marko

At some point during our stay in Austria we received an invitation from Marko, a friend of Andi's and a new friend of ours, who lives in Slovenia, to stay with him. Having met Marko last time Andi was in London we were keen to meet up with him again, particularly on his home turf. So, after leaving Andi, Woz and I drove to Maribor which is just over the border in Slovenia. Marko, who has only spent a small amount of time with us, gave us his address with instructions to park and then text him so that he could come and give us the keys to his apartment. We were blown away by his generosity and the trust he afforded us. Not only that he had taken the time to email us loads of information on Maribor so that our stay there was so effortless.

His apartment was quite surreal, in a dilapidated block which looked quite dubious from the outside. Inside, his apartment was spacious and oozing with character. We'd have moved in permanently had he given us opportunity!

Although he had a busy work schedule the three days we were there he made time to meet with us after work and today we had a precious few hours with him enjoying icecream and a coffee in the afternoon sun. Like Andi, Marko too had quite a way with the locals in his home town of Maribor. From casual glances and a nod of the head exchanged with familiar passers by to handshakes and inpromptu conversations. We felt privelaged to be in his company especially given his frantic work life!

There is no better way to see a city than in the company of a true local and Marko is just that. He knew the history of the city and seemed to have a story for every corner we came across. He knew where to buy the best home-made cake, sample the best icecream and the finest seafood.

It was fascinating to talk with him and we learned so much. We look forward to repaying him. Perhaps in Libya?! If we ever get our visas of course!