It’s 9:00am in the Slovenian countryside. Our group is standing around, chatting with the owners of this beautiful, hand-built barn, where we had left the horses and the bikes the evening before. Huge hay rounds are stacked to the ceiling and the smell is fresh and pleasant. The bikers are getting ready to start peddling for the day and us horse folks are getting ready to hop in the saddle.
But first, the schnapps. For courage and for custom, yes, but most of all for friendship. Shots are poured around and as we look in each other’s eyes, we all say Na zdravje (which most of us still can’t say quite right) and we down the liquid fire. On this particular day however, the shot is smoother than some of the others and we find that this family prefers honey schnapps. Quite lovely for a chilly morning.
There are all kinds of flavors here in the Karst region of Slovenia. There’s schnapps made with plums, pears, sage, apples and honey – the families typically have a specialty and the flavors are of the season. This tradition is long-standing in the countryside and we are literally offered schnapps everywhere we go; which for the bikers ended up being a bit of a wild ride when their local guide took them to his village for visits with his friends and family. I think they visited with lots of friends and family that day!
Borut, our fearless guide and leader, tells us though, that the knowledge of schnapp-making is dying out with the older generation. It saddens me to hear this, but I’m hopeful for them. The sharing of schnapps is such a huge part of their culture, that I can’t imagine it going away. Just like it’s happening here in the States though, I’m sure there will be a steadfast group of younger folks emerging, that will be dedicated to keeping the traditions alive. It’s my belief that tourist dollars help in that regard.
Our tourist dollars actually help in all of the places that we go. Especially since we spend most of our time and dollars in small, rural communities. From the artisans, to the shop owners, to tour operators, small vineyards, local markets and small inns – everyone is so happy to share their culture and creations with us. Of course, it is about bringing extra income into these off-the-beaten-path places, but it always goes beyond the money. It’s just as much about the stories, pride of culture and the smiles we share, as we try to communicate to each other in our respective languages.
So, when you go on a trip with me, we always find the local folks. The weavers and ceramic artists and produce growers and wine makers and chocolate artists. What we share is rich and unforgettable and the things I bring home as presents and souvenirs bring a warm feeling to my heart every time I gift them and see them.
If you’re ready to join me for an adventure of riding, hiking, shopping and sharing, I still have some spots left for horses (and maybe bikes) in Montenegro and hiking in the Cotswolds. And I’m just putting the finishing touches on my horse riding trip to Wales so stay tuned for that!
