What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sunny Side of the Alps: From Scotland to Slovenia on a Shoestring
No. 1 New Release in Serbia & Slovenia Travel Guides, Hiking & Walking Travel, General Scotland Travel Guides.
Tired of soggy Scottish summers and voracious biting insects, Roy and Justi seize the day and leave the Scottish Highlands for Slovenia with a carful of their belongings, their border collie and the dream of a new life. The trouble is, they have little money, vague prospects and have never been to Slovenia. Adventures and near-death experiences await them in the hot summers and snowy winters of the Julian Alps, but will their passion for the great outdoors be enough to transform their dream into a practical reality?
Perfect for fans of Chris Stewart, Victoria Twead and Beth Haslam.
Tired of soggy Scottish summers and voracious biting insects, Roy and Justi seize the day and leave the Scottish Highlands for Slovenia with a carful of their belongings, their border collie and the dream of a new life. The trouble is, they have little money, vague prospects and have never been to Slovenia. Adventures and near-death experiences await them in the hot summers and snowy winters of the Julian Alps, but will their passion for the great outdoors be enough to transform their dream into a practical reality?
Perfect for fans of Chris Stewart, Victoria Twead and Beth Haslam.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2020
23 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Roy Clark
4 books3 followersWhen I was child growing up in Liverpool, I sought out city parks and areas where small oases of nature still existed on the edge of the sprawling spread of suburbia. My adventures in these places occasionally led me into trouble but for the most part, they did the just opposite.
I found an enchanting world of trees to climb, fields of grass as tall as myself, and fascinating creatures that inhabited the ponds that I sometimes fell in. The vertical walls of disused railway cuttings became the ‘North Wall of the Eiger’ and the first place that I tried to scale with a friend using a few metres of my Mum’s borrowed washing line. A school trip to Snowdonia in North Wales confirmed my feelings that I was lost to the great outdoors. There were of course a few distractions along the way – girls, guitars, motorbikes and jobs – but it always came back to the hills and it still does.
I’ve been fortunate to ‘live the dream’ in the Scottish Highlands and in the Alps of Slovenia, and I am now living in a rural part of West Ireland with my wife Justi, with whom I’ve shared many an outdoor adventure.
I hope my joy and enthusiasm for the outdoors is reflected in my writing, whether that be my guidebooks to Slovenia’s beautiful mountains or my current series of memoirs.
I found an enchanting world of trees to climb, fields of grass as tall as myself, and fascinating creatures that inhabited the ponds that I sometimes fell in. The vertical walls of disused railway cuttings became the ‘North Wall of the Eiger’ and the first place that I tried to scale with a friend using a few metres of my Mum’s borrowed washing line. A school trip to Snowdonia in North Wales confirmed my feelings that I was lost to the great outdoors. There were of course a few distractions along the way – girls, guitars, motorbikes and jobs – but it always came back to the hills and it still does.
I’ve been fortunate to ‘live the dream’ in the Scottish Highlands and in the Alps of Slovenia, and I am now living in a rural part of West Ireland with my wife Justi, with whom I’ve shared many an outdoor adventure.
I hope my joy and enthusiasm for the outdoors is reflected in my writing, whether that be my guidebooks to Slovenia’s beautiful mountains or my current series of memoirs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 13, 2020
The Sunny Side of the Alps was given to me as a prize, which I was thrilled to receive as I’d been wanting to read it since I first heard about it. This delightful memoir by Roy Clark is about the move he and his wife, Justi, make to live in Slovenia. I visited the country myself many long years ago, so I was intrigued to read about a place I’d largely forgotten.
After several years in Scotland and a shared passion for hill walking, the couple decide a change is in order. How they came to go to Slovenia is the subject of the first part if the book. The rest concerns their experiences in adapting to this beautiful land of mountains and glorious scenery where Justi is fortunate enough to be offered a teaching post. The book reads easily and contains exactly the right mix of travel, personal memoir, history and culture for me. I loved their sense of adventure and the descriptions of the country they pass through on their travels by bike, car and foot. I also enjoyed the stories of the people they met in their efforts to integrate in their new home. and of course there is Bryn, their faithful dog, who is very much part of their story. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book, and am now looking forward to the second in the series. A lovely memoir altogether!
