Driving all day through torrential rain leads us to change course, and head to the mountains instead of the Slovenian beaches.
The Slovenian countryside
Despite my disdain of writing clichés, the overwhelming response that Marilynn and I have of Slovenia is “beautiful.”
Bled Lake, Bled Island, Bled Castle
Once we park the rental car in the town of Bled, after a daylong drive through rain and fog, a beautiful lake appears outside our window when the clouds lift.
The church on Bled Island in Lake Bled
We’re staying at the four-star hotel “Penzion Vila Preseren” for less than 60 US dollars, that includes fresh breakfast. Prior to this visit, my only impression of Slovenia has been its sausage.
From across the lake you can see our hotel – the very small white building to the right
Let’s walk off some sausage on this sunny morning with a five-mile stroll around the lake. It’s a slow walk, due to distractions of beauty such as an island church and a castle in the mountains.
Bled Castle
After a short drive to Bohinj, we’re on a gondola lifting with skiers to the Vogel Ski Resort area, in the heart of the Julian Alps.
Bohinj Lake, near Bohinj
We just roam around, stopping for a couple of cold ones, content to watch the skiers and snowboarders fly by.
Views of Bohinj Lake and Mt. Triglav (the tallest mountain in Slovenia) from the gondola
Slovenia beckons a more outdoorsy type of people. We stop in a small village in search of the traditional Slovenian sausage (We’re not that outdoorsy today).
Watching the skiers at Vogel Ski Resort
“Can I recommend a traditional meal?” our waitress says. “We just made a batch of homemade sausage.”
The Julian Alps
Well, you can guess our response. I discover a sense of irony when our waitress divulges her name. Melania. No kidding. The three of us discuss our travels.
“I loved the mountains of Montenegro,” Melania says. “Away from the coast you’ll find more natural beauty, and no crowds of people.”
She serves our lunch, and the sausage exceeds expectations.
Home made Slovenian sausage – Beautiful!
Beautiful, just like Slovenia. Ron Mitchell
Slovenia