I brought you with me across the border from Italy into Slovenia and Croatia, joining my partner on another work trip and turning it into a little slow living escape. We stayed a couple of nights in Ljubljana, and I have to say: at night it felt surprisingly dark for a European capital, but in a beautiful way—especially with the fluorescent installation and the castle piercing the darkness. Even so, I felt a strong sense of safety. After the long drive from Milan, we kept things cozy and simple: a walk by the Ljubljanica River, then “not real Italian pizza” back at our studio. While my partner worked, I explored at my own pace—supermarket finds (no fresh fish this time, sadly), a tiny sink that made me laugh, and a pet-friendly apartment I genuinely recommend for how clean, quiet, and convenient it is. Tivoli Park completely stole my heart with millions of tiny crocuses ready to bloom, and later I climbed up toward the castle for a steep but magical sunset view—then found snowdrops on the way down. From there we drove to Zagreb, which felt totally different—more chaotic and noisy (the trams run 24/7), even though it’s full of terraces, museums, and Easter details. I wandered hidden corners like the WWII-era Grič Tunnel, walked up instead of taking the world’s shortest funicular, and ended with the classic sights: St. Mark’s roof, Lotrščak Tower, and the Cathedral—plus a little Valentine’s-style dinner moment and the jewelry set I’d been saving for a special occasion.