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 →
Postcards from Slovenia #3: Koper-Capodistria
Situated at the head of the 43km-long Slovenian coastline, the main town of the obala (coast) has a rich Venetian history, which is much in evidence throughout its historical centre. The Venetian highlights of Koper can easily be seen in an afternoon, so here's a quick tour... History of Koper Detail from the Praetorian Palace... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #2: A Circuit of Lake Bled
Situated at the foot of the Julian Alps in the North of Slovenia, Lake Bled is one of the country's best-loved natural attractions. An opalescent turquoise on a clear day; dark and brooding when a storm is brewing; it is definitely worth a closer look. The 6km circumference is a delight to walk around, and... Continue Reading →
Postcards from Slovenia #1: Gorje Parish Church
While waiting to move in to our new home in Slovenia, we have been staying in the village of Zgornje Gorje just above Lake Bled. Outside the window of the Studio Špica tourist apartment, we have a wonderful view of the Gorje Parish Church. It is typical of churches in the North of Slovenia, having... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries Part 3: Nice-Slovenia
This was definitely the hardest part of the journey for me; we set off from Nice at 4am so the kids would be able to sleep for the first few hours. Exhaustion was already beginning to set in for me by then and I didn't do much driving because I just didn't feel safe. Although... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries Road Trip Part 2: Tortosa-Nice
So much has changed since I wrote the last entry, I'm feeling a bit numb as I write this one. If I think back to this time last week, and the distance travelled both physically and emotionally since then, it's mind-blowing. It puts me in mind of the Ancient Mariner's homecoming journey when the spirit... Continue Reading →
The Quarantine Diaries Road Trip Day 1: Malaga-Tortosa
3 days. 4 countries. 2,500km. Of all the road trips I have taken with my family, this was the craziest yet. It was also the most unusual, given that we were crossing a Europe emerging from an unprecedented lockdown brought about by the Covid-19 crisis. It was by turns exhilarating, exhausting and fascinating. Today I... Continue Reading →