After several years in Scotland and a shared passion for hill walking, the couple decide a change is in order. How they came to go to Slovenia is the subject of the first part if the book. The rest concerns their experiences in adapting to this beautiful land of mountains and glorious scenery where Justi is fortunate enough to be offered a teaching post. The book reads easily and contains exactly the right mix of travel, personal memoir, history and culture for me. I loved their sense of adventure and the descriptions of the country they pass through on their travels by bike, car and foot. I also enjoyed the stories of the people they met in their efforts to integrate in their new home. and of course there is Bryn, their faithful dog, who is very much part of their story. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book, and am now looking forward to the second in the series. A lovely memoir altogether!
February 12, 2020
What a terrific memoir this is. I have to say I was hooked from the opening sentence, which did make me laugh as I do enjoy books with a bit of humour. Roy happens to be chatting to his wife Justi about a Slovenian tradition and encouraging her to have a cycling holiday there.
As chance would have it, Justi is unhappy with her job and urged on by Roy, applies for a job as a language assistant in Slovenia. I greatly admire their spirit of adventure as they set off to a new life in a new country together with their elderly collie Bryn. They gradually settle in and come to make friends and enjoy the customs of Slovenia. The writing is beautifully descriptive and I could see why they were both entranced by the magnificence of the mountains and the lovely countryside.
They both enjoy cycling and it’s fascinating to read about their adventures exploring Slovenia and even into the neighbouring countries of Montenegro, Croatia and Austria. This intrepid couple even set about writing a new Guidebook to the Julian Alps! Totally fascinating stuff. Roy is also a gifted amateur photographer and his Slovene friend, Bine, helps him arrange an exhibition of his photos. I almost choked on my tea reading this chapter. What a laugh. It certainly highlights the difference between British and Slovenian culture!
When Justi’s contract came to an end they couldn’t bring themselves to leave and she signs up for another four years teaching English. I’m so glad that this is just the first in a series of books as I thoroughly enjoyed it. Their love of the country and of the people and their willingness to face new adventures and challenges is quite inspiring. Highly recommended.
As chance would have it, Justi is unhappy with her job and urged on by Roy, applies for a job as a language assistant in Slovenia. I greatly admire their spirit of adventure as they set off to a new life in a new country together with their elderly collie Bryn. They gradually settle in and come to make friends and enjoy the customs of Slovenia. The writing is beautifully descriptive and I could see why they were both entranced by the magnificence of the mountains and the lovely countryside.
They both enjoy cycling and it’s fascinating to read about their adventures exploring Slovenia and even into the neighbouring countries of Montenegro, Croatia and Austria. This intrepid couple even set about writing a new Guidebook to the Julian Alps! Totally fascinating stuff. Roy is also a gifted amateur photographer and his Slovene friend, Bine, helps him arrange an exhibition of his photos. I almost choked on my tea reading this chapter. What a laugh. It certainly highlights the difference between British and Slovenian culture!
When Justi’s contract came to an end they couldn’t bring themselves to leave and she signs up for another four years teaching English. I’m so glad that this is just the first in a series of books as I thoroughly enjoyed it. Their love of the country and of the people and their willingness to face new adventures and challenges is quite inspiring. Highly recommended.
February 12, 2020
Roy and Justi wanted to visit a place where the weather was the opposite of the wet, chilly summers of Scotland and found what sounded like the perfect place in a travel brochure for Slovenia. Having moved to Scotland to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the hills that had lured them there, Roy’s various jobs lead him all over the great outdoors. However, Justi found herself in a car, traveling from school to school in a 5,000 km radius, to deliver what were beginning to seem to be less than adequate speech and language services to students in need of them. Justi began to look for a job in Europe, having studied French in preparation for a change of job and also trained in teaching English as a Second Language. Searching the papers, nothing suitable popped up until one day an ad for a job in Slovenia—suddenly the brochure came alive in their minds.
