B-ezine lifestyle | travel | food & drink | nature
Content
Contrary to traditional magazine structure we invite you to experience something different. Something new. Something that gives you the luxury of freedom. Just like picking berries in a forest, or better yet in our resort plantation, we offer you to browse, read, and enjoy this magazine not according to sections but to your own liking. Icons that are placed on sides of pages will guide you through this experience.
WE ARE BECOMING LOCALS After the ‘Vinska Vigred weekend’, we
preparing the terrace for the reception.
needed some time to recover and to charge
Although in the beginning it seemed like there
our batteries. Monday as a ‘Silent day’ was
won’t be many people, all of the sudden the
perfect for that! For the whole day we weren’t
neighbours started arriving in large groups
allowed to talk to anybody (Ana was the only
and the terrace was completely full. Andreja
one allowed to talk with visitors in the resort),
Veselič prepared finger food for us, while
and trust us — it was not easy. Anyway, we did
we enjoyed giving the guests a private tour
good, but Ana chatted too much so we ‘hanged’
through the camp. We want to thank her once
her and punished her with cleaning the next
again — Andreja, you rock!
morning.
During this week we had the first journalist
Around that point we realized that we
ever in BB — Linda from Večernji List (Croatia)
should bond a bit with our neighbours and
with her daughter Nola and friend Sandra
get to know each other, so we decided to make
joined us for few days. It turned out that little
a party with them. We prepared baskets with
Nola (5) is a natural born star, she had a little
strawberries and blueberries and went to
singing show during the ‘Neighbourhood
invite the neighbours to join us at the dinner
party’.
reception in the resort.
On Friday morning we decided to go to Rijeka
While part of the team went to visit our
to have some fun during the Student Days.
partners Berryshka, who produce artisan
We packed our things and went to check out
chocolates and spirits, the others were
Urban, Elemental and Postolar Tripper — the
6
7
Tripper — the
rope over the river
d’affaires of Venezuela
bands that were on
and tying it between
Mr. Wilmer Armando
the schedule for that
the trees — right in
Depablos, who was
evening. The Croatian
between Slovenia and
on his business tour
girls were excited not
Croatia. Then, we went
through Bela krajina,
only because of the
full speed down the
and his colleagues,
concert but because
stream and cut it for
along with mayor of
for the others that was
the opening. Of course,
Metlika Mr. Darko
the first real Croatian
everything had to be
Zevnik, MP Ms. Violeta
concert. And of course
recorded by GoPro and
To m i č
Urban nailed it! What
camera, along with our
director of regional
better way to promote
many fails.
development
good quality Croatian music.
Although in BIG BERRY
‘f ree
day’
and
th e
agency Mr. Peter
Upon returning to
doesn’t exist, let’s say
BIG BERRY resort some
that our Sundays are a
All in all, one
of us went to Zagreb to
bit more relaxing. We
more week is behind
pick up Martin from
went for a lunch at ‘Pri
us
Czech Republic — a
starem Pildu’ and made
progressing
new
of
a recipe for the original
well, now
our colourful team.
BIG BERRY salad — ‘BIG
w i th
Afterwards it was
BERRY BALAD’. Healthy
bigger group! Stay
time
& delicious of course!
tuned and wait for our
member
to
open
the
swimming season in
Soon
after
Črnič.
and
we’ re
eve n
th e
next post, weeks are
our camp. We decided
lunch, some new, and
passing extremely fast!
to try out our amazing
very important guests
canoe, by putting a
visited us. Chargé
9
A minimalist design, top quality materials, refined ergonomics and intelligent details. Berry has a character that one cannot overlook and is immediately recognizable from a distance. When you look closely, you will be impressed by its imagination and “smart� design signed by the Italian architect Alessandro Rado.
DIGITALLY ENGAGED IN K0LPA H
onestly, we are junkies. Social media and technology junkies, but junkies no less.
It is a rare moment to spot someone without typing or browsing something on laptop, or swiping and snapping on a smartphone. We are fortunate enough that we are surrounded by nature. Recently we have started having “digital free dinners”. No laptops. No smartphones.
No internet. And oh boy we enjoy them. We cook together and then dine. Just like in the back old days when family would gather around a table a be… well… a family. However, on following pages we will not moralize you about overusing technology. First, we are not the right ones to give such a lesson. And secondly we have something much better. You may read what has caught our attention. What has recently inspired us. What we think will give you some food for thought. Oh, and don’t expect any Instagram photos from our dinners. Enjoy!
CANOEING WEEKEND On the turn of the new week we decided
in the delicious hazelnut Ghee, called LeGhee.
that we are going to make our very own
The next day our dear Bibi from BIBI
magazine — B-EZINE, that will contain the
turizem came to our camp to make a sewing
highlights of our work throughout the month.
workshop with us. She brought little lavender
At the same time we got a last minute
sachets which we marked with our cool pink
invitation for the promotion of the special
BB buttons. Every bathroom in each house
edition of D&D magazine in Zagreb. Three of
will contain these little refreshing bags.
us decided to hit the road and try to make a
After the workshop it was time to
promotion of BIG BERRY, which was done with
explore the nature. Since we heard that the
success. This event gave us an idea to do our
surroundings of Semič have the most beautiful
own magazine promotion, but more about this
spring in whole Slovenia, we decided to check
in the upcoming week story.
it out. Krupa river indeed is the most breath
While we were in Zagreb the other part
taking place we seen so far in Bela krajina.
of the team went to one of our favourite
Group 2 went to pick up some of the last
partners — Zlati Ghee. While enjoying the
strawberries this season at Kmetija Pavlovič’s
truly special atmosphere among the Ghee-
berry farm. Anja was the one with most
Guys, we learned about the preparation of one
success, filling 3 boxes of strawberries, while
of our most favourite food in BIG BERRY and
Martin ate most of his and was not very useful.
dipped into the story behind Zlati Ghee…and
Apparently this is how vegans do it.
