Some of them don't want to be exposed, but they share with me very heartfelt stories. I think some of them really deserve to stay among people who understand and appreciate them.
When I was talking to Simona about which story she would like to share with me, she mentioned Our a story of friendship, unexpected help and connection. A story that carries the values of trust, respect and mutual help.
In October 2020, I was looking for some information about the Gorenjska branch of the Slovenian version of the Jacob's Way. I turned to the Facebook page The Way of St James - Camino Slovenia. There I found the information I needed and, quite unexpectedly, a place to stay. Simona kindly answered all my questions and in one of her messages she wrote: »On the way from Ljubno to Bled, you can spend the night with me.«
I couldn't believe it. I was surprised and touched that a person I had only known through online conversations offered me a place to stay - and opened the door of her home to me. From that moment on, a special kind of trust began to develop between us. We agreed on all the details of my arrival and when I arrived, Simona even met me on the way. We walked together to her home.
I still vividly remember our first hug and the joy of meeting. Her dog Ruby was with her and she immediately greeted me. I was treated like a queen at Simona's - I had my own room and room service, and we had a wonderful conversation that will stay with me for a long time. The next morning, with gratitude in my heart, I continued on my way in the dark, with Simona walking me one part of the way. I knew then that our friendship had taken on a deeper meaning.
Our paths have crossed many times since then and we are always able to help each other when needed. Later, when I was walking in Gorenjska again, she accompanied me along a section of the trail.
Simona opened the door of her home to me as a complete stranger - and her home became mine.
Our friendship, as Simona says, connects opposite ends of Slovenia, but in reality it has brought us to a common home in the values of warmth, trust and friendship.
Andreja Bakšič Grozdina, 10. 11. 2025
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