Archives for June 1st, 2004

Hotel Zusterna in Koper.

I’m back, like the bitch in the Elton John song. And yes, I had a wonderful long-weekend in Koper/Capodistria.

Unfortunately, we had to return a little earlier than planned because of a misunderstanding during check-in. See, we asked for a “quiet room,” and although the concierge promised us the “quietest room in the hotel,” he actually meant to say: “The quietest room in the hotel until the sun sets, after which it becomes the loudest room in Koper, because it’s directly above a small stage where live bands play 80s schlock-rock until 2 a.m. followed by a fireworks show.”

Just to be clear: Hotel Zusterna is a family hotel; it openly promotes itself as such. That’s why we picked it. And sure enough, the guests were overwhelmingly parents with young children. Plus retired couples. There was no one in the 20-30 age group, or anyone who looked like they wanted to rock-n-roll all night and party every day. Knowing this, why would you stage really long, really loud rock concerts in the parking lot?

Janez and the Ear-Drum Breakers prepare to rock. Note the massive audience.

I just don’t get it. On Saturday night, we slept terribly. But we were in high spirits and assumed it was an isolated event. The next evening, we noticed more bands warming up and decided to leave rather than suffer through another night of cheesy guitar solos.

When we went to the concierge to ask for our money back, he calmly told us: “Yes, a lot of guests have been complaining.” As if this were slightly interesting, but in no way useful, information.

Despite this, we had a wonderful time. Slovenes often make fun of their own coast, but I really enjoy spending time there. That’s why this week will be Koper Week here on The Glory of Carniola. From June 1st to June 6th, there will only be pictures and posts about Koper (and Izola!). If you don’t care about Koper (or Izola!) the only thing to do is wait until Monday, when the posts about Koper (and Izola!) will stop.