SLOVENIA'S 5 CORE VALUES

I realise that this is a luxury these days. It is hard to afford an apartment on the salaries we have today, let alone a house of your own. Rental prices have skyrocketed. Everyone wants their own place because it means you are not dependent on others, but for many it is a dream that is difficult to realise. How can a young person earn enough to buy a home? The sad fact is that, even among those who are working, very few can afford to do so without taking out a loan with a 25-year repayment period.

Last time I went to the shop. There was an elderly lady waiting at the entrance, asking passers-by for a euro. It is always difficult for me when I see someone like that. I hope I never have to do something like that. Let's say asking people for change because I wouldn't have enough for food. Nobody is comfortable in such situations; not the person who has to ask, not the person who comes by. I have to admit that when I meet homeless people, it makes me uncomfortable. Mostly because of the knowledge that life has not spared them. I feel sorry for them.  

That's when I remember the last time I was in Ljubljana. I was taking my mother for a check-up and while waiting for her I went for a walk in Tivoli. When I was coming back from the car park, of course I had to stop in front of a parking meter to pay the parking fee. There was a gentleman in a wheelchair who greeted me kindly. After I had paid the parking fee, he asked me quietly if I had any euros. He took pity on me, I admit. I gave him the coins I had left. He was very grateful. When he laughed at me, I noticed that he was completely toothless. He wished me a good day and all the best for the rest of my life.

I sat in the car and almost cried. It was hard for me. I looked through my bag and my change and handed all the remaining coins and a €10 note to the gentleman on the trolley at the exit of the car park. He had tears in his eyes. I wished him well too and drove home.

How lucky we are, even if we don't have much. We have a roof over our heads and money to buy the food, clothes and things we need. We are healthy and we can do all kinds of jobs to earn money. We can afford health care if we need it. Do we really realise how lucky and grateful we can be?

Maja Grošelj, 24. 2. 2025