Saturday morning was the perfect time for a canoe game. We divided people in two canoes and went across the river Kolpa to the waterfalls. The point of the game was to sink the rival canoe. Since we all did our best, we ended up in the water at the same time so there were no losers. After lunch we stopped by to check out the abandoned castle in Gradac. The castle is located on the curve of Lahinja river, where the view spreads over the fall and continues to surround the castle. The evening was reserved for Andreja Veselič’s official birthday celebration. The people from Veselič really prepared a classy party with roast, goulash and a lot of local wine. BB gifted Andreja with a Rosé sparkling wine from Semiška penina and a huge watermelon filled with vodka. The watermelon was a true star of the party — everyone liked it very much. Especially our IT guy Rok, who couldn’t take his hands of it. Sunday started pretty intense with few of us going on a canoe trip to Božakovo, which was about 15 kilometres downstream. There, we were pleasantly surprised with a basket full of treats with notes from our girls Ana & Hang. While some of us were canoeing, the others were preparing a Sunday barbecue in the BB resort. Our fitness and boxing trainer Janko, lived up to his nickname McJanko and did an
amazing job at the grill. But also our vegan & vegetarian members prepared great things — lots of salad, grilled vegetables and veggie dressings. There’s nothing else to say except — yummy! After the BBQ and chilling in our lovely greenish backyard, we had our usual week meeting with bosses. Few constructive critics, sharing some ideas and exploring new methods, brought us to the end of one more exciting week. Stay tuned, another post is just around the corner!
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Jurjevanje 2016, the biggest folklore festival in Slovenia
People coming from all over the world to the annual Jurjevanje folklore festival filled the streets of ÄŒrnomelj also this year. Opening of the pulsating week packed with cultural events started on Wednesday, 22nd of June in the Youth Centre with dance and music performance. It is the oldest of its kind in the whole Slovenia and possible in the region bringing cultures together, introducing locals to enchanting traditions, art and craft from remote parts of the Earth. Where else would also locals get a chance to dance with Columbian women whose smile are simply disarming. Within the five days Jurjevanje hosted quality cultural and entertainment program interesting both, for younger visitors as well as for the older generation.
Berry is a small world of comfort and sophisticated design. Small on the outside, but spacious on the inside. Refreshingly airy in the summer and pleasantly warm in the winter. Nothing too much, nothing too little. The luxury of a contemporary home in direct contact with nature.
Why building castles in the air is not a waste of time As an event manager your creativity is one of your most valuable asset. It is the reason why people keep talking about your events months after it happened. Anyhow, there are days when a new client stumbles in your office and requests an event for his next product launch. He wants it big, he wants it great, he wants it unique – and all that pops up in your head are the flower bouquets of last week’s wedding you organised, the logoshaped cookies you created for at least 25 business events and that one venue you could call your second office. Obviously, your creative cells are somewhat hibernating at some point if they constantly being asked for the next WOW-factor that has never wow-ed anyone before. The more events you plan the more experience you get yet the more you might get caught up in a circle your creativity keeps spinning around. Naturally your creativity is restricted at some point since you are limited to budgets, laws and restrictions and, last but not least, the question of feasibility. While you’ll selfevidentially work within laws and restrictions and budget limits over the years because there is no way of avoiding them, the question of feasibility limits your creativity right from the beginning – but why? Just imagine the first brainstorming session you’ll have with your team for that product launch. You’ll say “hey, why don’t we create candy land?” – but right there and then comes the question “…and how exactly do you want to realise that in the venue?” In an instant your idea has been shattered into a million of pieces, the castle you tried to build in the air is blown away and you go back to the colourful flower bouquets from last week’s wedding that have matched so well with the venue’s style. Here you are again…riding the circle of used ideas. Break It Now! Ban the question of feasibility from your very first brainstorming meeting and start building castles in the air. Big, colourful and insomuch unrealistic castles that even your kid at home would give you a strange look and ask “Seriously,
mom?” Who cares if it is the middle of summer
see or experience. Build castles in the air with
but an igloo would just be the perfect place for
your friends and even kids and put them in
serving appetizers? What does it matter if you
your pocket to blow them up in the office. Make
never served the drinks with little remote-
them huge, because they will be built down as
controlled airplanes before? Collect ideas, as
soon as the question of feasibility pops up.
impossible as they may seem, and later you can
Anyhow, inside that big, colourful castle in the
still work on how to make it possible.
air lies the idea that is actually implementable
What helped me a lot in the past was simply
and knocks your client’s socks off. If SpongeBob
talking casually about the event to people who
Squarepants and his friends can have a cosy
do not actually work on it. They don’t have the
bonfire under water, you can find a way to
budget, laws and other restricting factors in
make your event idea, as impossible as it may
mind, they just go with what they would like to
seem, work.
A minimalist design, top quality materials, refined ergonomics and intelligent details. Berry has a character that one cannot overlook and is immediately recognizable from a distance. When you look closely, you will be impressed by its imagination and “smart� design signed by the Italian architect Alessandro Rado.
