Blogs from Upper Carniola, Slovenia, Europe
May 22nd 2012
22nd May 2012 Tuesday We visited the magnificent Postojna Caves they were discovered in 1818. In all there are 21 Kilometres of galleries, tunnels, and large halls (Caverns). The tour takes over 90 minutes and you are initially transported by underground train, then you walk a couple of kilometres. The stalactites and stalagmites are terrific. The river which funnelled the caverns is the Pivka and most of the visit it is way below and cannot be seen. Some of the smaller stalagmites are also known as spaghetti as they are so thin. Cool inside, it’s always 8C. Well worth the visit and it was another wet day anyway!! It is known that there are many creatures living in the cave, the rarest is the Olm (a sort of salamander). At one time thought to be the ... read more
May 21st 2012
21st May 2012 Monday WET!! We made our way to Ljubljana Camping and managed to purchase a replacement awning – the one damaged by the Bora in Croatia we left behind. It was approximately £60 cheaper here than in the UK! We travelled back to the Caravan site with the tailgate door partly open and approx 1 metre of awning sticking out! Awning now in position and good to have the shelter!! Rained most of the day! Forecast is better for tomorrow. Did some washing and some shopping – plus a few short walks.... read more
May 20th 2012
20th May 2012 Sunday Awoke to clear blue skies and breakfasted outside and watched the Golden Eagle swooping overhead as had happened every morning on this site. Hitched up for the trip out of Croatia and into Slovenia the border was busy but once cleared and purchasing our Vignette we were soon on our way to Ljubljana. Very hot 29c however the forecast across Europe is not good for the next 2 weeks so we may stay south of the Alps. Hope to purchase a replacement of some sort for our sunshade that we lost in the Bora. There as there is a large camping store in Ljubljana.... read more
May 5th 2012
5th May 2012 Saturday We had to make our way back to Ljubljana as we had noted that our caravan towing mirror clamps were starting to crack. With kind assistance from the staff at Camping Bled we found the nearest Caravan accessories store. New mirrors purchased and back to the caravan for snack lunch. Went to Bled Castle, it is perched atop a cliff overlooking the Lake, the views are spectacular. A bit overcast today, this was a shame! The chapel which is 16th century has some ancient frescoes. The castle itself has been there for over one thousand years. It is a popular wedding venue- we were told there were three today! The Master and Mistress of ceremonies were the lead dancers that we saw last Monday evening at Camping Bled! Back to pack up ... read more
May 4th 2012
4thMay 2012 Friday Today we went to Ljubljana which is the Capital of Slovenia- what a lovely city! Very interesting, the river Ljubljanica runs through its heart and is bridged in many places including the Triple bridge, the Dragon Bridge, and Butchers’ Bridge which is a footbridge crossing the river . It is decorated with the works by the Slovenian sculptor Jakov Brdar. Shortly after the opening of the bridge padlocks locked on by couples in love started appearing on its steel wires, symbolizing declarations of eternal love. The market place was very busy lots of Fruit and Vegetable and plant stalls We passed the Cathedral of St Nicholas, beautiful interior and what a superb entrance door! We then found ourselves making the steep climb to the castle; we enjoyed coffee and a wander along the ... read more
May 3rd 2012
3rd May 2012 Thursday To-day we walked right around Lake Bled a distance of 4.2 miles according to the Garmin. Unfortunately we did not find the Geocashes as we had downloaded 22 miles away!!!!!!!!! Barney enjoyed the walk although it was hot he was able to take a dip as necessary!! At Bled we enjoyed a large Bled Slice and a scrumptious Chocolate/ Caramel Coffee! We saw loads of fish including Pike swimming in the clear water. Afternoon shopping and washing. Dave and Lin joined us for pre dinner drinks. A very warm and good day.... read more
May 2nd 2012
2ndMay 2012 Wednesday Awoke to blue skies, quite a storm last evening echoing around the mountains. Breakfast al fresco – beautiful warm fresh baked rolls. We drove to the end of the road/track to Krma over 3500 foot – though no snow now and the beautiful Crocus and Hellebores we saw last time we were here have finished – they have had a warm spring and an earlier snow melt. However, there are still plenty of wild flowers including Alpine Squill. We also came face to face with one lone sheep!!! Drove down a thousand feet or so and sat out and had lunch in the sun at Radovna- delicious! Visited the medieval town of Radovljica – lots of the buildings have old murals on their walls – all with a religious context. Back for a ... read more
May 1st 2012
1st May 2012 Tuesday Awoken by church bells as today it is a Bank holiday in Slovenia and most of Europe we believe. Breakfasted in the sunshine. Drove into Bled and checked out the shops etc – mostly closed- huge amount of bank holiday traffic Drove down to Jesnice and then up the steep drive to SP Gorge where we had to stop for Cheese and Mushroom strudel and Venison Goulash with dumplings- Brilliant!!! Back to van and sat out in the sunshine- later another walk and a swim for Barney – the lake is alive with fish. Perch we think– Barney is fascinated Thunderstorm early evening.... read more
April 30th 2012
30th Aril 2012 Monday We left Lake Garda by 9am and set off to Bled Travelling through Italy into Austria and then via the Karawanken Tunnel (over 8 kms long) into Slovenia where we stopped and purchased our vignette .The scenery along the way was stunning. Dave and Lin were here and provided a welcome cup of tea on arrival. Once sorted we walked down to the lakeside- a truly beautiful setting – Barney of course had a swim ! This evening there was a display of Slovenian medieval dances, sword fights, flame juggling relating to the times when Bled Castle was under attack from the Turks. The culmination of the display was a bonfire and fireworks display- Excellent. It is good to be back at this superb spot – however it appears much busier than ... read more
Season's Greetings from Ljubljana
Published: December 26th 2011Europe » Slovenia » Upper Carniola » Ljubljana
December 26th 2011
If you have a desire to get out and see the world, the lovely reader , surely now's the time then to fill your boots! Life offers us so many rewarding experiences in this wonderful world we share, as I send fond season’s greetings from lovely Ljubljana. The Balkans is a fascinating part of Europe, and I'm looking forward to exploring this unique region during the next month. So once again it's time to get with the program here in Slovenia, as I embark on a new series of travel adventures. The most competitive long haul airfare out of Australia at Christmas time is with China Southern airlines. So I purchased a ticket cause the price is right, and the flight had it's transit in Guangzhou. It was interesting to compare China Southern with the more ... read more