They moved to Slovenia (after convincing friends and families that they were NOT going to Slovakia) and found a life filled with cultural differences and beautiful outdoor recreation. Having brought along their aging dog Bryn, they found that their landlord would not allow her into the apartment but only a bed in the garage. So while dealing with not only a new school system, language difficulties, and no job for Roy, they had to begin a search for a new apartment with dogs allowed. This is an exciting book about relocating to an unusual and exotic place in the world. They arrived in this area of Europe not long after the break-up of Yugoslavia and the Balkan Wars (that Slovenia largely avoided). Traveling around the region was a revelation of the differences in modernization occurring following the disturbances. You will want to follow along and find yourself at the end of the book excited to find what would come in the next installment.
They moved to Slovenia (after convincing friends and families that they were NOT going to Slovakia) and found a life filled with cultural differences and beautiful outdoor recreation. Having brought along their aging dog Bryn, they found that their landlord would not allow her into the apartment but only a bed in the garage. So while dealing with not only a new school system, language difficulties, and no job for Roy, they had to begin a search for a new apartment with dogs allowed. This is an exciting book about relocating to an unusual and exotic place in the world. They arrived in this area of Europe not long after the break-up of Yugoslavia and the Balkan Wars (that Slovenia largely avoided). Traveling around the region was a revelation of the differences in modernization occurring following the disturbances. You will want to follow along and find yourself at the end of the book excited to find what would come in the next installment.
February 20, 2020
There are those fortunate people who thrive on the dual challenge of making themselves at home and securing a simple living, almost anywhere in our varied and beautiful world.
A substantial portion of the attraction that ‘Anywheres’ experience for their itinerant lives depends heavily upon the singularity of a complimentary way of life of the more stable ‘Somewheres’ who welcome them, however briefly the Anywheres choose to remain among them.
Without the customs and the traditions, the sense of place and belonging, the dependability and the comfortable and comforting cohesion of the cohesive Somewheres, the enjoyment that the Anywheres experience would be that much less, perhaps limited only to the accident of topography, climate and language.
In ‘The Sunny Side of the Alps’, Anywheres Roy Clark and his partner Justi exchange the novelty and beauty they had found and enjoyed for several years in the unique and unfashionable way of life in the Scottish Highlands for a different but likewise unusual and unfashionable way of life in the equally mountainous land of Slovenia.
With, on the whole, understanding and a gentle kindness, Roy Clark narrates the Anywheres’ sense of exploratory surprise, frustration and delight as he and his partner and their pet collie explore and experience a part of Europe whose beauty and dignity has only relatively recently been brought to the attention of the West.
A substantial portion of the attraction that ‘Anywheres’ experience for their itinerant lives depends heavily upon the singularity of a complimentary way of life of the more stable ‘Somewheres’ who welcome them, however briefly the Anywheres choose to remain among them.
Without the customs and the traditions, the sense of place and belonging, the dependability and the comfortable and comforting cohesion of the cohesive Somewheres, the enjoyment that the Anywheres experience would be that much less, perhaps limited only to the accident of topography, climate and language.
In ‘The Sunny Side of the Alps’, Anywheres Roy Clark and his partner Justi exchange the novelty and beauty they had found and enjoyed for several years in the unique and unfashionable way of life in the Scottish Highlands for a different but likewise unusual and unfashionable way of life in the equally mountainous land of Slovenia.
With, on the whole, understanding and a gentle kindness, Roy Clark narrates the Anywheres’ sense of exploratory surprise, frustration and delight as he and his partner and their pet collie explore and experience a part of Europe whose beauty and dignity has only relatively recently been brought to the attention of the West.
February 7, 2020
A lovely warm read, an amazing book.
This is the first in a new series of memoirs-and what a humdinger it was! Straight after that wonderful cover; haha-well that's an amusing and different opening chapter line! It looked like it would be a fun journey with these two-and it certainly was.