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK The week started with the arrival of
On Thursday it was finally time for the
Leticia, a marketing consultant and blogger
official promotion of BIG BERRY’s very own
from Spain. Also, Ana’s friend Sanja, who is
magazine B — EZINE. The evening started
a painter, joined us for a few days. She was
with Andreja Veselič’s food corner, offering
having fun by drawing our portraits while not
žlinkofi and amazing salmon pancake bites.
looking at the paper. Some of them turned out
Later on we continued with the ˝thank you
pretty accurate.
speech˝ to all our partners, without whom
We were excited to visit Šuklje wine cellar
BIG BERRY would not exist. The Croatian
for the first time, where we were welcomed
girls gave the speech, after which the others
with pogača, of course, but also homemade
had to read few sentences in Slovenian. Later
salami and cheese… Matija’s smile and charm
on Miha Veselič, our very own harmonica
got us from the start. He kindly took us to his
musician for the night, inspired us to shake
basement established in 1994 and explained 6
a leg along with some very delicious cocktails
different sorts of wine. Everyone was excited
by Jan and Tedi. They really did their best
to learn more about wine until the first glass
and brought half of the cocktail bar from the
of wine and first piece of salami took our
Ljubljana’s Zoo with them. Jan’s experimental
attention.
strawberry cocktail was the star of the night,
On Tuesday Anja, Ana and Vita went to
to the extent that people didn’t want to even
Zagreb to pick up Angel, the newspaper
try anything else. Meanwhile Tedi took care
editor of Novinite from Bulgaria. Anja, being
of the shooters –refreshing ginger and chilli
in Zagreb and Croatia in general for the first
turned out to be quite amazing.
time, received a mini Zagreb tour, followed
Friday was the day for new business trip,
by the introduction to the range of Croatian
at least for half of our team, visiting new
alcoholic beverages.
potential partners in Kranj and Ljubljana. We
These days we had another very interesting guest in our camp — blogger Dave, who is
were left speechless with Ljubljana’s hidden gem — Mesto oblikovanja. Such an inspiring
currently on a cycling mission ˝Greece to England˝. While we were sipping an apple juice he was sharing some of his adventures from past travels. Dave and his bike brought a new wave of enthusiasm to the resort.
which we decided to treat ourselves with amazing fresh strawberry cocktails, prepared with gin and vodka. It was so tasty that even Danilo’s youngest son was begging us to give him some.
28
Mesto oblikovanja
to pick last of this year’s strawberries, after
Oton Župančič footpath
On Wednesday we went to Kmetija Pavlovič,
Oton Župančič footpath
and magical place!
resort
on
Saturday
in the resort, veggies are
After a long and
evening, we went to
favoured by more and
exhausting day we went
our beloved Izletniška
more people. Janko didn’t
to see blogger Andreja
kmetija Zupančič for
hesitate and prepared
Jernejčič, who prepared
their famous grilled
delicious stew — this time
a big celebration of her
trout.
vegan.
birthday. Sorry for not
Sunday started gloomy
One more week is
being in our best party
and wet, which almost
behind us, and as you can
mood, Andreja. We will
resulted in cancelling
see we’re in the action
make up for it soon!
the BB grill plans, but as
all the time! Stay tuned,
On Saturday morning
soon as the sky cleared,
you don’t want to miss
we joined the locals for the
our masterchef Janko
anything!
Oton Župančič footpath
appeared in the camp
walk. It was a great way to
ready for grilling right
spend the sunny morning
away. We enjoyed his
and see the picturesque
grilled veggies, together
surroundings we live in.
with ajvar and some
Upon reunion of all of
grilled meat. The green
us back in the BIG BERRY
seems to be the new black
Grilled Vegetables with tofu and mushrooms
33
Content that makes (green) sense Delivering content with value and that makes sense, not only for me as a creator or to people, who might get lost within the information pollution can be difficult with ever increasing channels and platforms. Which book should I grab? Which podcast should I listen to? Which newsletter should I subscribe to? Digital content, if structured and delivered appropriately, can be both informative and engaging. Thus the value and the message, be it the company you work for, your own project, or just a message you are trying to get across, can reach your audience. Content has a value for someone else too. In 2010 Bolivia declared nature “a collective subject of public interest” protected by the “Law of the Rights of Mother Earth.” The more suitable content you provide the more people will be able to understand purpose of such content and its value. In this case the value of nature - the very air we breathe, water we drink, and the soil that feeds us. With nature becoming more fragile by human made impact I can see how content can make a whole bunch of a difference. Content created not necessarily to reach your your marketing goals, or get the most likes on Facebook but posted just for the pure pleasure of sharing an enchanting view of landscape, daring streams of rivers and adventurous hike trails in mountains. And no. The windmill in the scene does not ruin the image for me. On the other hand it reminds me that people are trying to find more environmentally friendly way how to live. If more people are able to reconnect with nature they will be more likely to realize the importance of Mother Earth and behave in more sustainable way. Make content that makes sense.
Work from anywhere. Literally! Sign up for a co-living space, grab your smartphone and go to the world. Anywhere. It’s that easy. This isn’t a call only for your new travel adventure but for much more. In today’s digitalized world, where cloud storages and apps allow us to work from anywhere, the idea of home office has been accepted by many companies. There are both pros and cons of working from home. Speaking personally, it has rapidly increased my productivity, enabled me and my colleagues to work on projects and reach our goals in much friendlier digital environment. On the other hand the ability to be connected 24/7 can make it diffcult and to some people almost irresistible to switch off, recharge, and fully commit to your vacation or spend quality time with your family or friends. With desktop computer long forgotten, the dawn of laptops has come as well. We have been getting this message over couple of years. But only now, working in an international team at BIG BERRY, I see how smartphones and tablets might soon replace everything bigger that doesn’t fit in our sustainable cotton bag. A recent project that caught my attention is called ROAM. Their philosophy has incorporated all mentioned above. It is a “international network of communal living spaces” inviting people from all over the world to meet and work with people in places that in my opinion have all something to offer. Whether you move and live there for couple of weeks or months it will surely be an unforgettable experience.
WHAT DOESN’T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER Our week begun with visit to Šuklje winery.
vegan recipes. Martin was, of course, the
Sounds perfect doesn’t it? Matija welcomed
master chef, and with his helpers they made
us with homemade cherry strudel, pogača
the whole vegan menu which was so good that
and variety of wines they produce. We were
Andreja decided to put in on Veselič’s daily
more than happy to try them all, as they bring
offer.
refreshment to the wine offer we had so far.
