s
Matevž Maček, and the best women were
Urša Brajnik in skiing and Petra Brajnik in
snowboarding.
The competition was scheduled for February,
but due to weather conditions, it had to
be postponed for a month. And on
that weekend in March, everything
was perfect for the organisers:
enough snow, sunny weather, and
a merry crowd of participants.
On Wednesday night, it began
to snow, and on Tuesday
morning the slopes were
covered with 20cm of fresh
snow, which luckily did not
freeze afterwards, so the
racecourse, descending
from Šije to Zadnji Vogel,
was almost ideal. The sunny
weather attracted many visitors to the finish
line and they were left gaping at the sight of the
contestants’ brave feats. There were a few serious falls,
but none ended in any major injuries.
The initiators and organisers of the
Freeride Battle Vogel, Andrej Humar
and Jan Maček are certainly looking
forward to the next season and the
new challenges it will bring.
Photo: Rožle Bregar
Photo: Samo Vidic
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NEXT MONTH
Selected by Anja Otavnik
Cultural events:
1 April, Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana: The Bacchae
by Euripides. This unusually modern play featuring
Helena Blagne combines dramatic conflict with
music and dance.
10 and 11 April, Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana: Wings
of Wax. Choreography: Jirí Kylián. Performance by
NDT I Nederlands Dans Theater.
14 April, Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana: Tango y amor.
Dance performance with world-renowned dancers
from Argentina.
6 April, Gospodarsko razstavišče, Ljubljana:
Bajaga&Instruktori live in concert.
6 – 8 April, Ljubljana: 2nd Slovenian Salsa
Festival.
8 April, Festival Hall, Bled: Easter Concert with
violinist Anja Bukovec.
18 April, Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana: Royal
Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.
24 April, Cankarjev dom, Ljubljana: The 50s
Show – A Moment that will change your life. Seven
excellent Slovenian dance couples, headed by
world champions Andrej Škufca and Katarina
Venturini. Through standard and Latin American
dances, the performers tell a story of fatal love,
rivalry between the mafia and the immigrants, and
dreams of a better life, set in a Brooklyn suburb of
the 50s.
Photo: A. Fevžar/STO
Planica
Ski Jumping
Sport events:
1 April, Novo mesto: 10th Novo mesto running
competition
21 April, Zlatorog Sports Hall, Celje: Exotica - 1.
Oriental Dance World Championship.
15 – 21 April, Ljubljana: Group B 2007 Men’s
World Ice Hockey Championships
Luka Šefic
From 22 until 25 March, Planica and its take-off ramp is
again hosting the best ski flyers coming in for the World Cup
finals. Official training and the qualification round take place
on Thursday, 22 March, and the first round of the actual
competition begins on Friday at 3.30 pm. On Saturday and
Sunday the usual schedule will be in effect. The event will
start at a quarter past ten. At the foothill, the spectators will
be entertained by Planiški Kabaret 007, Turbo Angels, Čuki,
Jararaja, the Slovenian folk ensemble Slovenski Zvoki, and
Kingston. In the Valley under the Ponce ski-jumping fans will
again have the opportunity to admire such “fearless eagles”
as Andreas Küttel and Simon Ammann from Switzerland,
Adam Malysz from Poland, and Einar Romören from Norway.
It was the latter who set the world record in 2005. The
eccentric Norwegian flew 239 metres. On that day, world
records were being set one after the other. Finland’s Janne
Ahonen was one of those who flew furthest, landing after
240 metres. However, he took a fall and was disqualified.
As usual, all of Slovenia’s finest will be competing. Most can
be expected of Kranj’s native Robert Kranjc. This Slovenian
‘eagle’ did not go to the world cup in Sapporo, Japan. At the
time he was in Kranj, training for the final part of the season
in Planica. In his own words, he is now on better form and is
now hoping for some great flying.
sinfo april 07
Other events:
29 March – 1 April, Gospodarsko razstavišče,
Ljubljana: The 2007 Boat Show
29 March – 1 April, Gospodarsko razstavišče,
Ljubljana: Tourism and Leisure Fair
30 March – 1 April, Gospodarsko razstavišče,
Ljubljana: Collecta 2007: The 1st International
Collectors Fair in Slovenia presenting owners and
their various collections from around the world.
The exhibition programme will include: philately,
numismatics, deltiology, phone cards, militaria,
minerals, antiques and other small collections.
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Ljubljana
Bistra
CULTURALTRAILS
Bistra
Text and photo: Meta Gruden
Bistra, a small settlement near Vrhnika with a population of less
than a hundred, lies in the south-western part of the Ljubljana
Marshes. The settlement and its monastery were named after
the Bistra stream which emerges there from several karstic
springs and flows into River Ljubljanica.
Next to the springs lies the former Carthusian monastery, which
now houses the Technical Museum of Slovenia. The first monks
arrived here early as the 13th century, remaining there for a
long time. The monastery was founded by the Carinthian duke
Bernhard Spannheim.
manuscripts. In 1773, the monastery burned down again, and
needed rebuilding yet again. All the stages of construction
and reconstruction are clearly visible. Today the buildings
clearly show their development from the late Middle Ages up
to the late Baroque period.
In the 14th century, it burned down twice and hence needed
rebuilding, which is why few literary records survived from this
period. In the seventeenth century, the monks of the monastery had a school and a library which housed several valuable
When the monastery was finally dissolved in 1782, its property passed over to the Religion Fund. After 1926, when it was
acquired by the merchant and factory owner Franc Galle, the
monastery was rebuilt in the form of a mansion. The property
remained in the possession of the Galle family until 1945, at
which time it was nationalised. In 1951 it was converted into the
Technical Museum of Slovenia.
The museum houses the following permanent exhibitions:
wood processing and the hunting, forestry, fishing, textiles,
agriculture, transportation and technology. The most admired
is the transportation department, as it has certain extremely
rare items, including the first tram which carried passengers
around Ljubljana at the very beginning of the 20th century.
At the same time, it is the oldest electric vehicle in Slovenia.
In the carpentry department one can see reconstructions of
the first sawmills in Europe. On display in the hunting department are trophies of indigenous stags roaming through the
forests of Snežnik as late as in the last century. The forestry
department owns a projection room where video recordings
of Slovenian forests are shown.
The Limousine collection
In the museum grounds there are also a Venetian sawmill
powered by a paddled spindle, a veneer workshop, a water
mill for grinding corn, and standing above the brook, a reconstructed old mechanised smithy. Its repač water-driven
hammer is one of the last of its size in Slovenia. Next to the
mansion is a park with a fishpond, and running above the park
is a forest learning trail.
From among the collections on exhibition at the museum,
the collection of limousines owned by the former Yugoslav
leader President Tito is probably the most interesting. It was
taken over by the Technical Museum of Slovenia from the Tito
Memorial Centre in Belgrade and from the Yugoslav People's
Army. Deserving special mention are some rare and valuable
types of limousine: a Mercedes 540K from 1939, a Packard
from 1937, two 1954 ZIS, a Horch 951A, and a Rolls Royce from
1952. There are several more cars also frequently used by the
former Yugoslav President.
Idyllic Bistra and its mansion and museum collections is now
a very popular tourist attraction.
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CULTURALTRAILS
Bistra