At the start of the book, Roy and Justi live in the Scottish Highlands. Their nearest town is Fort William. Attractions nearby are Ben Nevis and Isle of Skye. Justi, a qualified speech and language therapist was no longer happy in her work. They had a dream of something new; new challenges. Moving abroad to live, but a different place to many of the France, Spain, Italy etc. memoirs. A nice change-I do enjoy these-but wonderful to have something different.
I must admit, before reading this, I didn’t know exactly where Slovenia was. It sounded like it had everything: “Mountains, lakes, seaside and sun". Everything sounded so idyllic. This is lovely scenic writing, and really conjures up a picture. I really enjoyed it, really liked Roy Clark’s turn of phrase. A complete joy to read. He paints a beautiful picture with his words. Being a musician, I loved all the musical references in the chapter titles! Getting to Know You, Stormy Weather, Should I Stay or Should I Go, White Christmas, Under Our Skin etc. How fab!
A special new series. I just can't wait for the next set of adventures from Roy and Justi. I've really enjoyed 'getting to know them' through their book. It’s one of those books you just want to make last as long as you can. You know it's part of a series, and you'll have to wait a bit for the next part-so you eke it out as long as you can!
A wonderful book.
This is the first in a new series of memoirs-and what a humdinger it was! Straight after that wonderful cover; haha-well that's an amusing and different opening chapter line! It looked like it would be a fun journey with these two-and it certainly was.
At the start of the book, Roy and Justi live in the Scottish Highlands. Their nearest town is Fort William. Attractions nearby are Ben Nevis and Isle of Skye. Justi, a qualified speech and language therapist was no longer happy in her work. They had a dream of something new; new challenges. Moving abroad to live, but a different place to many of the France, Spain, Italy etc. memoirs. A nice change-I do enjoy these-but wonderful to have something different.
I must admit, before reading this, I didn’t know exactly where Slovenia was. It sounded like it had everything: “Mountains, lakes, seaside and sun". Everything sounded so idyllic. This is lovely scenic writing, and really conjures up a picture. I really enjoyed it, really liked Roy Clark’s turn of phrase. A complete joy to read. He paints a beautiful picture with his words. Being a musician, I loved all the musical references in the chapter titles! Getting to Know You, Stormy Weather, Should I Stay or Should I Go, White Christmas, Under Our Skin etc. How fab!
A special new series. I just can't wait for the next set of adventures from Roy and Justi. I've really enjoyed 'getting to know them' through their book. It’s one of those books you just want to make last as long as you can. You know it's part of a series, and you'll have to wait a bit for the next part-so you eke it out as long as you can!
A wonderful book.
December 15, 2020
Roy Clark and his wife Justi are living in Birchwood, an old forester's cottage, that lies below a range of Scottish mountains known as the Grey Corries. Justi is feeling dispirited in her job as a speech and language therapist, when Roy spots an article on Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia, a country of beautiful mountains, lakes, seaside and most importantly sun.
Feeling inspired, they begin a new adventure accompanied by their beloved dog Bryn, settling in the east of Slovenia in a spa town called Podpetek, while Justi takes up a new job teaching in a local school.
However, their dream is to live near the Julian Alps in the north west, which they fulfill after a year in the east.
I enjoyed learning more about this beautiful country and its people, seen through the eyes of two avid cyclists and walkers. Their love of the outdoors shines throughout.
Roy has a wonderful light hearted writing style, and I look forward to reading more about their adventures.
Feeling inspired, they begin a new adventure accompanied by their beloved dog Bryn, settling in the east of Slovenia in a spa town called Podpetek, while Justi takes up a new job teaching in a local school.
However, their dream is to live near the Julian Alps in the north west, which they fulfill after a year in the east.
I enjoyed learning more about this beautiful country and its people, seen through the eyes of two avid cyclists and walkers. Their love of the outdoors shines throughout.
Roy has a wonderful light hearted writing style, and I look forward to reading more about their adventures.
