The owners, Peter Mandič and Romana Klepac, are already semi-retired, but their pace of life is no less fast-paced. They love cooking, they love welcoming guests and making them feel comfortable. Peter is in the kitchen for most of the day, happily preparing every meal, while Romana makes sure that every visitor feels the warmth and friendliness. She is an extremely warm person, always ready to help.
Once a week, on cold winter mornings when Ljubljana is still asleep, municipal workers come to take away the rubbish. Romana always greets them with a warm look because she knows how hard their work is. Every time they arrive, she offers them a warm cup of coffee or tea.
"Most people take their work for granted, but there are few who do. The least I can do is warm them up with a warm cup of coffee." Even now, with warmer days coming, tea will be replaced by cold juice.
They are very grateful every time. It's just the little touches that mean so much to them. They quickly drink their drink, have a biscuit or two, and then go back to work.
Why free when you could charge them for a drink?
"They deserve all my respect. In the mornings, when the temperatures are still below zero, they keep our city clean and take away our rubbish. They are out in the cold all day and they work hard. Money means a lot, but not more than respect for your fellow man. If it makes their day a little brighter, then my goal is achieved," she explained repeatedly.
They also stop by for a snack on several occasions. They have a nice attitude towards each other, which is invaluable.
"I've done a lot of things. I've been earning my own money since I was 18 and I've learned to respect people who do their work with heart and soul, even when conditions are very bad. If we can, let's help each other and the world will be a much better place." says Romana.
"We all call them 'scavengers'. In fact, we are the garbage men, and they are the gentlemen who make sure we don't suffocate in the garbage. Every day, again and again, despite some days off (for us), in all weathers, they go to work and make sure our environment is clean."
It is all based on respect for our fellow human beings. Nice acts mean a lot, even if it's just a small cup of hot coffee.
Nuša Želko, 2. 2. 2025
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