This day started slowly too. Greg pointed out that the resort's group hike we were considering was walking the same path we always walk when going to Oberstauffen. Therefore, we decided to meet about noon to walk into town and have lunch. Matt started with us, but decided it would be better if he stayed at the resort. So the three of us went, We found that the gift shop we liked, closed every day from noon to 2:30. Seemed some others did that too. We found a candy shop/restaurant where we could have a lite lunch. Angie and Greg had some goulash soup and split an unusual open face egg and pineapple sandwich. I had sausage and chips, expecting potato chips. What I got was french fries. I was surprised, but it did taste good !.
Greg wanted to take a sandwich on the train in the evening, as it may be the only access to a meal before they get to the Stuttgart hotel at 9:30pm. We remembered a deli shop we stopped at on Thursday. The young man behind the counter spoke English very well, and he made up 3 ham and cheese sandwiches with mustard. One was for Matt. We all agreed we should have found that place earlier in the week.
Angie and Greg were leaving for the train about 4. We went down to the lobby and shared a champagne with them, and bid them farewell. And now there was just the 2 of us; Matt and Me.
Matt went to the laundry facility with me to get me started. It was a challenge, because the settings on both the washers and driers were in German. We had to guess which would be the setting we would normally use. I managed, and the clothes survived !
Sunday, September 27, 2015
September 24 - Leisure Day - Thursday
Angie and Greg slept in, and then Angie ran her 10 mile trail. They were going to go to the pool and sauna area about one, and then we would meet them around three to walk into town and have an early dinner. Well, shopping with Matt and Greg happens quickly, so we were looking for places to eat around 4:30. We soon discovered, that restaurants open at 5. So we found a little family type diner where we could eat. I ordered meatloaf and gravy thinking that it would be ground beef with seasonings like we have in the states. What came was more like a ham steak. Angie and Greg were calling it Spam with a smile. Angie and Matt had goulash soup which they loved. Greg was not too happy with his beef broth soup and he may have had the 'meatloaf' too.
We went to our favorite ice cream spot for desert, and then walked back to the resort. Angie and Greg came to our place to talk about options of activities for Friday. Thursday was a very relaxing day.
We went to our favorite ice cream spot for desert, and then walked back to the resort. Angie and Greg came to our place to talk about options of activities for Friday. Thursday was a very relaxing day.
September 23 - Munchen Oktoberfest - Wednesday
We had breakfast early, so Sonja could drive us to the train station to catch the 8:38 am train to Munich. The first car we saw happened to be in first class, so we realized after about 15 minutes riding along. We decided to stay, and see what happens. The first conductor came by about 90 minutes after we boarded. He mentioned that we were in the wrong car, looked at us, and said enjoy. A second conductor came by when we were about two stops from the end, told us were in a first class car, and then went on his way with a smile.
Joe and Melissa had been to Oktoberfest on the previous Saturday, but were looking forward to being in a tent for the celebrations. Joe, therefore was good at navigating the subways. He lead us to the correct train that took us right to the entrance. The midway of Oktoberfest is similar to a big fair. Different people selling their wares between the huge beer tents or buildings. Our 'tent' was actually a wood building near the back right of the midway and not far from the Ferris Wheel. I needed to pick up our prepaid voucher from the far side of the building. Then we entered in the front. There were not letting anyone in until the 11:30 time. There were loads of people waiting. On the right, there appeared to be many photographers hovering over a beautiful lady. Sonja later told us it was Uschi Glas. Wiki states that she is a 71 year old German TV and Film actress. She looks great for being 71!
Our table was on the back wall of the building, about 3 rows behind the Um-Pa band. Thomas, our waiter introduced himself to the table, and brought us the first round of liter beers. He had a good sense of humor, and teased some of us occasionally. Some of us were wondering how we would occupy our time for 3.5 hours, but looking back, it went by fast. There was lots of people watching, singing along with the band on the beer song, and slowly enjoying the food. At mid time, Thomas came by and asked if we wanted some schnapps. He said that would help settle the food so we could eat more. Yeah - Right ! A few of us had the shot, but we still left a good bit of the meat. It all was so good. We concluded that in the future, when there are 6 people, we order for 4 people. They asked us to leave right at 3, so they could get ready for the second round of people. And this was a Wednesday. Can't imagine what it was like on Friday or Saturday ! We did a little shopping on our way out of the festival.
