Slovenia is not just a place on the map—it is somewhere that holds a part of my heart. Every time I arrive there, whether I am greeting locals in a supermarket or at a restaurant, my heart fills with a profound sense of love. Travelling to Slovenia this time was extra special as I was invited alongside 15 others by Natasha Kapusin, President of the Slovenian Australian Association Canberra to attend the Dobrodošli Doma event, a global gathering celebrating connection, culture and shared identity. A deep breath of the fresh air, a taste once again of the home-grown food is something that enriches the soul and deepens my appreciation for my Slovenian roots.
Arriving in Slovenia and passing the border was a moment filled with mixed emotions of love and pride. It felt as though my heart, mind, and soul had finally aligned once again. Hearing the Slovenian language, tasting the traditional food, sipping Šnopc and Borovničevec all moved me to tears of joy. I was filled with excitement and anticipation to see my family once again. Words can hardly capture the emotions of that moment- the warmth of the first hugs, first conversations and first laughter with my beautiful family. The following day brought a meaningful occasion- The All-Slovenians’ Meeting at the Slovenian National Assembly in Ljubljana. I remember it being a fresh morning in Slovenia, calm and crisp with the sun slowly bringing the heat with it. The bus ride into Ljubljana took me past rolling green hills and charming villages, filling my heart with an abundance of gratitude and serenity as if the landscape itself was gently welcoming me home.
Vera and Natasha
The meeting at the National Assembly saw a global gathering of Slovenians from the homeland and abroad, united in their shared commitment to preserving Slovenian culture, language and traditions. It offered a meaningful opportunity to connect, collaborate and network. We gathered in the Great Hall where discussions focused on strengthening community engagement within Slovenian communities worldwide, the vital importance of preserving the Slovenian language across borders and for future generations, topics of personal and global significance and the vital role Dobrodošli Doma 2025 will play in uniting Slovenians from all corners of the world, this year. It was wonderful to connect with those from the National Assembly and the Office for Slovenians Abroad especially since distance so often limits our opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
Dobrodošli doma stage
Dobrodošli Doma officially began on June 13 and continued through July 3, with the main event being Saša Avsenik’s performance in the evening of Sunday June 22, in Bevkov Trg Nova Gorica. Upon checking in to the hotel in Nova Gorica on our first day, we attended the business conference where we were inspired by the creativity, innovation and global success of Slovenians in a variety of industries and sectors. Following this, Walter Šuber, Andrew Šuber, and I attended the Meeting of Radio Programs from Slovenia and the world, where we were given a guided tour of the Radio Koper studio in Nova Gorica.With my love and passion for radio and more specifically VOSA Radio, it was an amazing opportunity to have conversations and gain a deeper understanding of their broadcasting operations and engage in meaningful conversations. Comprising of Slovenians from all around the world discussions revolved around content creation for audiences, sustaining audience and community engagement and exploring new opportunities for connection and collaboration—making it an excellent platform for exchanging ideas. To finish the day, we visited the border where Slovenia and Italy meet—between the towns of Nova Gorica and Gorizia. There we embraced the centuries of shared history between the communities and took a moment to reflect on the profound importance of the European Capital of Culture 2025.
The next day most of the group had chosen the bus excursion to Trieste and its surrounding areas. We explored the charming Italian city and visited a fascinating bread and fish museum. Our tour guide made the experience even more enjoyable by sharing insightful stories and knowledge about each location we visited all while keeping us entertained with plenty of laughs and good humour. The day wrapped up with a delicious three-course Slovenian lunch at a local Gostilna in Komen. The return bus ride to Nova Gorica was filled with laughter, Slovenian music, and a warm appreciation of the stunning countryside outside our windows.
Each morning, I woke up to the glorious and picturesque view of Sveta Gora from my hotel room, a reminder of the beauty and history surrounding me. On the final day we began with Mass at the church up on Sveta Gora. The hike was steep and the sun relentless but reaching the top and taking in the sweeping view over Slovenia was breathtaking. With it being the final day, I felt a mix of excitement, gratitude but also sadness as I didn’t want it to end. A special highlight was the evening live performance by Saša Avsenik, with memories to last a lifetime. Sharing that moment with Slovenians from Australia and all around the world, was something incredibly unique and meaningful, an experience you don’t get too often. The performance was full of energy and joy and as I turned around to observe the sea of smiling faces, dancing and singing. I had a real ‘pinch me’ moment. I felt so lucky to be present at such a lively global celebration, enjoying delicious Slovenian food and the beautiful sounds of traditional music. We danced into the night, celebrating not only our shared heritage but the deep connections that brought us all together.
Sveta gora
The last day had arrived and we all said goodbye as we left Nova Gorica. Some continued their travels, others headed straight home and like myself, a few took the opportunity to visit family and continue travelling. My uncle picked me up from Nova Gorica and I returned to my family’s home in Godovič. With the time I had left, I rented a car and embarked on several day trips, soaking in the breathtaking scenery along the way. One highlight was driving up the Vršič Pass and down through Kranjska Gora, ending the day with a refreshing swim and kremšnita in sunny Lake Bled. I’m truly thankful for the unforgettable moments spent with family whom I don’t often get to see—it was a real joy to be together. Adventuring to some of Slovenia’s top sights, from the great heights of Ljubljana Castle to the historic cities of Maribor and Ptuj, each are a stand out with their own qualities. I also enjoyed a few relaxing days by the coast with my friend, Andrew Šuber. We wandered through the charming streets of Piran and Izola, took in the seaside atmosphere, and wrapped up our time together with a delicious seafood platter overlooking the water in Piran.
Full credit to Natasha Kapusin, President of the Slovenian Australian Association Canberra for her exceptional efforts in organising the group from Australia and for her unwavering dedication throughout the entire trip. It was wonderful to connect with Slovenians from Canberra and hearing about how much they were enjoying Slovenia and what they had planned for the remainder of their trip. A special thank you to the Office of Slovenians Abroad for hosting and putting together such a wonderful event.
Janez Jansa
My trip to Slovenia was much more than a visit. It was an opportunity to network with Slovenians from all corners of the earth, deepen my cultural connections and remind me of the endless love I have for my beautiful grandparents. Each moment reinforced the enduring strength of Slovenian identity across the globe. It has left me with lasting memories, a greater commitment to preserving and celebrating our culture, and gratitude for the enduring connections that bind Slovenian communities worldwide.
Jordan Covich