During the afternoon, BIG BERRY terrace
Šuklje is oriented more towards international
was bursting with creativity. Half of our
market, as we see from the selection they
team was dealing with glass while others
offer — from Sauvignon, Rosé and less known
with textile. Thanks to Jožica and Alenka, we
Laški rizling and Vrbanjka to Aurus, ice wine
learned how to decorate the glass bottles we
that our ladies enjoyed very much.
want to recycle, and how to bring colorful life
On Tuesday Bulgarian bloggers, along
to our linen bags.
with few of us, went to visit Berryshka
Following two days, part of BB crew
distillery, where we enjoyed their exquisite
together with Bulgarian bloggers, went on a
liqueurs — blueberry, cherry, walnut, juniper
little road trip. When we came to Ljubljana,
brandy and so on… It was tough to leave, but
tired of driving, first we had to restore our
we had to say goodbye and hit the road again.
energy. Is there a better way for that than
On the way back we realized that we could
having an ice-cream and raw cake in Cacao?!
pick some elderflower. The problem was that
Yeah, we don’t think so.
it was the end of the blooming season and we
Full of energy, we were ready for
needed to go in the higher parts of Dolenjska
sightseeing around Ljubljana which was
to find it. Luckily, Gače ski resort was close
pretty cool despite the rain. After we checked
by so we headed up the road and guess what?!
Dragon Bridge and Ljubljana Castle, it was
We managed to pick enough for about 30
time for some good lunch. While roaming the
liters. Huge thanks to Bulgarian experts Julia
little streets of Old Town, we found ourselves
and Kristian from Timetotravel Bg and Krasi
in a magic place — Skuhna — social project with
for making an effort. The whole process for
diversity of cultures and traditional cuisines
making syrup lasted 3 days but it was worth it.
Next time when you’re in Ljubljana, this is the
In the end we got 34 liters of the syrup. Maria
place where you have to (but really have to!)
from Travelling Buzz was the main chef so it
go to spend some time and explore new exotic
stayed in the hands of Bulgarians.
meals. (Check Kristina’s blog in Digitally
Next day in our schedule there were two
Engaged section)
workshops. First one was vegan course in
After lunch, we went to Mesto oblikovanja
Gostišče Veselič. Do you remember our “not
where we attended ‘International Economic
new anymore” intern Martin? You know, the
Architecture Forum’ and had an opportunity
vegan guy? Okay, now you know. Well, Martin
to listen about design solutions
and Kristina went to Veselič to prepare vegan
from architects from Italy, Belgium,
lunch for all of us and to teach Andreja some
Germany, Switzerland, Austria and
44
Raw chocolate cake from cacao
Vegan banana bread made with Andreja in VeseliÄ?
Kristina preparing vegan coconut curry
48
Serbia. The most special thing about the whole evening (at least for us) was that we were the first sleepover guests in this treasure trove of creativity and inspiration. After good sleep in city inside the city, we headed to Postojna where we explored beauty of local nature, cave and the castle. It was
for hosting various local events, and one of
pretty stunning, but we were more excited
them was goulash competition for the days of
about the next destination — Piran. We heard
cuisine. There were 9 teams and all amateurs.
so much beautiful epithets about it and you
Main chefs were completely focused on
know what — everything is true. No words
stirring and trying the sauce but we managed
needed to explain beauty of place on the
to draw their attention with numerous looks
coast. Just go there and see for yourself. Even
and questions about their recipe which was
though it wasn’t easy to find it, we manage to
not disclosed in the end… Must admit, they
have a lunch in Fritolin, where Nina, friend
have professional chefs’ attitude.
of our camp manager Peter, kindly welcomed
On the evening some of us went to Metlika
us. If you wonder where to eat a good fish or
Museum to attend the celebration of 60th
tasteful veggie tortilla while in Piran — this is
anniversary of factory Beti. Even though we
the place!
couldn’t really follow the speech because of
On our way back to BIG BERRY resort, we
Slovenian language, we used the opportunity
stopped by to check Open kitchen in Ljubljana.
to have a private tour through the museum
It was full of people, food, good vibes and we
with our Peter, who turned out to be a perfect
finally had a falafel for dinner.
guide. We finished the evening with a little
Next morning, we were introduced to social media expert, Simon, who will from
fashion show of Beti’s products and we even got presents — miniature panties.
now on lead workshops for us. Watch out,
Sunday was pretty challenging for us.
because after few weeks, our marketing team
We had a ‘raw food day’ as a preparation for
will be unstoppable!
‘no food day’ on Monday. As if this was not
During the lunch break, part of the crew
difficult enough, our fitness and BBQ Master
visited Metliška Koupa which is famous
Janko came on Sunday and threw another BBQ party… Well, at least for our guests. But we like to make things hard because ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!’ right? After a great salad we made with united forces, we had another workshop with Simon. With heads full of spinning ideas and memories, we went to sleep, and what happened when we woke up — read next week!
Busket with food for “Raw food day”
49
SMOOTHIES FROM SLOVENIA
You already know that we start our days with physical activity. It only makes sense that after warming, stretching and preparing our bodies for busy days ahead we need to give them fuel. What better way than continuing the day with a delicious and nutrient packed smoothies. Always based on fruits and giving our bodies vitamins, minerals and spoiling our taste buds. See all our smoothies with recipes included on Instagram profile @smoothiesfromslovenia. Enjoy!
SUMMER HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED! New week started with pretty tough challenge — ‘no food’ day. It was a bit too much
good that we forgot about our goose bumps from the cold.
for half of the BB crew, especially because of
Since the sun was still up, and first summer
the international dinner at Youth Center
day is happening only once per year, we had
Metlika, so only four of us persisted to the
our first summer games. Divided in two
end. No pain, no gain right? Detoxed and fresh,
teams, we had the water balloon fight, tug war
we (especially strong quartet) were ready to
and one more game which still doesn’t have a
continue the new working week in front of us.
name.
