A year ago I am not sure I’d ever heard of Slovenia, let alone be visiting there.  I stumbled upon it in my research for our trip and fell in love with the pictures.  Formerly Yugoslavia until becoming an independent country in 1991.

The beauty of the lake that surrounded Bled Island captured our undivided attention for the next 3 days.  The back drop belongs to the Julian Alps. We were fortunate enough to be lodging only 150 meters up the hill.

Raleigh would usually run ahead and stand as a statue that needed to be paid in kisses or invisible Euros before letting me pass.  As you can see, some of the homes were very run down while others were very well kept.

I really wanted to reach over and pluck a grape to try, but I didn’t, but I WANTED TO!

We could be rowed out to the island or row ourselves.  We all wanted the experience of rowing.  We were delighted to find a boat that had our friend’s name on it!

 

Taking a row boat to the island was quite the adventure and much harder than we anticipated.  We took turns rowing.  We probably did twice the distance with all of our zig-zagging but eventually we made it.  We were definitely the loudest brood on the lake.

At the top of the steps are a church, a lovely coffee shop with lots of outdoor seating and, of course, a 360 degree view.

According to a legend which stayed with the people, the temple of the ancient Slavic goddess Živa once stood in the place of the present Baroque church. The temple disappeared during battles between the followers of the pagan religion and Christians, who destroyed the altar and built a church.

On the Bled island, archaeologists have discovered traces of prehistoric (11th to 8th centuries B.C.) and Slavic (9th to 10th century) settlements. In the early Middle Ages, a pre-Christian, probably Old Slavic, cult area stood at the location of the present day church. 124 graves with skeletons from the 9th to the 11th century were found.

The church went through some reconstruction in the 15th and 17th centuries because of 2 earthquakes and a lightning strike.

Enjoying the view on top of Bled Island, as well as their traditional cake made from almonds.  Dennis liked the taste and I appreciated the presentation.  The mocha was fabulous!

It was kind of funny, I was still on top of the Island and Den and the kids were at the bottom walking.  It was absolutely silent except Annie hollering for Den and then Raleigh’s running foot steps crunching across the rocks.  I wanted to yell down for them to be quiet, but then I just had to laugh–we have got to be the loudest family traipsing through Europe.

So, Raleigh has put some serious miles on his little legs in the last 6 weeks, so much that we decided a scooter would be an excellent investment to save us time in waiting for him to “hurry up” and Dennis and my back and shoulders.

 

A trip around the lake on bikes was beautiful.  As we biked, we could hear announcers and music.  I couldn’t get there fast enough, wanting to see what was going on.  It was a sling shot contest.  Guys would start out on a dock with their feet in a wake board and holding onto a  handle that would zip them across the dock, into the water for about 50 yards and then onto a ramp where they would do tricks.  I don’t know what was more fun, watching the event or watching the spectators watch the girls.  Wherever we go people are usually trying to figure out if they are twins or triplets.  Raleigh and I are usually 20 paces behind them and we get to hear couples arguing if they are twins or triplets after they have passed the girls.

 

 

The swans on the lake were so pristine, their feathers so pure and white.  They were very friendly and loved eating our bread.  I have never been so close to a swan to see how perfectly its feathers curl up on the sides.

 

Indi was walking this swan with her invisible leash!

Vintgar Gorge is one of the most important tourist sights in Slovenia.  It was discovered in 1891 but was impassibe.   That changed soon because of tourism in the late 1890’s.  The bridge we walked on was very sturdy.  The water crystal clear and moving fast.

The famous Bled Cream Cake was introduced 60 years ago and since has sold 12 million cakes.  We knew we had to try a piece from the Park Hotel patisserie where the original, perfected recipe is used with only the finest of ingredients.  It was quite delicious and not as sweet as one might think.  It made me miss my mom’s coconut cream pie.

We only experienced a small part of the country, but from what we saw I would highly recommend it to those who enjoy international travel.

Photo credits to Indi for her paddle in the water picture!