Joe suggested that we head to Munich's Marienplatz. Per Wiki : Marienplatz (en: Mary's Square, i.e. St. Mary, Our Lady's Square) is a central square in the city centre of Munich, Germany. It has been the city's main square since 1158. Angie had luck in this area to find the silver heart pendant that she wanted. The rest of us sat at a table and had more beer, water, or coke. We headed back to the main train station to catch the 7:19 train to Oberstaufen. We stepped on the right car this time. We got back to the resort in time to order a pizza and drinks. Matt and I evidently confused the Italian bartender, as we ended up with two prosciutto pizzas. We had the second one on Friday. We bit farewell to Joe and Melissa that night as they were headed to Zurich Switzerland in the early morning via train. And then there were just 4.
Joe and Melissa had been to Oktoberfest on the previous Saturday, but were looking forward to being in a tent for the celebrations. Joe, therefore was good at navigating the subways. He lead us to the correct train that took us right to the entrance. The midway of Oktoberfest is similar to a big fair. Different people selling their wares between the huge beer tents or buildings. Our 'tent' was actually a wood building near the back right of the midway and not far from the Ferris Wheel. I needed to pick up our prepaid voucher from the far side of the building. Then we entered in the front. There were not letting anyone in until the 11:30 time. There were loads of people waiting. On the right, there appeared to be many photographers hovering over a beautiful lady. Sonja later told us it was Uschi Glas. Wiki states that she is a 71 year old German TV and Film actress. She looks great for being 71!
Our table was on the back wall of the building, about 3 rows behind the Um-Pa band. Thomas, our waiter introduced himself to the table, and brought us the first round of liter beers. He had a good sense of humor, and teased some of us occasionally. Some of us were wondering how we would occupy our time for 3.5 hours, but looking back, it went by fast. There was lots of people watching, singing along with the band on the beer song, and slowly enjoying the food. At mid time, Thomas came by and asked if we wanted some schnapps. He said that would help settle the food so we could eat more. Yeah - Right ! A few of us had the shot, but we still left a good bit of the meat. It all was so good. We concluded that in the future, when there are 6 people, we order for 4 people. They asked us to leave right at 3, so they could get ready for the second round of people. And this was a Wednesday. Can't imagine what it was like on Friday or Saturday ! We did a little shopping on our way out of the festival.
Joe suggested that we head to Munich's Marienplatz. Per Wiki : Marienplatz (en: Mary's Square, i.e. St. Mary, Our Lady's Square) is a central square in the city centre of Munich, Germany. It has been the city's main square since 1158. Angie had luck in this area to find the silver heart pendant that she wanted. The rest of us sat at a table and had more beer, water, or coke. We headed back to the main train station to catch the 7:19 train to Oberstaufen. We stepped on the right car this time. We got back to the resort in time to order a pizza and drinks. Matt and I evidently confused the Italian bartender, as we ended up with two prosciutto pizzas. We had the second one on Friday. We bit farewell to Joe and Melissa that night as they were headed to Zurich Switzerland in the early morning via train. And then there were just 4.
September 22 - Dairy Cheese Producer & Hochgratbahn Cable Car Ride with hike - Tuesday
Matt was feeling better this Tuesday, so he joined us for our activities. We started the day with a 10:30 tour of a nearby dairy farm. As we were waiting for the tour to start, Sonja shared some buttermilk with those that had not had it before. This too is not on Angie's lists of favorite foods! I got a slice of cheese with tomato basil flavorings - Yum. Then we went outside to check the surroundings. We saw a church near by, and then heard cowbells. Upon crossing the street, we say the cows wearing their big bells. What a pleasant sound. A graveyard was on the same side of the street. It was interesting because the family members plant and maintain little flower gardens in the plot over their family members casket. Sonja told us that families can opt to a 10 year arrangement with the graveyard owners. After that they can renew the rent, or stop it. Interesting concept.