Tuesday was full of activity. In the
Although the contest was erratic till the
morning we celebrated international day of
end, the group “Peace” won the war. Take
Yoga by having group ‘sun salutation’ at the
a look of whole event in the video. Since we
terrace — perfect start of the day for our team,
hosted Croatian photographers from Foto
as well as for the present bloggers. The same
DaVu, during the week we had a little photo
day we had promotion of Semiška penina
shooting and now we finally have some profile
with our dear partner Gregor Simonič. Since
photos of the whole BB crew. Check out cool
it was the first day of summer, of course that
photos of their stay in BIG BERRY resort so
promotion had to be something special. And
you can see what you’ve missed.
it really was — we put the table in our river pool and Gregor did the presentation in there. Even though it doesn’t seem like that, it was freezing, and I mean REALLY freezing inside the pool. Luckily, sparkling wine was that
On Wednesday we
raise awareness of
egg at this temperature).
couldn’t wait to come
recycling shopping
Any way,
to Amigo café in Novo
bags. The festival was
found out there was
Mesto, where horseback
a perfect opportunity
amazing atmosphere
riding after drinking a
to play more with
in little valley called
cup of coffee create an
filming. It gave us
Jurjevanjska draga,
amazing experience.
a chance to try out
with
The farm has quite
different techniques,
folk
many charming horses
along with narration
accompanied
plus a funny donkey
and some commercial
magnificent fire show of
and a super cute pony.
tricks. Check out what
four performers form
They are not very easy
our filming and editing
Hungary. It was short
to approach but once
masters did.
but sweet!
what
we
t ra d i t i o n a l music
which the
you get close to them
In the evening we
it’s hard to say goodbye.
headed to Črnomelj
headed
As the weekend
once again. We didn’t
s t u mbl e d
expect
anything
colourful Colombian
Jurjevanje was hosting
special other than
dance show. Dressed in
more interesting and
usual bonfire, which
traditional folk attires,
interactive workshops.
is apparently a very
the dancers showed us
In
common thing to do in
the beauty of pasillo
were
Bela krajina (even when
dance.
painting tote bags to
you can almost boil an
was
a p p ro a c h i n g ,
the
museum
Municipal we
The next day we back
and
upon
a
59
60
61
A DEWY MORNING IN SLOVENIA ‘This is lovely!’, I am thinking as I slowly
Rossi Writes
perspective about what lies ahead for us.
walk ahead. In front of me the crystal clear
But then, this is what travel does for you.
waters of the river Kolpa leisurely flow.
It opens up a new horizon or three. It shows
Behind me the plush mobile homes are still
you that things can be done differently and
asleep. And everywhere I look, I see green.
that life continues no matter what. So, I savour
Lush green pastures, tall verdant trees. It is
my little luxury of being here, enjoying this
beautiful and peaceful and what I love the
dewy morning in Slovenia.
most about it is the dewy feeling of the wet grass.
We had left Vicenza – our current hometown in Italy – on a scorching Friday
Almost immediately my black jelly shoes
afternoon. Windows wound down to let the
get wet and the dew drenches my toes and
breeze in we traveled in our little red car
heels, making me feel awake. It is seven o’clock
across the border with Slovenia loving the (not
in the morning. Time when I am usually up
yet lost) freedom of not having to show ID’s.
at home getting breakfast ready, planning
Then we crossed the country from end to end
for the day ahead, frantically getting things
all the while relishing its green hilly beauty of
sorted and organised, all the while secretly
picture-perfect villages with spacious houses,
wishing that I could simply slouch back to bed
enormous wooden barns and white churches
and spend the morning asleep.
with high-peaked bell towers.
Here though I feel relaxed. Fully connected with the green world, yet world apart from
Wild flower meadows alternated with fields of green corn and golden wheat.
the imminent problems the Brexit result has
We passed by the Postojna Caves,
created for our little EU/British family only a
the capital Ljubljana and then the road
day ago. In a continent abuzz with the news,
meandered through the hills until we reached
with people overwhelmed by worries and
our destination – the brand new Big Berry
emotions all over social media, suddenly I
glampsite.
realise I have this luxury to be away from it
It feels good being here. It is relaxed, with
all for a little bit in order to recharge, rethink
sweeping views opening over the fields with
and ultimately try to come up with a new
grazing cows on one side. On the other is the river Kolpa which is in Slovenia on our side and in Croatia on its other shore. I look across the water. A tall blue slide stands still, daring the wild ones to go down at a heartbeat’s speed
and splash straight into the river. A jungle swing is right by its side, offering yet another fun way to get yourself wet.
To the left is the beach volleyball pit where later in the day a tournament takes place. And then I find my favourite spot. A
Later on in the day I see a couple of Croatian
floating pontoon has been suspended on the
boys doing just that. They grab the swing, run
river giving you the chance to paddle in the
straight forward and once above the water,
clear waters without getting wet above the
they let go. The water splashes high up, just
calves of your legs.
as they cut straight into it. Cue a mad laugh.
I sit on the wooden ramp leading down to
It is still early morning now and the
the pontoon, feet firmly placed in the water.
river runs quietly. I walk up and then down
The early morning sun is bright and strong
its shore, getting my bearings around the
and the river is cool. Tiny little fish dart back
glampsite. To the right of our mobile house –
and forth at the bottom of the pontoon. A red
home from home for a blissful long weekend –
canoe sways a little further away from me.
are the barbecue shack with its seating area in the shade of a big tree and the relaxation pods
It feels good! A perfect moment still in time. I savour it through and through.
– soft red mattresses under white roofs where you can snooze the hot afternoons away.
67
With summer in full swing we harvest fisrt herbs from our plantation.
To start your mornings off right start with physical activity - just like us. Every day. Whether you enjoy running, cycling, swimming, yoga or stretching with the sun rising by the river no it’s the time to get out and move.
MAKE IT OR BREAK IT.
Coloring for everyone with BIG BERRY T he
word Mandala means circle. A
Mandala represents wholeness, a cosmic diagram reminding us of our relation to infinity, extending beyond and within our bodies and minds.
