How did you arrange your private and work life here in Ulm? I live in Neu-Ulm in a peaceful neighborhood; center of Ulm is in a walking distance, Danube is close as well, so I can walk along the river, shopping moll, market, and stores are close too… In short, I adjusted to the environment (work and private) fast and with a low level of stress. Only my German language skills are rather basic, so that can be an issue sometimes; google translate helps.
How do you stay in contact with your loved ones? It is actually easy to stay in contact with my family and friends at home, nowadays. Phones and computers are a big help. I also go home every couple of months, as Slovenia is not that far away. I also got used to the local environment quite fast.
Please complete: Winning the lottery, I would … do absolutely nothing. Actually, I know what I would not do. I do not like to guess what would be if…. Actually, to answer the question I believe I should buy a lottery ticket first.
Do you have a secret or non-secret passion? No, no secret passions. My passions out of work are landscaping, renovating old wooden furniture, outdoor activities.
When you were a child, which profession did you dream of? At first, I wanted to be nurse, than a teacher (history and geography) than that changed to journalist.
Which person (dead or alive) would you like to meet and why? I would like to talk to my grandparents again. I believe that I could learn a lot from theirs common sense and practical solutions that they have to use/invent in theirs lives with 11 children and with about 50m² big house. They survive through the 1st and the 2nd World War. I believe that they could give me a lot of valuable advices.
Thinking back, I would say the things that we had to do for the first time shaped me the most, namely being platoon leader in newly formed military forces, establishing the first, fully professional infantry battalion in 1996, deployment on missions, introducing new standards and equipment into the military, being CBRN battalion commander, deputy brigade commander etc. Fortunately, I always had good commanding officers and from them I’ve learned a lot. When I say commanding officers I mean not only Slovenian but also foreign that I had a chance to work with on exercises, missions and when serving in NATO HQ’s.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I hope I will enjoy in retirement, will move back to my home village. If everything goes well I’ll set up my little workshop and dedicate my time to my hobbies: reading, knitting, crocheting, gardening and working with wood.
Should I travel to your home country, what would you recommend not to be missed? Ha, there is so much to see and do in Slovenia that I would first ask: What are yours preferences? We have Spas in different parts of Slovenia, we have Adriatic Sea, high mountains, lakes, beautiful hills, rivers which are still full of life, huge and beautiful caves and natural parks, three vine regions, gastronomic wizards like Ana Ros (3 Michelin stars), or do you want to ski? Of course, you can find ski slopes as well. If you like history, there is a lot to be found in Slovenia. Maybe you like waterfalls, we have many beautiful ones. There is a lot to do and see in Slovenia. So, my advice to everyone would be: don’t overlook Slovenia. Do not drive through Slovenia, stop for a day and you might wish for more.