Carnival Time

So The Captain and I went to Venice Carnival this weekend. Some people warned us against it, citing the crowds and the chaos as a deterrent, but I am glad I didn't listen. There was lots to see and hey I'm from New York, I like a little crowd every once in a while.

Black Expat Supastah

I'm sorry I haven't blogged more. I am working on a few other posts and should have them up soon.

So, two funny things happened today which made me feel slightly internet famous.

The first one was discovering that I was pictured on a page of very beautiful people on Le Coil.

The second one was being told by the lovely Adrienne, that I'd been profiled on Black Expat.com.

I'd completely forgotten that I'd responded to this interview. It was quite a while ago, and my life and opinions have already changed so much that I might have to do an update to many of the questions. But it is definitely a good snapshot of one moment in my time. Check it out!

Speak Freely

I just got good news for (some of us) foreigners who need all the help we can get with this language. Free help is on the way!

I emailed a question to the ministry for public affairs and here's what they responded*:

Dear Madam/Sir,

in July 2008 a Decree on integration of aliens entered into force, which forsees the implementation of certain measures with the aim of facilitating the
integration of aliens in the slovene society.

Among those measures is a Slovene language course, provided by the Ministry of the Interior free of charge, but only to aliens fulfilling certain conditions:
- third-country nationals with the permanent residence permits and their family members with residence permits, issued on the basis of family reunification,
- third-country nationals that reside in Slovenia on the basis of temporary residence permits at least 2 years and have been issued a temporary residence permit for at least another year and their family members with residence permits, issued on the basis of family reunification.

The implementation of the courses will begin presumably in May 2009 and you will be able to apply for the course in April 2009 at the administrative unit, where you reside.

A decree is available at http://www.uradni-list.si/1/objava.jsp?urlid=200865&stevilka=2821,
however only in slovene language (Uredba o integraciji tujcev, Uradni list RS, št. 65/2008).

Best regards,
PR Office, Ministry of the Interior, Republic of Slovenia.

I will look into this more in the summer by inquiries at the local admin unit (because the language isn't the clearest and the public servants are quite often not the sharpest knives)...but if I am entitled to free goods or services I am always diligent in the pursuit! Will keep you posted.


*I know this is full of errors. I should probably offer my proofreading services to the government....

A Slovenian In Ghana

I just opened The Captain's favorite weekend news insert Sobotna Priloga (think New York Times magazine) and am in the middle of slowly reading an article about a wonderful Slovenian woman called Barbara Bizovičar who has retired to Ghana and runs her own little retreat, Barbara's Village! I was supposed to go "back home" this year, but my money is --erm -- tied up in other investments at the moment. However, when me and The Captain can count up enough pennies. We will be there and will certainly visit Gospa Bizovičar!

Here are some images







More gorgeous pictures here !

*Incidentally, it seems Mrs. Bizovičar is the mother of one of the hosts of my least favorite show in Slovenia, but luckily he is the other host (the one who has yet to really offend me).

Snowy Walk

I went on a snowy walk around the hood the other night. Contrast with the sunnier days pictured here.