T he
individuals are familiar with, are ones made by Buddhists.
Used for meditation purposes allowing the individual meditating to become one with the universe. There are not many who are able to achieve this state of mind from just studying a mandala. The symbolism behind the creation
mandala
of a mandala can have significant meaning for
appears to us in
many individuals whether they are Jewish,
all aspects of life,
Buddhist, Christian, Pagan or of any other
the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and more obviously the circles of life encompassing friends, family and communities.
religious orientation.
M andalas
can be created by individuals
to symbolize their journeys through life. Mandalas can also tell a story of where an individual has been. In some cases they will
M andalas are circular designs symbolizing
reveal the individual's path in life. Groups
the notion that life is never ending. Many
can create mandalas that will reveal what they
mandalas have spiritual significance to an
should be doing in order to grow and develop
individual or group of individuals. The Hindus
as a group.
were one of the first people to use a mandala as a spiritual tool, but the mandalas most
Create a space according to your needs. My Berry is a concept of space created in cooperation with the leading Italian architect Alessandro Rado. The interior design depends entirely on your wishes, needs and ideas of what you need for a carefree vacation.
GRAND OPENING ON 30TH JUNE 2016
7 THINGS TO DO AT LAKE BLED Bled is a small town, northwest of Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana yet there is still quite a few nice things to do at Lake Bled and around the town. Bled is popular with tourists but what the heck, sometimes tourist hot spots are visited for a reason – Lake Bled is stunning! Just picture a fairy tale story and you are there. Here’s the Lake Bled activities not to be missed (and what to avoid!)
1. A Bike Ride Around Lake Bled Lake Bled is the obvious reason to visit Bled but the paved road around lake is only 6k long so an easy stroll or pedal for travellers of all levels of fitness. The benefit of taking this trip is that you can see Bled Castle and The Church of the Assumption from different angles.
2, Hike to a Lake Bled Viewing Point There are a 15 signposted hikes around Bled which involve leaving the 6k paved road and trekking uphill, but the advantage is that they provide a viewing point, such as #6 Osojnica. Forgot your walking boots? No stress, Bled Castle also offers nice views.
3, Bled Castle, Fit for a King The oldest castle in Slovenia, according to records, Bled Castle overlooks Lake Bled in this romantic setting. Not only can you see
the lake from the Castle terrace but also the mountain ranges of the Karavanke and the Julian Alps.
4. Take A Bite: Bled Cream Cake Officially called Cremeschnitte but affectionally known as Bled Cream Cake, this custard delight can be bought at most cafes and restaurants in Bled town centre.
5. All Aboard! Bled’s Boat Rides A hit or miss activity in Bled is the boat rides. There are several opportunities around the lake to hire a boat and paddle to The Church of the Assumption on Bled Island the middle of the lake. Arms sore from lifting the fork from your plate to mouth? You can hire a boat with a captain so s/he can do all the hard work for you!
6. Ding Ding! Ring The Bled Bell A traditional thing to do at Lake Bled is to ring the wishing bell of the church on Bled Island. This sound will fill the air all day, or along as there are tourists visiting Bled!
7. Picnic At Lake Bled Pick up a can of beer or bottle of wine and some snacks and watch the sun set (or in our case, the mist!) over this cute wee island.
84
How to effectively work across cultures. The world of stereotypes. “We are told about the world before we see it”. Walter Lippmann was trying to explain a method, when society categorizes people, according to some several factors. Therefore, since 1922 there exists the «stereotype» term which was introduced in the “Public opinion” publication. As a rule, public opinion simply puts the “stamp” based on certain characteristics and divides unknown world into «bad» and «good» parts. Nowadays, the world of stereotypes is a widespread phenomena. When you meet Russians for the first time, it is always easy to assume that they are not afraid of extremely cold weather and drink vodka every day. Meanwhile, this expression could be absolutely wrong and dangerous for the multicultural communications. All human’s actions and behavior generally depend on the three factors, which is situation, culture and person. If there is a lack of real intercultural experience and knowledge, people are not able to define if they are dealing with these cultural or personal specifics. Therefore, considering one group of people belonging to the same cultural group, people used to create patterns corresponding to the stereotypes and, as a result, evaluate them in the same way. Being aware of stereotypes is very useful, when you do not evaluate people but describe and understand their norms and rules better, as it influences the main process of communication. Likewise, expectations based on the public opinion and ignorance of the individual characteristics can negatively affect mutual understanding. Besides, it is crucial to learn more about different cultures and nationalities and create your own vision and opinion, traveling and communicating with locals. For example, BIG BERRY team visited international cuisine dinner, where we saw presentations about China, India, Nepal and Philippines directly from the native citizens. Revise your stereotypes, stay open-minded and work effectively across cultures with BIG BERRY!
Oljarna Pečarič In the heart of Metlika’s
skin or as a useful companion
From Big Berry, it takes
vineyards, the Pečarič family
in the kitchen are no secret
you only 15 minutes to visit
does not only offer excellent
but that it also helps with the
the family and listen to the
wines and comfortable
functionality of the human
owner sharing their stories.
accommodation for travellers,
organs might be surprising.
You can also build up the first
but also shares a tradition
Preventing
clothing,
connection to the oil whenever
of oil production with their
regulating blood circulation
you are in the camp. Just come
guests. The walnut oil, which
or soothing the symptoms of
and try it at our reception.
was the first one the family
arthritis – each of the twelve
produced, has come a long
oils, from almond to walnut,
way to be part of this diverse
has its own “expertise”. The
variety today. From the first
Pečarič family produce the
350 walnut trees and over 300
oils from 100% organic seeds,
hazelnut seedlings in 1990
which makes all of them
the oil made its way out of
genially natural and healthy.
the shadows and is now well
Visit the Pečarič family and
known among tourists and
experience their huge variety
herbalists in the area.
of oils to feel what good they
Oil’s benefits to the human
can do for you.