February 27, 2020
I was gifted a copy of this book. Thoroughly enjoyed ‘my time’ with these two ‘seize the day’ folks. A well written, funny, informative, interesting memoir. I’m hooked on memoirs of ‘folks moving to a different country’ and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. It also brought back some wonderful memories of areas I have been to. They leave the Highlands of Scotland looking for a new ‘adventure’. Selling many of their possessions to fund their trip to Slovenia - They love a landscape of mountains, hills, and lakes. Walking/climbing even skiing being in their bones - given the obstacles they faced along the way (the language learning for one) - I think they did well. They really did immerse themselves in the Slovene way of life. A very good read and one I don’t hesitate to recommend.
February 2, 2021
2021 bk 17. I enjoyed this view of a British couple who decide to pull up stakes and move to Slovenia, she as an English language assistant, he as a house husband (or slipper as the Slovenians refer to him). The book is filled more with people than sightseeing, more with the enjoyment the couple receives in hiking and biking than being tourists, but a good look at life in this eastern European country. One thing I learned - houses generally are built with 2 to 3 stories and each story is a separate apartment for different generations of the same family - or to be rented. There are remnants of Soviet flats, but the middle class professionals seem to disdain those. A good read and I do hope that he does write about the couple's next steps.
April 11, 2020
I love travel memoirs and have read plenty set in Western Europe, however Eastern Europe has not figured very much until now. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the couple's adventurous move to Slovenia, especially their delight in the food, culture, customs and the people of the newly independent country. Their love of countryside, hiking, cycling and exploring the great outdoors shines through and has given me yet another country to add to my bucket list.
April 7, 2021
Roy’s writing style and descriptions of Slovenia and the Alps makes it very easy for the reader to be transported via imagination to what sounds like a beautiful place. His observations of the people, culture and history of the area I found really interesting, as was the tales of Slovenian bureaucracy and daily life. If you can’t get to Slovenia any time soon, I recommend reading this book, it’s the next best thing to being there is person. I look forward to further adventures in Slovenia.
January 1, 2021
An amazing Read
I was gifted a copy of this book by Roy.
This book tells of the decision of Roy and his partner Justi to up sticks from the Scottish Highlands and move to Slovenia on a very tight budget.
Chatting to his wife Justi about a cycling holiday Roy is encouraging her to take a cycling holiday in Slovenia. As it happens she is disillusioned with her job as a speech Language therapist and feels that she had no more to offer her job, could not envision spending the next twenty or so years doing the same thing day in and day out. Encouraged by Roy Justi applied for the post of Language assistant in a primary school in Podpetek, position offered and accepted they set about arranging the move.
Always up for adventure and a challenge they started to plan the next stage of their lives, both Roy and Justi are keen walkers, cyclists and climbers, always up for a challenge, they discussed moving to Slovenia.
Selling most of their possessions to be able to fund their trip they are eventually able to off in their White Chariot. This is packed up with camping equipment, bikes and everything they can possibly get in including their beloved dog Bryn they set off on their adventure.
Settling in to life in Slovenia with Justi working Roy is in charge of the shopping and house. Having a lot of free time he and Bryn explore the local areas walking and climbing. Discovering that their well worn trail maps are out of date they set about writing a new Guidebook for the Julian Alps.
Roy´s dream is to live within sight of the Julian Alps.
As an amateur photographer Roy contacts a photo library to see if they would be interested in some of his photos, he is delighted to receive confirmation that they would like so many of them and in return received a periodic cheque. He later, with the help of his friend Bine, arranges an exhibition of his photographs.
Justi´s first year came to a close and she was offered a further year in Jesenice, known as the Red Town. They had a day trip to see if it was as bad as everyone made out, deciding that it was not too bad but did not want to live there. When Justi was offered the job they explained they di not want to live in the village. Finally they settled on an apartment in Kranjska Gora unfortunately without Internet or phone line and it meant a 50 kilometre round trip every day for Justi. At least she was entitled to travel expenses which helped.
Life continued for the adventurous duo finally living on the Sunny Side of the Alps, they were happy and soon settled back into their easy routine. They suffered ups and downs but in general life was good and they were happy.
Roy´s descriptive writing of the mountains and countryside pulls you in to the book and makes you feel a part of it and see and feel why they were enamoured with it all. I enjoyed their adventures of discovering nearby areas of Montenegro, Austria and Croatia and look forward to following more of their adventures.
