About Slovenes
I worked in Slovenia for a few years and it's how I got my handle, Pia Sladic. I worked for NATO as a contractor. Being a contractor is something I am now ashamed of; I didn't understand it when I took it. I was straight out of Peace Corps, depressed about humans, but still wanting to make things better.
If I could make a few observations about the people I met there, I would say that without proper reflection, a larger base, and personal uninvolvment:
1: Women live on yogurt and appreciation. They do a ton of work, and it's just expected.
2: Men aren't men unless they have a lot of money and beautiful women they can lord over.
3: Pride of country.
3: Pride of country is a difficult thing for me. Almost every person thinks his or her country is the best, but for me, as an American, I have always felt a little queasy about flying the flag and thinking I was a part of the greatest country ever. As a child, I remember thinking I was lucky to have born in America, where I could be whatever I wanted (except in politics or business...I was a girl). Growing up, I used to think there was a country for people like me, and I'd fit right in and be normal. Of course that wasn't true.
2:I hate the expression "Man up." As if being man weren't enough.
1: Have you ever seen a fat Slovene woman? Neither have I.
P