We were surprised at the number of people that came for the dairy tour; probably about 35 people. The tour was in German, and Sonja translated what the man said in German to English for the 6 of us. This dairy processing store is owned by the local farmers as a coop, and they hire the tour guide and others that work there to manage it. They give the tour as a way of publicizing that the milk and cheeses are fresh and not brought in from big milk producers. At the end of the tour, he gave each of us a small sample of three cheeses. Matt and I liked the one of the milder cheeses. The garlic cheese was very yummy, but garlic would stay with me for a week, and I would have to get my own bedroom !
Our next venture was to the Hochgratbahn Cable Car. 'The Hochgrat mountain range is the highest in the western region of Allgäu at 1834 m. The summit is named the Nagelfluhkette – an impressive ridge.' Melissa and I were a little nervous about the very long run of the cable car, but we made it ! The views from the top were phenomenal. There was a panoramic hike along a top ridge, which Angie, Greg, Joe, and Sonja took. They came back exhilarated and full of smiles. Matt, Melissa and I stayed on a lower trail, and went into the restaurant once we were frozen and had a hot drink. It was about 3 or 4 by the time we got back to the resort.
We had reservations at Altstaufuer Einhehr Restaurant. Once again, the Bavarian food was outstanding. It was our last dinner with Sonja. She did a great job planning our activities for the 2.5 days. Oktoberfest is on Wednesday, and she was ready to head home to her husband. We are very grateful to him for sharing her this week!
We were surprised at the number of people that came for the dairy tour; probably about 35 people. The tour was in German, and Sonja translated what the man said in German to English for the 6 of us. This dairy processing store is owned by the local farmers as a coop, and they hire the tour guide and others that work there to manage it. They give the tour as a way of publicizing that the milk and cheeses are fresh and not brought in from big milk producers. At the end of the tour, he gave each of us a small sample of three cheeses. Matt and I liked the one of the milder cheeses. The garlic cheese was very yummy, but garlic would stay with me for a week, and I would have to get my own bedroom !
Our next venture was to the Hochgratbahn Cable Car. 'The Hochgrat mountain range is the highest in the western region of Allgäu at 1834 m. The summit is named the Nagelfluhkette – an impressive ridge.' Melissa and I were a little nervous about the very long run of the cable car, but we made it ! The views from the top were phenomenal. There was a panoramic hike along a top ridge, which Angie, Greg, Joe, and Sonja took. They came back exhilarated and full of smiles. Matt, Melissa and I stayed on a lower trail, and went into the restaurant once we were frozen and had a hot drink. It was about 3 or 4 by the time we got back to the resort.
We had reservations at Altstaufuer Einhehr Restaurant. Once again, the Bavarian food was outstanding. It was our last dinner with Sonja. She did a great job planning our activities for the 2.5 days. Oktoberfest is on Wednesday, and she was ready to head home to her husband. We are very grateful to him for sharing her this week!
September 21 - King Ludwig's 2 castles and the Ettal Monastery Beer - Monday
Monday, we met in the lobby about 9 or 9:15 to do some touring of the area. Matt had some intestinal discomfort, so he stayed at the hotel and slept until 3pm. He then got up, and did our laundry. What a guy!.
The first place we visited was 'Neuschwanstein Castle - 'a nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany' This is the castle that Walt Disney used as a model for his Small World castle. Sonja said that the inside tour is so rushed, and the furnishings are just mediocre, that it is not worth paying for a tour. We had a bright sunny day for the walk up to the castle, and enjoyed the scenery as we ventured to the top hill where it resided.
We passed some beautiful scenery on the way to the next castle/palace. There was a gorgeous lake (Plansee Lake in Austria) with a mountain backdrop that just takes your breathe away. To top that, there were a couple of sailboats on the lake. Fantastic.
