Maribor
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 146: Maribor’s weather today is as indecisive as a gnome at a mushroom fair. Temperatures at a lukewarm 17.86°C, feeling like 17.03°C. Few clouds are skulking about, probably scared of my grumpy face. As a gnome, I’m not sweating bullets, just plastic beads. Humidity’s at 51%, which makes my beard frizz something awful. Wind’s whistling at 2.06 m/s, just enough to give my little gnome hat a twirl. Gnome-tastic weather, I say!
Grapes, Gnomes, and Slovenian Tones!
While trudging through the lush landscapes, I noticed something that immediately caught my eye. This region is home to some of the world’s most beautiful vineyards. I felt as though I had been transported into a painting, complete with rolling hills, clusters of ripe grapes and the aroma of fermenting wine in the air. As the Slovenian saying goes, “Življenje je prekratko, da bi pili slabo vino” – Life is too short to drink bad wine.
Crossing the border was a linguistic adventure as well. The shift from the Croatian dialect to Slovene was fascinating. Here’s a phrase I picked up: “Lep dan” which means “Have a nice day”. I must say, the Slovene language has a certain musicality to it.
In my travels, I’ve learned that it’s not just about the destination, but the journey itself. And what a journey it’s been! I’ve been on the road for 146 days, covered a total distance of 4445.7 kilometers, with recent stops in Samobor, Zagreb, Krapina, and now Maribor.
As I was walking, a local song kept playing in my head. It goes like this, “Pod mojim oknom cveto pomaranče, jaz sem pa v daleč, daleč od doma.” This translates to, “Oranges are blooming under my window, but I am far, far away from home.” It’s a poignant reminder that even when we travel, home is always a part of us.
And so, fellow wanderers, as I sign off from the quaint city of Maribor, remember the words of Slovenian philosopher Drago Jančar, “Življenje je kot niz bežnih trenutkov. Ujemite jih.” – Life is a series of fleeting moments. Catch them.
Do join me on my next adventure! Lep dan!
Wandering Maribor’s Streets
Gnome’s Quirky Canvas Capers
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Maribor.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Maribor: Grapes, Verses, & Time Travels
Firstly, Maribor is home to the oldest vine in the world, known as Stara Trta. This gnarled beauty, estimated to be over 400 years old, still produces grapes today! How’s that for resilience? As they say in Slovenia, “Stara ljubezen ne zarjavi“, which translates to “Old love does not rust”.
Secondly, Maribor prides itself in being a city of poetry and music. The famous Slovenian poet, Dr. France Prešeren, even immortalized Maribor in his verses. The city also hosts the renowned Maribor Theatre Festival, the oldest and most prestigious theatre festival in Slovenia where the sounds of Slovenia’s greatest composers like Slavko Osterc often fill the air.
Indeed, Maribor isn’t just a city, it’s a living testament to Slovenia’s rich culture and history. “Dobrodošli v Mariboru!” or “Welcome to Maribor!” as they say in Slovenia.
Vine Times in Maribor
In Maribor, I encountered a richly cultural ritual, the Old Vine Festival. This tradition celebrates the oldest vine in the world! It’s a grand affair with the vine’s caretaker ceremonially harvesting the grapes. They say, “Stara trta, stara modrost” – “Old vine, old wisdom”. They also toast with “Zdravljica“, a Slovenian toast to good health. The festival blends modern merriment with deep-rooted reverence for nature’s bounty. Truly, Maribor is a city of ancient wisdom and youthful exuberance!
Maribor’s Gnome-tastic Gems
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 