I was gifted a copy of this book by Roy.
This book tells of the decision of Roy and his partner Justi to up sticks from the Scottish Highlands and move to Slovenia on a very tight budget.
Chatting to his wife Justi about a cycling holiday Roy is encouraging her to take a cycling holiday in Slovenia. As it happens she is disillusioned with her job as a speech Language therapist and feels that she had no more to offer her job, could not envision spending the next twenty or so years doing the same thing day in and day out. Encouraged by Roy Justi applied for the post of Language assistant in a primary school in Podpetek, position offered and accepted they set about arranging the move.
Always up for adventure and a challenge they started to plan the next stage of their lives, both Roy and Justi are keen walkers, cyclists and climbers, always up for a challenge, they discussed moving to Slovenia.
Selling most of their possessions to be able to fund their trip they are eventually able to off in their White Chariot. This is packed up with camping equipment, bikes and everything they can possibly get in including their beloved dog Bryn they set off on their adventure.
Settling in to life in Slovenia with Justi working Roy is in charge of the shopping and house. Having a lot of free time he and Bryn explore the local areas walking and climbing. Discovering that their well worn trail maps are out of date they set about writing a new Guidebook for the Julian Alps.
Roy´s dream is to live within sight of the Julian Alps.
As an amateur photographer Roy contacts a photo library to see if they would be interested in some of his photos, he is delighted to receive confirmation that they would like so many of them and in return received a periodic cheque. He later, with the help of his friend Bine, arranges an exhibition of his photographs.
Justi´s first year came to a close and she was offered a further year in Jesenice, known as the Red Town. They had a day trip to see if it was as bad as everyone made out, deciding that it was not too bad but did not want to live there. When Justi was offered the job they explained they di not want to live in the village. Finally they settled on an apartment in Kranjska Gora unfortunately without Internet or phone line and it meant a 50 kilometre round trip every day for Justi. At least she was entitled to travel expenses which helped.
Life continued for the adventurous duo finally living on the Sunny Side of the Alps, they were happy and soon settled back into their easy routine. They suffered ups and downs but in general life was good and they were happy.
Roy´s descriptive writing of the mountains and countryside pulls you in to the book and makes you feel a part of it and see and feel why they were enamoured with it all. I enjoyed their adventures of discovering nearby areas of Montenegro, Austria and Croatia and look forward to following more of their adventures.
October 3, 2024
I admit to enjoying moving abroad tales and this one, by Roy Clark, takes in a whole new area for me.
A chance discussion about holiday plans leads to Roy’s partner, Justi, applying for a teaching job in a place which many friends and family struggle to pinpoint on a map (as did I). The outdoorsy couple soon leave the Highlands of Scotland to move to Slovenia; not, as many mistook it for, Slovakia. Slovenia it turns out (I looked it up) is a Balkan country to the south of Austria and east of Italy, part of the former Yugoslavia on the ‘sunny side of the alps’ as their advertising slogan had it.
Roy, unable to work in their new country, becomes a house husband and spends his time discovering new cycling and walking routes – a hobby which becomes fruitful later in the book. Justi, meantime gets to grips with a new job in a very different environment.
I enjoyed the couple’s interactions with locals and them finding their feet, and particularly their clever idea to make a little money doing what they enjoy. I’d love to one day hear Justi’s version of teaching in such a different place, which I think would make the story complete.
A chance discussion about holiday plans leads to Roy’s partner, Justi, applying for a teaching job in a place which many friends and family struggle to pinpoint on a map (as did I). The outdoorsy couple soon leave the Highlands of Scotland to move to Slovenia; not, as many mistook it for, Slovakia. Slovenia it turns out (I looked it up) is a Balkan country to the south of Austria and east of Italy, part of the former Yugoslavia on the ‘sunny side of the alps’ as their advertising slogan had it.
Roy, unable to work in their new country, becomes a house husband and spends his time discovering new cycling and walking routes – a hobby which becomes fruitful later in the book. Justi, meantime gets to grips with a new job in a very different environment.
