Archives for 2011

Tiny.

After retuning from hiking Vintgar Gorge, we hopped onto a pletna and headed towards the island. I don’t know exactly how it works for the pletna pilot, but at 12 euros a head and 20+ heads on a boat, it seems like a pretty sweet job. Mike and I were both thinking we were in the wrong business (although I’m sure they pay some sort of tax for the right to operate). As soon as I bulk up my arms (and learn to swim properly), I’m heading back to the dock with a resume in hand.

It takes about 30 minutes to reach the island and you are given 30 minutes to explore as you like. You can also hire your own boat but we were told that private rentals were suspended due to the regatta. (We saw a few people out in rented boats though so I think that was misinformation.)

The island was cute and tiny and peaceful. You can enter the church for a fee but we preferred to stay outside.

When we returned to the mainland it was time to fetch our luggage and head back to Ljubljana. We stayed at a place that is housed in a former prison. Now the building is part hostel part art gallery. Each former prison cell has been remodeled by various artists and turned into guest rooms. Ours featured photographs from around the world and lofted beds. It may come as no surprise to hear that our stay was actually a bit uncomfortable and claustrophobic. Now that the novelty of sleeping in a prison cell has passed, I probably won’t seek out the experience again.

xo, jill

Reminded me of home.

Our last morning in Bled we didn’t have much on the schedule. We had hoped to venture further into the Julian Alps but the bus schedule didn’t work for us. We had met some fellow travelers at breakfast who mentioned they were heading to Vintgar Gorge. It sounded like a good alternative activity.

Vintgar Gorge is about 4 kilometers from Bled and is a nice and easy hike. The trail is 1.6 kilometers each way through a narrow passage. For a good portion of the walk you are actually walking on wooden bridges built onto the sides of the gorge.

The trail ends at a pretty but unimpressive waterfall. Walking through the gorge definitely reminded me of the greenery back home. If only people cut out little hearts in their shutters in the States.

We walked back to town via a road pointed out to us by our taxi driver. Walking was Mike’s decision and I’m so glad I went along with it. We passed through sleepy little communities that made me wish I had a little house to warm myself.

When we arrived back in Bled the Rowing World Championships were underway and I was finally reunited with my long-lost-black-and-white-stripes-wearing family. It felt good to belong.

xo, jill

but I won’t.

After hiking around Lake Bled, Mike and I hopped on a bus headed to a much larger and less developed body of water, Lake Bohinj.

After taking a quick little dip, we decided to rent a canoe for a few hours.

We weren’t on the water too long before the weather began to change. The wind was blowing just strong enough to shake the canoe and make me nervous (not a natural water person). We decided to take a little break and headed towards the nearest shore. Now, I can tell you this was not on purpose… with plenty of empty bank to venture towards, we landed right next to some… naked people. (Remember, it was windy! We were being blown a bit off course!) While I really don’t mind if people want to enjoy some mostly-private clothes-off time, I do mind (at least a little bit) being perceived as a pervert. They promptly dressed and took off.

While on shore we tried to take a few photos of us out in the water. We mostly ended up with pictures of me between Mike’s legs (he was setting up the timer). While they aren’t the best photos in the world, they definitely make me smile.

Eventually we got a few better shots but the lighting was poor.

On our way back to the boathouse the rain began. There’s definitely no shelter from raindrops in a canoe. Not that it matters too much when you’re already in your bathing suit.

While we waited for our bus back to Bled we enjoyed the polka festival that was happening close by. The rain didn’t seem to dampen the festivities (pun intended?).

xo, jill

PS. I just have to say that while picking up a few items for a picnic at the lake, I selected an unusual cheese. It was a small cube and very soft. Perfect for spreading without a knife, right? Well… turned out it was kind of disgusting. Kudos to Mike for figuring out what I actually bought. A block of yeast. Yuck.

Picture perfect.

Can you see the park we swam at beneath the castle?

One of the many appeals of Slovenia is the opportunity for outdoor adventures. The area around Bled in particular offers visitors plenty of opportunities to get outside. With only a limited amount of time in the area, we decided to take the classic hike: around the lake with a stop at the Velika Osojnica viewpoint.

Family/friends from home, can you read my shirt?

Walking along the water was more of a stroll than a hike. We passed a few sweet old Slovenian women beginning their day by bathing in the lake. We also got a closer view of the famous island. This little island and the church upon it are what make Bled the romantic and picturesque destination that it is. You’ll be seeing plenty of photos.

The Church of the Assumption plays an important role in town. On weekends you can spot grooms carrying their brides up the 99 steps to the church door. We kept our eyes open for a glimpse of the local tradition but I think it was a bit too early in the day for wedding festivities.

The trailhead for the viewpoint took us up up up and up the side of the mountain. I kept thinking the end must be near… but no. There’s even a nice little spot with a bench at the top of a very steep set of stairs that makes you think you’re at the top, but you’re not. Persevering was well worth the effort, the view from the tippy-top was even better.

xo, jill