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SLOVENIA 101
The mountains give way to incredible green valleys decorated
with 16 thousand miles of lakes, rivers and streams. Of the 59
major rivers in the country, the Soca River is certainly one of
the jewels -- this river from our experience has to be one of
the most beautiful rivers in the world. There are lots of rivers
in Slovenia, but very little coastline, so perhaps the most im-
portant real estate to Slovenians is their 29 miles of beautiful
coastline along the Adriatic Sea.
Slovenians we met appreciated their country’s grandeur,
beauty and cultural charms and enjoyed showing it off. They
also take advantage of it. Most are outdoor enthusiasts who
love to hike, bike, ski, climb really tall mountains, kayak or raft
down swiftly flowing rivers and splash in the Adriatic.
That love of nature likely explains why Slovenians care deeply
about their environment. During our stay we saw about
two-thirds of the country and noticed very little urban sprawl,
industrial eye-sores or pollution. That’s by design; more than
11 percent of Slovenia’s territory is specially protected.
Top: The Soca river has to be one of the
most beautiful rivers not only in Slovenia
but in the world. Right: The many land-
scapes of Slovenia.
At Petra, camels, donkeys, dramatic sand-
stone gorges and cliffs, and stunning ruins
34 WDT MAGAZINE SPRING 2017 make up one of the world’s great treasures.