I enjoyed the couple’s interactions with locals and them finding their feet, and particularly their clever idea to make a little money doing what they enjoy. I’d love to one day hear Justi’s version of teaching in such a different place, which I think would make the story complete.
December 15, 2020
A wonderful, warm portrait of Slovenia & her people. Very readable.
This is a lovely, easy read and once you start, you won't want to put it down. The author has an engaging, conversational style and paints a beautiful picture not only of the stunning landscapes of Slovenia, but her wonderful people and rich traditions.
It is an inspiring story of what you can achieve if you set your mind to it. Neither Justi nor Roy had been to Slovenia, but took the plunge and moved there. It involved lots of red tape, since it was in the days before Slovenia had joined the EU. When questioned about their 'risky decision', I loved the fact that the risk as they saw it was not about moving to a new and strange country, but being stuck somewhere doing something that they did not enjoy for the next twenty years.
If you are planning to travel to Slovenia, love mountains or adventure, or would just like to read a heartwarming tale of a couple following their dreams, with their faithful collie Bryn in tow, I heartily recommend this book.
This is a lovely, easy read and once you start, you won't want to put it down. The author has an engaging, conversational style and paints a beautiful picture not only of the stunning landscapes of Slovenia, but her wonderful people and rich traditions.
It is an inspiring story of what you can achieve if you set your mind to it. Neither Justi nor Roy had been to Slovenia, but took the plunge and moved there. It involved lots of red tape, since it was in the days before Slovenia had joined the EU. When questioned about their 'risky decision', I loved the fact that the risk as they saw it was not about moving to a new and strange country, but being stuck somewhere doing something that they did not enjoy for the next twenty years.
If you are planning to travel to Slovenia, love mountains or adventure, or would just like to read a heartwarming tale of a couple following their dreams, with their faithful collie Bryn in tow, I heartily recommend this book.
January 1, 2021
What a wonderful travel memoir this is! Very engaging and interesting to find out about the little know Slovenia.
This adventurous couple took the plunge and made the decision to sell up in Scotland and move to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Slovenia. Inspired by their interest in hiking and cycling this dynamic duo set out to produce a guide book covering the Julian Alps.
This enjoyable memoir rang a few bells with me, as we made the move to Hungary and know how difficult it can be. I admire Roy and Justi's perseverance in adjusting to not only a new country, but a definite change in culture too.
I particularly liked their trip through stunning Montenegro as we have made this same trip over the tops looking down on Kotor Bay. Made me smile about the car showrooms on the top!
I am looking forward to more Slovenian adventures. A well deserved 5 stars!
This adventurous couple took the plunge and made the decision to sell up in Scotland and move to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Slovenia. Inspired by their interest in hiking and cycling this dynamic duo set out to produce a guide book covering the Julian Alps.
This enjoyable memoir rang a few bells with me, as we made the move to Hungary and know how difficult it can be. I admire Roy and Justi's perseverance in adjusting to not only a new country, but a definite change in culture too.
I particularly liked their trip through stunning Montenegro as we have made this same trip over the tops looking down on Kotor Bay. Made me smile about the car showrooms on the top!
I am looking forward to more Slovenian adventures. A well deserved 5 stars!
Read
September 28, 2021 In The Sunny Side of the Alps, Roy Clark takes us along on a journey as he tells us how he, Justi and Bryn left the Scottish Highland and moved to Slovenia, where they were able to hike on beautiful trails in the Alps in good weather and go skiing in the winter. As Roy Clark tells their story of living in Slovenia, he paints clear images of beautiful places as well as of the people they met and the culture they experienced. Something I appreciate is that Clark describes the customs of Slovenians in a respectful and positive manner. Moreover, I highly admire Roy and Justi for their confidence as they go on somewhat unplanned adventures with expectations that it will all work out – and it does. Besides Roy and Justi, I have also loved reading about Bryn, their lovely dog. I highly recommend The Sunny Side of the Alps, by Roy Clark.
