Today I bring you another of Slovenia's natural wonders: the Vintgar Gorge. Located just 4km from the town of Bled, it is a deservedly popular tourist destination. The dazzlingly clear turquoise waters of this natural masterpiece make Vintgar Gorge well worth the visit, if you don't mind some easy hiking (2-3 hours in total). Introduction... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #9: A Visit to Bled Castle
In keeping with the Kings of Bled theme, today we're taking a trip to the dramatic Bled Castle, perched atop a dramatic 125m high cliff overlooking the lake. If you're in the Bled area, make sure you visit the castle to find out more about the region's dramatic and multi-layered history. History of the Castle... Continue Reading →
Going Viral: A Diary
I went viral this weekend. Not in the oft-sought-after Twitter sense, but in the not-feeling-very-well sense. Given the current climate, I thought I might be coming down with Covid-19. Thankfully, I'm feeling better now. But the diarist in me had to record the experience, despite how bad I felt. Here's the result: 19/06/20 Woke up... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #8: A Trip to Bled Island
We've already taken a walk around Lake Bled, but no trip to Slovenia's most celebrated beauty spot would be complete without a trip to its iconic island, memorialised in many a postcard and calendar. Here's everything you need to know about Bled Island... A Potted History of Bled Island Bled Island seen from Straža Bled... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #7: Škofja Loka
Škofja Loka is one of Slovenia's best preserved medieval towns, located at the foothills of the Alps some 23km from the Capital, Ljubljana. Its centre is a time-capsule of a bygone age. It has a delightfully picturesque setting and boasts not one, but three castles (albeit two of them ruined) built on a plateau above... Continue Reading →
Le Horla, Mental Health and #PMDD
I haven't done a PMDD post so far this month. But rest assured, while I've been cheerily sending out Postcards from Slovenia, privately I've been going through hell. Today I'd like to discuss PMDD, and other mental health conditions, in the light of a thoroughly powerful and disturbing short story by Guy de Maupassant. Spoiler... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #6: The Coast
Though the tourist hordes are drawn to the delights of the nearby Croatian coast with its many islands and crystal clear waters, Slovenia's coast, though only 43km long, is definitely worth a visit. This post provides a quick tour of its highlights, which can easily be seen in 1-2 days, depending upon how much time... Continue Reading →
Writing about Writing
Writing about writing is not something I normally do, but I woke up this morning keen to start work on my first poetry collection. First thing in the morning is, for me, the perfect time to write. Before everyone else gets up and the noise and chaos begins. Not that I don't love the noise... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #5: Bohinj
If Bled is the Crown Jewel of Northern Slovenia, then Bohinj is its hidden gem. Situated just 30km from its neighbour, this lake is longer (4.2km) and more secluded. With less tourist facilities (though there are plenty of these in the nearby towns should you require them), Bohinj is a true natural paradise, lying beneath... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #4: Ljubljana
I could write a book about Ljubljana. There's so much to see and do, and the more time you spend there, the bigger will be the payback. However, the Old Town is so chocolate-box small that you can see the highlights in a day, and I can tell you about them briefly in this blog... Continue Reading →