If you’re looking for idyllic, try Slovenia. It’s one of those places that is so rightfully self-confident and pulled together, it’s almost other-worldly. Once a part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia declared its independence in 1991, following the death of Yugoslavia’s long-time benevolent dictator, Tito. Since then, Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, has changed a lot. It’s a wildly popular tourist destination and I understand why.

Ljubljana is a model city. It closed its downtown to traffic in 2008 and started restoring its historic center. These days, locals and visitors pack riverside cafes and stroll through shops and a central market. If you need a ride, you can get a free electric powered shuttle to almost anywhere. No plastic bags. No smoking. No noise. No junk food. No trash. Many trees. Most of the people are tall and thin. The food and local wine are excellent. The city government promotes organic produce, the protection of honey bees, music performances, and bicycling. It provides potable water at 44 public fountains. It tolerates graffiti and murals even on historic buildings. The city is surrounded by stunning mountains, lakes, and farmland.

I also found evidence that it’s open-minded. The neighborhood of Metalkova is a cultural center built around former military barracks. It was conceived and created shortly after Slovenia’s independence, when a group of artistic locals moved in and peititioned the city to allow them to manage the site. The city resisted, but tolerates the squats as a self-governing community. It’s loaded with art and character. My tour guide warned me not to go there after dark, but I’m guessing the people there are too stoned and self-effacing to be threatening to an ant.

I looked for imperfection in this city and finally found it in their art museums. Boring as can be. The chotchkes and alleged local crafts are also bland. But whatever, you can find the highest form of art by taking a photo of Lake Bled.

Do I recommend you go there? Oh yes, especially if you want peace, innovation, stunning nature, a strong sense of community, and gorgeous architecture. Would I go back? No. Too relaxing.