Walnut oil is a natural
(those of the liver, bile, the
balm and can be eaten one
pancreas), it retards digestion
tablespoon three times a
and the body gets only useful
day. This is the best way for
substances from food, such as
losing weight. Eating that oil
vitamins, minerals, essential
in limited quantity is at the
amino acids, which are in
same time blood cleaning
living proteins and in walnut
and avoiding the acidity
oil. Everything else excretes
in the small intestine. It is
undigested and decomposed
active to all acids, so that it
with lye and the body gets
neutralizes them, then it fuses
enough
power
to do all the
with them and excretes
functions.
bio-decomposable lye. If it blocks the acids
H a z el nut O i l
has
of microelements, there are
around 60 percent of fat, 13
also selenium, strontium,
percent of proteins, 10 percent
boron and molybdenum.
of sugar, vitamins of group B
Due to its nutritional
(B1, B2, B6) and E, ore wealth,
integrity, it helps to set off
a lot of potassium, calcium
a nutritional shortage and
(more than 200 mg on 100 g of
regulates a metabolism. Due
fruits, nearly as in almonds),
to a better metabolism, food
phosphorus and magnesium, a
components can be better used
proportional
and less excessive fat gathers in
amount
of
iron, nearly 4 mg on 100g of fruits and a small amount
88
the body that is not burdened by waste materials.
Pumpkin seed o i l contains proteins,
muscles. Regular consumption
carbohydrates, minerals,
soothingly on the skin, it
potassium,
calcium,
strengthens the teeth, bones
manganese, phosphorus and
and hair, a cataract and the
iron. It also contains a lot of
degeneration of the yellow
essential omega-3 fatty acids
spot. They protect
and is enriched with vitamins
f rom
A, B1, B6, C, and E. Pumpkins are
kinds of cancer,
very popular in folk medicine.
so by the lungs,
They are recommended as
large intestine,
a compress for swollen and
bladder, skin
tired legs, painful and burning
and
varicose veins. Pumpkin oil is
cancer.
of pumpkin seed oil functions
different
breast
used for massage for headache, backache, rheumatic problems and by inf lamed and sore
Almond
oil
has
basis for other odour. As food
a pale yellow colour, it is
almond oil0, it is generally
almost without odour and
also used for feeding children,
has excellent soothing effects.
it can be used as an additive to
Oil contains a lot of minerals,
soups, based food and stews.
vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E.
Almond oil contains fat and
Almond oil can be combined
no cholesterol, it is a rich source
with any other skin care
of diet fibers that provide for
products. Almond oil is one of the most wanted oils by aromatherapy, it has a sweet taste and
a control diet. It protects the skin, softens it, feeds it and relaxes and soothes inflammation.
is often used as a
89
Where cultures blend in international cuisine Upon my latest visit to Ljubljana, me and my Big Berry colleagues were roaming the little streets of Old Town. The colors and spices-filled air brought us to a place where cultures and cuisine dance in a harmony — to Skuhna. Founded as a social project where international cuisines would be the engine for public debate and space in Ljubljana. Artists, intellectuals, locals but also travelers are able to discuss issues regarding empowering and integrating immigrants from different countries who come to seek new home in Slovenia. The very foundation of Skuhna is diverse in its nature. The owner from Zimbabwe was enchanted by Slovenia, settled in the country and found a reason to stay longer than anticipated. With his Slovenian wife they opened the restaurant year and a half ago. “Our main aim is to raise employment opportunities of migrants and people of different cultures converge.” According to Skuhna’s employees their philosophy is not to participate in “big business” but rather finding and supporting like-minded projects. On the menu you will discover a truly international blend - through chefs from India, Tunisia, Bangladesh, Morocco, and Algeria - the food could not be more diverse. Nor tastier! Apart from delighting your taste buds why not come over for a movie screening, or a poetry reading with a cup of coffee from a small and sustainable producer.
Moss - a new green material for interior design Green materials always bring inspiration for architecture design, especially interior design. Plants, flowers, wood generate harmonization to the living spaces. And there is a little young kid in the playground which has not been popularly used. It’s moss. It’s environmental friendly, easy to implement and owns great aesthetic values. Moss is suitable to be used in various climate condition. It is wildly used in tropical climate with hot summer, where moss brings the coolness and moisture to the room. It even survives well in extreme weather, like in the Antarctica because it can stand the cold temperature and low light condition. Growing and maintaining moss is, indeed, not a demanding job. In fact, taking care of moss is less time-consuming as do it for plants and flowers. Just pay enough attention to the humidity level and it will grow well. There has been a handful of moss’s uses being discovered. For example: wall decoration; house and table decoration; and household utensil. Those decoration ideas create a fresh, rejuvenating feeling for the house, bringing nature closer to the urban, noisy life. Yet, this green baby is still open for new creative applications. With people having stronger interest in using environmentalfriendly materials for housing decoration, moss will soon be an important component of interior design. At Big Berry, we believe the most luxurious living style is when you stay with comfort, but in the peace and calm of nature. Our designers always pay attention in using the most environmental-friendly materials for the houses, and trying to create the most natural feeling in every detail. If you are interested in accommodation combining the luxury lifestyle and freedom of nature, visit our website.
Big Berry is a dynamic accommodation concept that perfectly combines the need to live in harmony with nature and the comfort of the modern home. It offers a variety of spatial concepts that can be
fully adapted to your needs. Through the eyes of Big Berry, life is simply wonderful. Big Berry crosses the boundaries of the anticipated and invites us to experience the true luxury of freedom.
