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 →
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 →
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 →