SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

Robi, the head of the family, comes to my rescue for everything related to house repairs. When there are trees to trim, things to fix around or in the house, or if my car breaks down, I can always count on him. He never turns me down. He always comes with the right tools and good advice, even though he really doesn't have the time. And if he can't immediately, he starts looking for solutions, because it's easier for him as a local. He often lends me something that I don't have, without any hesitation. No one asks for payment in return, and their motto is that good neighbourly relations are worth the effort and that the relationship must be fair.

Valeria, Robi's wife, has a huge heart. Whenever I cannot go to the valley, she brings me everything I need from the shop. Although I would gladly give her money or something else in return, she does not accept it. She always has a warm smile and a kind word, which brightens my day. I often chat with her and although the conversations are sometimes short, they are always honest and pleasant. Their son Gasper has helped me solve technical problems many times. Whenever I ask him for help, he obliges without hesitation. You can only wish for neighbours like that who take the time to be there for you, because not everyone is like that. Many do offer to help, but when you need something, they use ready-made excuses.

What I appreciate most about the Turniški family is that I feel that I am always welcome. When their carefully grown organic blueberries ripen, they are the first to be distributed among the neighbours. Before they sell them, Valerija brings me a bowl of fresh and sweet blueberries, full of the warmth of home. If she can't find me, she just puts them on the table by the entrance. There is nothing better than starting the day with such a gesture of kindness.

In our village, there is nothing better than meeting good neighbours who greet you with a smile and with whom you can say a useful word about nature and food production. Having neighbours like the Turnikovs and a few others, I can always leave the door open, because I know that they are really honest people I can trust. They would not give anything away or take anything away, at most they would bring it to the house. Their help means a lot to me, and although I never ask for more than I really need, they always go the extra mile. Neighbours like that are a real asset and they make me feel at home in Vodice, even though my roots are from elsewhere.

Silva Požlep, 22. 3. 2025