THE SUPERIOR MEDICINE - REDISCOVER NATURE WITH ZLATKO ZAKLADKO From the early childhood Zlatko was intrigued by
physical, mental, and even
of the human organism for
spiritual health at its best.
these fatty acids. Consuming
nature and it's healing
“Focus on the basics.
hemp oil has many benefits
properties. Driven by his own
Don’t be overwhelmed by the
for our body, for example
curiosity he self-educated
quantity of the plants,” shared
re n ew
himself about the basics and
with us Zlatko during his visit
regulate cholesterol and blood
soon discovered the effects
to BIG BERRY Lifestyle Resort.
pressure and solve insomnia
of herbs and plants such
It was sun-lit early afternoon
problems.
as nettle, dandelion, hemp,
when we had the pleasure to
Also beneficial for the
and many more that nature
have him as a guide around
organism. For one cup of tea
generously shares with us.
the herb plantation in the
you should use approximately
During the 80s he learned
camp. Among his favorites
1 g of dried hemp. Boil water,
that the healing properties
plants still belong hemp, and
mix it with hemp and leave it
of plants are preserved
nettle.
for 5-6 minutes to rest, then
damaged
sk i n ,
around 1 year after picking.
Hemp Oil & Tea
strain and sweeten to taste.
Knowing that, he did not
Composed mainly of
It is recommended to drink
want to buy prepackaged
unsaturated fatty acids and
1 cup before bedtime for a
packages that are sanctioned
contains B complex and
peaceful dream.
by the pharmaceutical lobby
E vitamins, which have a
proclaiming that they can last
positive inf luence for the
years.
consumer. It contains the
It was the beauty of
ideal ratio of omega 3 and
Slovenia’s nature which he
omega 6 fatty acids for the
discovered when he was on
human organism as
a road trip that made the
well as GLA fatty acid,
decision to move here easy.
which in nature is found
What made him fall in love
only in the hemp oil
with the country is still
and the human body.
around us today — hundreds
2 teaspoons per
of plants and herbs which
day are sufficient
can be utilized to keep our
for all the needs
Meet Andreja Veselič
I
f you are in Metlika you
She will teach you how to
touris societe of Slovenia,
cannot not know or at
bake belokranjska pogača or
called Turistična Zveza
least heard of her - Andreja
will guide you through a wine
Slovenije as well as in the
Veselič, owner of Gostišče
tasting with five senses.
management board of local
Veselič, one of BIG BERRY's
A
ndreja is one of the most
tourist guides. Last but not
active persons you will
least, she also is part of the
ever meet. Besides the time-
vine lovers club, called Klub
information center - when
consuming job in her family-
Prijateljev Metliške črnine
you go to her guesthouse,
traditional guesthouse, she
and of the local chamber of
where she welcomes you
engages herself in many other
crafts, called Območna Obrtna
like you have been in and
activities. She volunters in
Zbornica Metlike.
out for years already and
the management board of the
truly makes you feel like
local tourist societe, called
you are visiting a friend, she
Turistično Društvo Vigred
will have an answer to any
Metlika, that organises
BERRY she is one of the local
of your questions. May it be
Vinska Vigred, the biggest
attractions in Metlika.
about Slovenia, Bela krajina
event in Metlika, and in the
or Metlika...she knows it all.
management board of the
most favorite restaurants. A n d re j a
106
is
a
hu m a n
S
he is the impersonation of Slovenia's hospitality
and friendliness. For BIG
BIG BERRY’S ELDERFLOWER SYRUP PRODUCTION ADVENTURE
H
omemade things are just
we used 20 liters of water,
mixture as often as we could
the best. Inspired by
500g lemon slices and 100g
for the sugar to dissolve in the
all the blooming elderflower
of citric acid. We rewarded
liquid and the flavors to melt
bushes, we decided to make
the bucket with a shady, cool
into delicious syrup. After
our own syrup. Due to our
place on our terrace, put it
the sugar was thoroughly
busy schedule that idea was
to sleep with a lid and let it
dissolved, we filtered the
being pushed back over and
be for about 2 days. During
mixture – the elderflowers
over again and all of a sudden
these two days, we only woke
have done their part and could
there were not as many
the mixture to give it a nice
be put to rest – and filled it
blooming bushes anymore.
massage – meaning stirring
in glass bottles. Last but not
“Elderflower season is over”,
it carefully – with a wooden
least, BIG BERRY sealed the
our neighbor said. Stubborn
spoon at least twice per day.
bottle with a kiss and proudly
as we are, we did not give up on
A wooden spoon is required,
shared the first BIG BERRY
the idea and so we walked. We
because natural materials like
homemade – or better “camp-
walked through dark forests,
to be treated by their kind and
made”? – elderflower syrup
conquered one hill after
would totally reject a massage
with our friends and guests.
another and passed by many
by a metal spoon.
roads until we found a little spot by a skiing resort that still offered our desired blooming
A
fter
the
wellness
vacation in the shade,
W
e truly believe the extra effort we made
in finding our elderflowers
we took the bucket close and
made our syrup special and
treasure. It was like they
added sugar. The ratio of the
gave it a unique BIG BERRY
waited just for us, so we picked
mixture in the bucket and the
elderflower taste. Oh, and fyi
2 boxes full of elderflowers.
sugar should be 1:2, but can
if you ever taste a “not so good”
Full of pride the picking
also be 1:1 or even less sugar.
elderflower syrup, it probably
team, which was supported
It just depends on how much
became made because a metal
by Timetotravel Bg and
sweetness people can take.
spoon came to close to it.
Travellbuzz, returned to the
BIG BERRY is pretty sweet
BIG BERRY elderflower syrup
itself and cannot handle
production headquarters and
hyperactivity due to sugar
started the production. The
shocks very well which is
elderflowers were carefully
why we used twice less sugar
placed in a bucket which was
than recommended. Just to
then filled up with water.
stay safe! ;) After the sugar
This mixture was perfected
joined the party, we covered
with some lemon slices and
the bucket again and let it
citric acid. As the name says,
be. Throughout the day, we
BIG BERRY likes it big, so
massaged – as in stirred – the
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