- Linderhof Palace with the Blue Grotto 'is a Schloss (castle) in Germany, in southwest Bavaria near Ettal Abbey. It is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one which he lived to see completed.' This place was spectacular. It looked like he copied Schoenberg Palace in Vienna, and Joe said it looked to him like a small Versailles from France. It had beautiful fountains in the front and the back of the palace. The fountain in the front was management by gravity and water pressure. We could not believe how high the water was going into the air. Later we walked thru the back gardens to the grotto. This grotto was all hand made. It was basically an in ground swimming pool with walls that made it look like a huge cave. Unbelievable how much money he spent on his pleasures, and it was probably tax money !
By the time we reached Ettal, it was after the Abbey had closed. But the Biergarten was open. I loved the Dunkel Ettal beer, and I had a pig hock to eat. Instead of boiling the pig hock, they seem to deep fry it. It was not as good as last years in Prague, but it was good. Angie had one too, that she thought she liked, but decided afterward it was not on her list of favorite foods.
We took a faster way back to Oberstauffen, but it meant that we returned about 7. Matt was a little worried that something had happened to us, and was relieved when we returned. Everyone came to our room a little later so we could tell him about the day.
The first place we visited was 'Neuschwanstein Castle - 'a nineteenth-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany' This is the castle that Walt Disney used as a model for his Small World castle. Sonja said that the inside tour is so rushed, and the furnishings are just mediocre, that it is not worth paying for a tour. We had a bright sunny day for the walk up to the castle, and enjoyed the scenery as we ventured to the top hill where it resided.
We passed some beautiful scenery on the way to the next castle/palace. There was a gorgeous lake (Plansee Lake in Austria) with a mountain backdrop that just takes your breathe away. To top that, there were a couple of sailboats on the lake. Fantastic.
- Linderhof Palace with the Blue Grotto 'is a Schloss (castle) in Germany, in southwest Bavaria near Ettal Abbey. It is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one which he lived to see completed.' This place was spectacular. It looked like he copied Schoenberg Palace in Vienna, and Joe said it looked to him like a small Versailles from France. It had beautiful fountains in the front and the back of the palace. The fountain in the front was management by gravity and water pressure. We could not believe how high the water was going into the air. Later we walked thru the back gardens to the grotto. This grotto was all hand made. It was basically an in ground swimming pool with walls that made it look like a huge cave. Unbelievable how much money he spent on his pleasures, and it was probably tax money !
By the time we reached Ettal, it was after the Abbey had closed. But the Biergarten was open. I loved the Dunkel Ettal beer, and I had a pig hock to eat. Instead of boiling the pig hock, they seem to deep fry it. It was not as good as last years in Prague, but it was good. Angie had one too, that she thought she liked, but decided afterward it was not on her list of favorite foods.
We took a faster way back to Oberstauffen, but it meant that we returned about 7. Matt was a little worried that something had happened to us, and was relieved when we returned. Everyone came to our room a little later so we could tell him about the day.
Saturday, September 26, 2015
September 20 - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - Bled to Oberstauffen - Sunday
We awoke with the alarm at 3:45, to ensure we were downstairs by 5:15, in case the driver was early - which he was. We were expected to be at the boarding area by 6:15 for our 6:45 flight from Ljubljana to Munich.We arrived at the airport in time, but there was a line to check our bags. As it turned out, it worked well. We took off on time, and landed in Munich on time. It was a quick 45 minute flight.
Once at the airport, we had to figure out how to catch a local train to the city center. Fortunately, a lady was very helpful, and we relaxed once on that train. We then took a taxi to the hotel, to drop off the motorcycle bag and the helmet, as there was no need to lug that around for week 2. We decided that the central train station was close enough, that we could walk to it, each carrying our backpack and pulling a suitcase. Once there, we needed help determining the train that would take us to Oberstauffen. We went to the RailAid office, and then assisted once I showed them the name of the hotel and its address in Oberstauffen. Evidently, I was not pronouncing Oberstauffen correctly, as the help only figured it out once he saw the city name on paper.
