The Slovenians

"This book is a dossier on 100 of the world’s greatest Slovenians (and that’s not even including Melania!). Though Slovenia has a tiny population, it has punched well above its weight in many fields – sports in particular, science, and writing as well. Did you know that the first person to ski down Mount Everest was a Slovene? Or that the first person to swim the entire length of the Amazon was a Slovene? (I have met both men and recall their fascinating characters in my book). The Slovenians details many more Slovenes who have gone beyond their borders in terms of their impact on the world; it’s well-written, laced with dry humour, and ideal for those who want to dig deeper into Slovenia’s people. Dormice and Moonshine is a travel-memoir that begins with the true story of my brother and I buying a 300-year-old cabin on the side of a Slovenian mountain (that came with 300 problems). As I slowly restored and renovated the house over the following decade, I fell in love with Slovenia more and more, and when the planets aligned following a breakup, I ended up moving to the country, living in the cabin as a heartbroken hermit. The book takes readers on a journey deep into Slovenia as I start to build a new life there and explore the wild places and wild animals, the characters, the customs, and the cuisine of the country. I share my experiences of the bucolic side to Slovenia which initially seduced me – the beekeepers, dormouse hunters, moonshine makers – and the modern side which I unexpectedly ended up becoming part of; the tech startups, the bitcoin miners, and the businesses. It’s also a deeper story of where life can lead when you chase a dream, jump into the unknown, and submit to serendipity."