Archives for December 20th, 2005

Two Jems and a Gem (source: 1,2,3).

American newspapers generally ignore Slovenia, but every once in a while you’ll find something in a travel section somewhere, like this recent story from the Boston Globe: Slovenia a multi-faceted Jem of Central Europe. Note that the word is actually spelled "gem." Humorously enough, "Jem" is the name of a militant Islamic terrorist organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed. (Army of Mohammed) or the delicious Welsh musician. (See above) I don’t think they meant either.

Otherwise the story follows what seems to be the standard formula for writing about Slovenia, in which the following points are always assiduously mentioned:

1) Ljubljana is a mini-Prague or the next Prague or the sister of Prague.
2) Bled is gorgeous/awesome/bodacious.
3.a.) Everything is small and easy-to-reach, which makes exploring Slovenia easy.
3.b.) Although everything is small and easy-to-reach, the writer still doesn’t travel anywhere east of Ljubljana, ignoring Celje, Maribor, Murska Sobota and half of the entire country.
4.a.) Slovenia is great because it’s "hidden," "off-the-beaten-path," "uncrowded," and "unknown" to the filthy, stinking tourist masses.
4.b.) Although Slovenia is great because it’s off-the-beaten-path and not touristy, the writer only visits the main tourist sites of the country: Bled, Postojna, Ljubljana. At no point does he/she leave the beaten path.

I think that just about covers it. 

(Thanks Jesse!)