Matt and I found the platform where it was leaving, so we go into the train car with much difficulties, as they do not have ramps for these large bags with wheels. We were oblivious to the car we entered, but shortly after we sat down, I saw Joe and Melissa start to walk by. What a coincidence! We sat together for most of the trip. When we were a few stops away, Joe thought he understood an announcement to say that we needed to get on the correct cars that would stop in Oberstauffen, and we were on the car that would go to Obersdorf. So quickly we get off that train car, or as quickly as we could, and ran to the end of the train where the cars were going to Oberstauffen. Thank goodness Joe followed his suspicion. Once in Oberstauffen, we took a taxi to the hotel, which was just about 1/2 a mile from the train station, but was up and down hills. Very difficult with luggage.
Angie and Greg were in the lobby when we arrived. Joe and Melissa had a room right next to them, and Matt and I were across the road in the building holding the #200 rooms. Sonja arrived later, and ended up in the #500 room building. Before Sonja arrived, the six of us walked to town and had a beer and a little snack. We walked back to the hotel to rest a bit before we were to leave for dinner.
We met about 5:45 or 6 pm in the hotel lobby to go to dinner.
06:30 pm Dinner at Restaurant Posttürmle,Oberstaufen (http://www.posttuermle.dde)
This restaurant only seats about 20 people. A husband and wife own it. They requested that we all order the same entree, which worked well. The dinner was delicious, and we had a great time visiting. When we got back to the hotel, Matt and I went to our room and crashed. It had been a long day for us.
Once at the airport, we had to figure out how to catch a local train to the city center. Fortunately, a lady was very helpful, and we relaxed once on that train. We then took a taxi to the hotel, to drop off the motorcycle bag and the helmet, as there was no need to lug that around for week 2. We decided that the central train station was close enough, that we could walk to it, each carrying our backpack and pulling a suitcase. Once there, we needed help determining the train that would take us to Oberstauffen. We went to the RailAid office, and then assisted once I showed them the name of the hotel and its address in Oberstauffen. Evidently, I was not pronouncing Oberstauffen correctly, as the help only figured it out once he saw the city name on paper.
Matt and I found the platform where it was leaving, so we go into the train car with much difficulties, as they do not have ramps for these large bags with wheels. We were oblivious to the car we entered, but shortly after we sat down, I saw Joe and Melissa start to walk by. What a coincidence! We sat together for most of the trip. When we were a few stops away, Joe thought he understood an announcement to say that we needed to get on the correct cars that would stop in Oberstauffen, and we were on the car that would go to Obersdorf. So quickly we get off that train car, or as quickly as we could, and ran to the end of the train where the cars were going to Oberstauffen. Thank goodness Joe followed his suspicion. Once in Oberstauffen, we took a taxi to the hotel, which was just about 1/2 a mile from the train station, but was up and down hills. Very difficult with luggage.
Angie and Greg were in the lobby when we arrived. Joe and Melissa had a room right next to them, and Matt and I were across the road in the building holding the #200 rooms. Sonja arrived later, and ended up in the #500 room building. Before Sonja arrived, the six of us walked to town and had a beer and a little snack. We walked back to the hotel to rest a bit before we were to leave for dinner.
We met about 5:45 or 6 pm in the hotel lobby to go to dinner.
06:30 pm Dinner at Restaurant Posttürmle,Oberstaufen (http://www.posttuermle.dde)
This restaurant only seats about 20 people. A husband and wife own it. They requested that we all order the same entree, which worked well. The dinner was delicious, and we had a great time visiting. When we got back to the hotel, Matt and I went to our room and crashed. It had been a long day for us.
September 19 - Skofja Loka tour with lunch - Saturday
Our last day touring Slovenia was spent visiting the medieval town of Skofja Loka. On the way, Tina showed us the town and apartments where she grew up. We also went passed the area where her grandparents lived.
Once we arrived at the Skofja Loka area, she took us to a farmers market. There were various types of vendors, from bakery items to fish, cheeses, and meat. It was fun looking around, and I bought some Potica (Slovenian nut roll) to share with our friends in Germany, as they may not have had it before.
We then walked across the street to the little medieval town. We started with a tour of the castle given by a lady with bright red lipstick, short red skirt, and red high heels. The tour was interesting, as they had various wood furniture in the castle, and some of it was very intriguing. Once the tour ended, we shopped in the little village. It had to be done quickly, as the retail stores closed around noon. We happened to see a wedding couple with a photographer as we were strolling the streets.
