05/15/2008
As Luka quite rightly pointed out, the green ring around Ljubljana is still called the “Path of Remembrance and Comradeship” (Pot spominov in tovarištva). It is a well-maintained gravel-paved recreational footpath running around the entire city through urban areas and the surrounding meadows and forests, along the course of the barb wire fence which surrounded Ljubljana during World War II (from 1942 onwards), when the Italian and later German occupying forces tried to prevent contacts between the city and its hinterland. The barb wire fence was guarded by around 1,300 soldiers and 400 policemen, who checked the identity papers of those travelling to and from the city.
Source and more info: Ljubljana City Website
Every year on 9 May or the Saturday closest thereto, numerous people of Ljubljana walk at least one of the stretches of the 35km hike around the city to celebrate the liberation of the city in 1945. Just as traditional is the race of teams of three runners. They have to run together and cross the finish line together. This marks the team spirit that helped the people of Ljubljana and the resistance forces outside the barb-wire ring make it through the toughest times.
Here are some random photos from the hike and race of 2008.
05/14/2008
Today, over lunch, my favourite New Yorker claimed I posted far too few photos from the Dominican Republic. So let me try to make it up to you guys. For starters, this is Jose who kindly introduced me to the “really” fresh coconuts… one to drink from and another to enjoy the delicious taste of the… fruit? Yumm… Thanks, Jose!
(blackberries may not be the best cameras one can use)
Here comes the medal from “the POT” – (Pot okoli Ljubljane – Pot ob žici). Btw, Pengovsky’s Liberation Day Hike posts from the first ever Slovenian “live blogging event” can be found (starting) here: http://www.pengovsky.com/2007/05/12/liberation-day-hike-1/
05/12/2008
Unfortunately, I was unable to complete the live reporting from the hike around Ljubljana as my mobile phone decided against it and I could not persuade it to collaborate (err) even though I tried quite hard. Over 400 of us in total did, however, complete the entire 35 km hike and have medals to prove it 😉 The weather was phenomenal and the atmosphere inspiring. This was the first time I did the entire stretch, but I get the feeling it will not be the last.
See you next year!
05/10/2008
Walk around Ljubljana… Stretch your legs, breathe in fresh air, pay respect to the liberators of Ljubljana and meet old friends.
The traditional trojkas race w teams three runners strong. Originally each carried a rifle and I think they were all dressed in uniforms, but can’t google it right now 😀
This good samaritan makes sure all comrads can keep walking by procuring… err… energy straight from an old motor oil canister.
The Hike around Ljubljana is on. Spotted: the Peng.
