– 2011

Stories from Matevž, Apsara, Tina and Andy

January is of course cold. But

that’s OK because I like to take

shots of ice.

This year it was cold for only about

a week. Well, not that cold, but

down to about -15C.

The Lake doesn’t freeze over

every year. The last time it did was

in 2009.

This is my favorite place to shoot the lake. I call it the G-Spot.

G for “good” – very good.

Most of the time I give up well before my camera does.

There is an annual event called Danilo Re, which is a

competition amongst staff who work in national parks in

Europe, in particular, the Alps.

Over 40 teams compete, and this year Slovenia hosted the

event. It took place at our local ski station Vogel.

Tina was the reigning Giant Slalom champion, but was too heavily involved with the event to get enough training under her feet. She did however, managed to get a creditable forth.

February means ski shool!

It was Apsara’s third year of skiing but the first with the

school. Slovenians ski like Aussies kids play cricket or

netball.

Not sure where that puts Matevž. He doesn't like any

sports but is at least showing signs that he likes hiking.

This coming winter Apsara will do both alpine and cross country skiing. Hopefully Matevž will finally ski down the piste by himself.

Video of Apsara skiing

March is time for a carnival.

To celebrate the end of winter, children as well as adults put on a costume and come out of hyberbation.

And eat krof – a donut very similar to the Australian variety.

April mornings are still cold and whilst everyone else is sleeping in on weekends, I like to get out and get in a

shot or two.

And now everything starts to turn green. Perfect to go into the countless number of gorges and have the place

to yourself and daughter.

May brings danellions, flowers and guests. And of course the family BBQ.

Time to bring out the lawnmower

For some reason we are popular with architects from abroad.

June is the calm before the storm.

This year Rob from down under brought us a familiar accent into the place.

I even managed to get in a rare lunar eclipse shot.

Even we need a break – Krk Island, Croatia

In July there are more guests than you can poke a stick at!

A new cycling trail has brought us a lot more welcomed guests.

It was the driest summer we ever had

August was even more busy.

Smiles and sunsets

Apsara Ana Matevž Andrej

September means going back to school, tidying up the garden and getting to know better some of the guests.

And a lot more events, including the hiking festival and the “Cow’s Ball”.

The Cow’s ball video Husking corn photos

October is the season for colors, roasted chestnuts, and in some years, snow! And the odd guest or two just

keeps things moving along.

The 1st of November is a day to remember our family. Churches all over Slovenia are full of flowers and

candles.

This year we all went for a long hike, and in the evening I came to this little spot that I discovered a few years

ago.

The light in the valley on some mornings is almost beyond believe. From the top of Studor it can look as if we

live on the set of Lord of the Rings.

Studor is directly below with the church of St Martin and the village of Srednja Vas a little further out.

December is a full of events. First is the blessing of the horses, Otepanje – a local sing along by the boys in the

village, and of course all the usual festivities associated with Christmas. And if it snows, wow!

My mother saw this on her iPod Touch – the best invention of all time!

Hostel Studor13 andy aungthwin photography

-Live the Dream -imagination & passion

www.studor13.si

studor13@me.com

Well, that’s it. See you next year.