Photographers from Kranj had their first exhibition then in Banja Luka. Encounters continued and when we showed them our monograph an idea came up to present it in Kranj as well, since the cities of Kranj and Banja Luka have been partner cities for quite some time, linked in the area of culture. A year ago they also established connections in the fields of sport and economy and it would be good if the connections could be even closer. The Association of Photographers Janez Puhar from Kranj helped us and organized presentation of our monograph.
As agreed, we came to Kranj. The main coordinator and true escort was a member of the Association Janez Puhar, Mr. Kraljič. He and his wife Mojca (excellent amateur photograph) welcomed us and took us to hotel AZUL. We had but little time to relax as Mr. Kraljič had a plan prepared for us: tour of the city and its cultural sights (a house, now a museum where France Prešeren, a patriot and visionary of Slovenian literature, spent last years of his life as a successful lawyer) and tour of what are now reconstructed underground tunnels intended for different cultural events (celebration of St. Martin’s Day, exhibitions by known painters...) but are also interesting for tourists.
We were honoured to meet with the mayor of the city of Kranj, Mr. Mohor Bogataj and his deputy Nada Mihajlović. It was a friendly meeting and pleasant discussion about our work in the association and our cooperation with cultural workers from the area of Kranj. The meeting was even more interesting owing to delis offered to us, including a well-known sausage of Kranj. We hope that it will become a deserved Slovenian culinary brand. Darko and Nataša had to leave this pleasant meeting because Radio Kranj invited them for a short interview. They spoke about the work of the association and the presentation of the monograph “From Ancestors to Descendants – Slovenians in Slatina and Banja Luka” by author Vera Papež Adamič, which originated and was printed with the assistance of our association.
At 19.00 hrs we gathered in a beautiful and unique, the most modern library in Europe. We were welcomed by director of the Library of Kranj Mr. Viljem Leban and Mrs. Petra Kajžar Puhar. She and Mr. Kraljič directed and advised us, or briefly, supported us. Mr. Leban showed us the library, explained what it offered to visitors and from his words we could conclude that it was a marvelous temple, an oasis for many inhabitants of Kranj to relax and refill their "batteries".
The time has come for the presentation of our monograph. The hall intended for the presentation was filled with visitors. We were surprised to see Men’s Choir “Maj” who welcomed us with a song. We have been friends with the choir because they were our guests several times and their song could be heard in the Concert Hall of Banski dvor in Banja Luka. They sang and eliminated our stage fright and they were assisted in doing so by a very successful moderator Mrs. Petra Kajžar Puhar.
Interview with the author started and she explained to the audience what the contents and motive of the monograph were. She had a great desire and tremendous energy to seek materials in many archives of Kras and Banja Luka about settling of Slovenians in different periods from the First and Second World Wars through later migrations to the area of Slatina and Banja Luka. She encouraged the Slovenians of the area to write their stories, thus filling out pages of her monograph. She succeeded in that and is really happy because of that. We, Slovenians, who created our family nests in the new country, are also happy. Members of our association spoke about the work of the association, successes and links with other Slovenian associations, active in the area of former Yugoslavia, close cooperation with cultural associations in our motherland in many fields of art (literature, music, painting). We are proud of the work of our Supply Teaching Lessons of Slovenian. Interest in learning the language is enormous as there are almost 70 pupils and older attendees to lessons. The Ministry of Education and Sport of Slovenia provided a teacher, thus improving learning of Slovenian. We do our best and wish to establish as close as possible links with our motherland. We wish to become ambassadors of good relations among people.
In the beginning, we were greeted by director of City Library of Kranj Mr. Viljem Leban and deputy mayor of the City of Kranj Mrs. Nada Mihajlović. On behalf of the Minister for Slovenians Abroad Mrs. Ljudmila Novak the presentation of the monograph was attended by an expert associate responsible for Slovenians living in the countries made of former Yugoslavia.
Our meeting in the City Library in Kranj ended rather late in the evening. We had much to say to each other and we also share many interests. We hope that we will be able to satisfy our needs in the future.
The second day of our visit was dedicated to the visit to the beautiful sights of Gorenjska. The Kraljičs were our guides. They took us along the road to Jesenice and Mojstrana. In the vicinity of Mojstrana is the village of Dovje which had a mayor who built cottages and was a national awakener. His monument is located near the road with his hand pointed towards the heights of Mt. Triglav. Fog that followed us prevented us from seeing the heights. Never mind, we continued towards the Slovenian Mountain Museum, visited it and continued towards Mt. Triglav. We saw the Peričnik waterfall there. Those who climbed close were splashed a bit. We continued towards the Aljaž Centre where we refreshed, had some fresh air and returned towards Kranjska Gora and made a short stop at the spring of the Sava River. The last stop was at the ski jump Planica.
Our excursion was demanding but filled with events. Having returned to Kranj we did not speak too much. Each of us lived in themselves this beautiful world, beautiful green pastures, enormous Julian Alps covered in snow, preserved and rationally used natural beauties of Slovenia. It was a pleasantly used day.
We did not feel tired, we had enough fresh air in our lungs and strength to pay a visit previously arranged to Serbian Cultural Association Petar Kočić from Kranj. We were warmly welcomed, had a pleasant evening, and for having two homelands and being aware of customs of both peoples, by socializing together we had a great time.
We are those who build bridges of friendship and successful joint activities.
Nataša Kajmaković