We then traveled to Krizna Gora to have lunch in a family type restaurant. It started with an appetizer of cheese and liver pate, then soup, then a large roast beef entree, and then a delicious desert. We were surprised with the quantity of food, as we would be having our farewell dinner later in the evening. We noticed that everyone's portions were huge. A table next to us had a platter that looked like Pot Roast with all the vegetables. From there we went back to the hotel to rest before dinner.
The farewell dinner was at Gostilna Murka in Bled. It too was very filling. It was nice to chat with most everyone. We ventured back to the hotel, where we said our goodbyes to the various people we had met during the week. We were leaving the hotel the next morning at 5:20am, so none of them would be up to see up off. We also bid farewell to Nora and Pam, as then were heading to Venice on Sunday to start a Kompas tour of Italy for their second week.
This Slovenia tour was excellent. I would recommend it!
Once we arrived at the Skofja Loka area, she took us to a farmers market. There were various types of vendors, from bakery items to fish, cheeses, and meat. It was fun looking around, and I bought some Potica (Slovenian nut roll) to share with our friends in Germany, as they may not have had it before.
We then walked across the street to the little medieval town. We started with a tour of the castle given by a lady with bright red lipstick, short red skirt, and red high heels. The tour was interesting, as they had various wood furniture in the castle, and some of it was very intriguing. Once the tour ended, we shopped in the little village. It had to be done quickly, as the retail stores closed around noon. We happened to see a wedding couple with a photographer as we were strolling the streets.
We then traveled to Krizna Gora to have lunch in a family type restaurant. It started with an appetizer of cheese and liver pate, then soup, then a large roast beef entree, and then a delicious desert. We were surprised with the quantity of food, as we would be having our farewell dinner later in the evening. We noticed that everyone's portions were huge. A table next to us had a platter that looked like Pot Roast with all the vegetables. From there we went back to the hotel to rest before dinner.
The farewell dinner was at Gostilna Murka in Bled. It too was very filling. It was nice to chat with most everyone. We ventured back to the hotel, where we said our goodbyes to the various people we had met during the week. We were leaving the hotel the next morning at 5:20am, so none of them would be up to see up off. We also bid farewell to Nora and Pam, as then were heading to Venice on Sunday to start a Kompas tour of Italy for their second week.
This Slovenia tour was excellent. I would recommend it!
Friday, September 25, 2015
September 18 - Bled Castle, Lake Bohinj, Vogel Cable Car, Shepards' museum - Friday
Today we started with a tour of the castle on the cliff. It has speakers in costume to keep your interest. We started in the Printing Press shop. The gentleman showed our group how the type is set, then inked, and then applied to paper. That technology has certainly changed as we all do that in our homes now with computers and printers!
Next we visited the wine cellar where a friar spoke about the local wines. Tina wanted to show us the ballrooms in the castle, but they were preparing for an afternoon wedding, and they would not allow us access. But we were able to walk though other rooms of the castle. The view from that vantage point was fantastic as the sun was shinning that morning making everything glisten.
Next we traveled to Bohinj and it's beautiful lake. It reminded me of Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Canada. We stood on the edge of the lake and saw gorgeous mountains rising up on the other side. The Church of St. John the Baptist was across the street from the lake. It had lovely frescoes both inside and on the outside of the building. After visiting the church, Tina gave us about 20 minutes to tour the little town. They had a small adventure area where people could try climbing a cliff while harnessed to ropes and a person on the ground that would prevent them from falling. Along the lake was a statue of the Zlatorog (Goldhorn), the sheep (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhorn) Tina had told us the legend before we left the bus, but as usual, I have forgotten it.