September 1, 2020
This is a really enjoyable read about a country that may be a bit unfamiliar for many people. I loved learning about Slovenia and its people, culture, and landscape. It sounds like a lovely place to visit or spend a longer time, even!
Clark’s fun anecdotes and good-natured attitude pull you through his and his wife’s (and sweet Bryn’s) adventure into this new place. Just enough description helps draw a picture of the setting and food, and I think the greatest success is in Clark’s ability to convey the personality of the warm Slovenian people. I’ll definitely be reading more of their adventures on the sunny side of the Alps!
Clark’s fun anecdotes and good-natured attitude pull you through his and his wife’s (and sweet Bryn’s) adventure into this new place. Just enough description helps draw a picture of the setting and food, and I think the greatest success is in Clark’s ability to convey the personality of the warm Slovenian people. I’ll definitely be reading more of their adventures on the sunny side of the Alps!
August 9, 2024
It’s courageous when people ‘upsticks’ & head to foreign countries. This couple even more so, as they had never been to Slovenia before, & they couldn’t speak the language. The area had been known to me as part of the former Yugoslavia. I found it a fascinating read. They took everything in their stride, even Bryn did. The poor dog spent the first 3 months ’living’ in a garage as the landlady, who lived on site, wouldn’t let him into Roy’s apartment. They had wonderful adventures in the majestic mountains & surrounding countryside, travelling by car, bike & on foot. They even put together a guide book on the area. I really enjoyed their last trip which they took down through Croatia & into Montenegro. I was reminiscing & searching Google. Eagerly awaiting Book 2 of their Slovenian memoir.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend
July 19, 2023
If you enjoy travel memoirs as I do, this one won't disappoint. It has a bit of everything; Wonderful descriptions of the natural beauty of the countryside , the lifestyles of the locals, a bit of history and the story of this adventurous couple's move from Scotland to Slovenia. I learned so much since I too, until recently, was oblivious to the difference between Slovenia and Slovakia !!!!! As always I followed along "Googling" maps and images, what a delight !!!! I can't wait for the sequel to find out what lies ahead for Roy and Justi !!!
March 15, 2020
Enjoyed this book
Well written book about a little known country. Slovenia, Slovakia, it's confusing but this book sets you straight. The discription of the people, towns, cities, mountains and lakes is well done. Along with the authors point of view in the experience of living there .
Well written book about a little known country. Slovenia, Slovakia, it's confusing but this book sets you straight. The discription of the people, towns, cities, mountains and lakes is well done. Along with the authors point of view in the experience of living there .
August 14, 2022
I really enjoyed Roy Clark’s writing style. He and his wife’s openness to new places and adventures also rang well with me. Mountains are not so much my thing but his passion for the lifestyle rings through clearly. I also enjoyed the Slovenian descriptives, both the surroundings and the people felt hugely warm and inviting. A wonderful read.
January 14, 2024
Ron and Justi up sticks and move to a country that everyone including politicians confuses with another. During the work week, they make a place for themselves in the Slovenian culture and language, and at weekend and holidays they roam the mountain tracks. More than just a travel memoir, Ron chronicles how they because travel guide writers. A feel good read that has its funny moments!
July 26, 2020
Excellent
This is a fantastic book written about a British couple ‘s move to Slovenia and their experiences. Highly recommended for those interested in traveling to this beautiful country.
This is a fantastic book written about a British couple ‘s move to Slovenia and their experiences. Highly recommended for those interested in traveling to this beautiful country.
Read
March 3, 2020Loved this book as someone who has moved to live abroad I am always interested to read of others experiences!
This book is full of information and well worth reading.
I look forward to the sequel.
This book is full of information and well worth reading.
I look forward to the sequel.
April 7, 2020
Wonderful book
It was a pleasure to read this book. Going to find the second book and start with that to see what they do next.
It was a pleasure to read this book. Going to find the second book and start with that to see what they do next.
November 11, 2025
wonderfully exciting
Very great read. Full of rich details of Slovenia and the surrounding area. Great read to live vicariously through. Highly recommend.
Very great read. Full of rich details of Slovenia and the surrounding area. Great read to live vicariously through. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews