First off... Anyway you look at the at it, Slovenia is not Eastern Europe.
From a historic and geographic viewpoint it has always been right in the middle of everything. Looking at our location we belong to southern (mediterannean), central (alps) and eastern europe.
The fact we've been a part of Yugoslavia through much of the 20th century is a product of stupid politics and very misleading since we never really fit in with the rest of them as far as culture, language, economy and almost everything else is concerned (come to think of it, the entire country was an incompatible mix waiting to fall apart).
Mainly due to our geographic location as a gateway from one part of europe to another we've been under many different influences throughout history and it all came together in an interesting mix very much unlike any other country in the neighbourhood. To categorize us as eastern european would only be correct if you'd also consider other influences and label us central or southern europeans.
Just thought I'd clear that up...

moving on... "place resembling Paris in the 20s and Prague in the 80s" - come again?? Sorry but this is ridiculous, as is the following quote:
"In other words, get there before the tourist hordes ruin it"
They haven't... yet, but at the current rate it won't take long. You'll meet more turists than locals at this time of the year.
A couple of years ago I'd back you up though.

Don't get me wrong, I definitely recommend a visit, it's a very nice place... just don't believe all these romantic, nostalgic visions that are (in my view) quite out of touch with reality.

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