Serene Slovenia

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We had an eventful last journey through Italy, from Venice to the border with the oil pressure lamp finding a new lease and going off like mad. Bit the bullet and pulled up to have a look, Jason had a new theory that the leaking diesel was the cause of the malfunction. Wiped down the wires and contacts and continued on without another word!

Arrived in Bled, at the picturesque lake, late afternoon after a scenic drive over the mountains through numerous tiny farming villages. Set up camp amongst all the other British campers there whom we had a few good story swapping sessions with over the next couple of days. Decided to test the rumour that the Slovenians were really friendly and helpful, and try again to get someone to fix poor Clancy’s fuel pump problem. The guy at reception had us sorted (and amazed) without hesitation, with Clancy looked at the following morning, and fixed the next when the parts arrived. Slovenia 1, Italy -3.

The guys at the workshop were very friendly and helpful, although they did manage to back the high top into something leaving a small gouge in the fibreglass top. After much discussion (and denial) about how this happened???? (the silver paint somewhat of a giveaway), they did at least seal the hole!

We were more than happy to while away this time at the beautiful Lake Bled, including a lovely Swan Boat ride out to the Island and Church, a hike up to an amazing lookout over the lake and several bike rides around the lake, into town and to and from the mechanics.

As Clancy had a sleep-over one night we had to “rough it” in the tent, experiencing a little of Fay’s trip, although the weather has now changed for the worse with the cold rapidly approaching as well as the wet. We managed to survive the cold, aided by the next door neighbour Brits who invited us for dinner in their very warm van.

By early afternoon the next day we were back in action with Clancy now having a new lease on life, the difference in power was amazing as we flew (comparatively) down the motorway to the capital. Set up camp on the outskirts of Ljubljana and had a quiet night in watching a DVD on the laptop.

Headed in to town the following morning for a quick exploration of the cute city. Wandered around the old quarter before heading up to the castle and climbed the tower for a bird’s eye view of the city. Wandered back into town to check out the markets, try the local Kremma Snezna Rezina (big cream cake...mmm) and the city’s bridges. Had a late lunch at a small uni café which involved a horse burger (we think) and a very tasty gnocchi-like meal.

By this stage we thought we had seen enough and decided to head back to camp and hit the road for Hungary. On route we had a chat with an amazing 85 year old lady, just returned from exile in Australia after 52 years, her husband having passed away. She had walked from the capital to Vienna all those years ago to escape, her story was both amazing and deeply sad. Her outlook on the world and its many conflicts was unfortunately too accurate. Leaving somewhat shaken, we caught the bus back to camp and hit the motorway.

Unfortunately the motorway was still not completed (despite the hefty fee for the vignette) so the trip involved many detours and a tail back at Maribor. We did manage to get to Hungary that night though…

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