Like the Ode, the Elegy has its origins in Classical literature, where it was characterised by its elegiac metre (alternating lines of dactylic hexameter and pentameter). But don't worry, this challenge does not demand such a fixed and complex metre. In English literature, an Elegy is 'a form of poetry in which the poet or... Continue Reading →
Time it was…#dVerse Prosery
‘Time it was, and what a time it was, it wasA time of innocence, A time of confidences…’ Such was the time I spent with my Grandmother. Her home was always a place of sanctuary: she stayed up all hours of the night and was always glad of company. She could sit for hours recounting... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #22: Kranjska Gora in Summer
Another popular Slovenian Ski Resort which makes a great summer holiday destination for lovers of mountain scenery is Kranjska Gora. The beauty of the place lies in its situation below some of the most dramatic mountain peaks in the area: the high and jagged rock wall of Prisank and its neighbouring mountains towering high above... Continue Reading →
Slovene Cuisine #2: Goulash
'Wait!' I hear you cry: 'Goulash is from Hungary! Or is it Austria? It certainly isn't from Slovenia!' While it's true that Goulash has its origins in Austro-Hungarian cuisine, it is very popular all over Slovenia owing to the fact that Slovenia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Read on to find out more,... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #21: Črno Jezero
Today, we visit Črno Jezero, or 'The Black Lake,' which is the lowest-lying of the Triglav Lakes, at 1,319 m (4,327 ft) above sea level. It lies below the Triglav Lakes Valley proper. It is possible to visit this lake from the Bohinj valley and return as a one-day excursion. But be prepared for a... Continue Reading →
EIF Poetry Challenge #3: The Results!
We had a great response to this fortnight's challenge: The Ode. There were some truly heartfelt and moving responses. I think being prompted to write a poem about something which moves you deeply is the perfect way to get the creative juices flowing. All of my poems (apart from the silly ones) are about something... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #20: The Vogel Ski Centre in Summer
Probably the most popular Ski resort in Slovenia, the Vogel Ski Centre above Lake Bohinj is also a great place to visit in Summer. Read on to find out why. Easy Access to the Mountains: The Vogel Cable Car The cable car is a marvel of modern engineering: my cavewoman brain can never quite grasp... Continue Reading →
Slovene Cuisine #1: Istrian Pasta with Truffles
If you've been following Postcards from Slovenia, or if you've ever visited Slovenia yourself, you'll know it has stunning mountain scenery, fascinating and beautiful cities, a delightful coastline as well as many other historical and natural attractions. But there's one aspect of life in Slovenia I haven't touched on yet, and I feel it deserves... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #19: Lipica
If you like horses, you'll love Lipica. As well as being a beautiful place to visit for all the family, it is also home to some of the most famous horses in the world. Today we visit the Lipzzaner stud farm. History of the Lipizzan Horse The Lipizzaner breed was founded in 1580, when the... Continue Reading →
EIF Poetry Challenge #3: The Ode
The Ode as a poetic form dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was devised as a song to be performed by a choir, and accompanied by dance. Wikipedia describes it as: 'an elaborately structured poem praising or glorifying an event or individual, describing nature intellectually as well as emotionally.' I also found the following definition in... Continue Reading →