A short ride later, we were at the Vogel Cable Car. (bohinj.co/vogel-cable-car) I was a bit apprehensive about this part of the trip, but it was wonderful. The car could hold about 40 - 50 people standing. The trip was relatively quick, and very smooth. It does not take you the the very top, as skiers take chair lifts from here to get to the ski slopes. We had a delicious soup with bread in a restaurant at the top. And of course, the views from that point were fantastic! Vivian, from Australia, told me she took her daughter on a similar car in Hong Kong. Due to weather, they were stopped suspended mid trip, in the air, for 15 minutes. Her daughter was panicking, so to calm her, she told her of a movie where a helicopter came and rescued people from stalled cable. That just seemed to make it worse for her daughter. LOL
Next we stopped at a shepard's museum where a local guide told us about Slovenian farmers who managed their cows in the region. How they would migrate up the mountain side in the summer to be cooler, and down the mountain in the winter to be warmer. We then went across the village street to a place with table and chairs where we sampled fresh cheeses, and some traditional schnapps. It was a chance for Matt and Nora to have some Slivovitz. Their grandpa Nemec and dad would share it in the basement of their grandpa's house. Matt could not get it passed his nose. Lucy, the lady from Rocky River who sat next to me, showed me how to take small shots at a time. It is nothing that one sips. The blueberry schnapps is much better for sipping. (Tina even had some home made from a Bled restaurant that she shared with us on the bus both Friday and Saturday.)
Since we had such filling food during the day, Matt and I walked around the lake in the evening, and then had some Bled Cream Cake for our dinner this night. What a way to end the day. Very yummy.
Next we visited the wine cellar where a friar spoke about the local wines. Tina wanted to show us the ballrooms in the castle, but they were preparing for an afternoon wedding, and they would not allow us access. But we were able to walk though other rooms of the castle. The view from that vantage point was fantastic as the sun was shinning that morning making everything glisten.
Next we traveled to Bohinj and it's beautiful lake. It reminded me of Lake Louise in Banff National Park in Canada. We stood on the edge of the lake and saw gorgeous mountains rising up on the other side. The Church of St. John the Baptist was across the street from the lake. It had lovely frescoes both inside and on the outside of the building. After visiting the church, Tina gave us about 20 minutes to tour the little town. They had a small adventure area where people could try climbing a cliff while harnessed to ropes and a person on the ground that would prevent them from falling. Along the lake was a statue of the Zlatorog (Goldhorn), the sheep (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldhorn) Tina had told us the legend before we left the bus, but as usual, I have forgotten it.
A short ride later, we were at the Vogel Cable Car. (bohinj.co/vogel-cable-car) I was a bit apprehensive about this part of the trip, but it was wonderful. The car could hold about 40 - 50 people standing. The trip was relatively quick, and very smooth. It does not take you the the very top, as skiers take chair lifts from here to get to the ski slopes. We had a delicious soup with bread in a restaurant at the top. And of course, the views from that point were fantastic! Vivian, from Australia, told me she took her daughter on a similar car in Hong Kong. Due to weather, they were stopped suspended mid trip, in the air, for 15 minutes. Her daughter was panicking, so to calm her, she told her of a movie where a helicopter came and rescued people from stalled cable. That just seemed to make it worse for her daughter. LOL
Next we stopped at a shepard's museum where a local guide told us about Slovenian farmers who managed their cows in the region. How they would migrate up the mountain side in the summer to be cooler, and down the mountain in the winter to be warmer. We then went across the village street to a place with table and chairs where we sampled fresh cheeses, and some traditional schnapps. It was a chance for Matt and Nora to have some Slivovitz. Their grandpa Nemec and dad would share it in the basement of their grandpa's house. Matt could not get it passed his nose. Lucy, the lady from Rocky River who sat next to me, showed me how to take small shots at a time. It is nothing that one sips. The blueberry schnapps is much better for sipping. (Tina even had some home made from a Bled restaurant that she shared with us on the bus both Friday and Saturday.)
Since we had such filling food during the day, Matt and I walked around the lake in the evening, and then had some Bled Cream Cake for our dinner this night. What a way to end the day. Very yummy.
September 17 - Soca Valley, Kobarid, Julian Alps, Bled - Thursday
We started the day traveling along the blue green glacial river of Soca. Parts of the river seemed peaceful, and parts were traveling very fast. The water must have been warmer than the air, because many parts had 3 feet of steam above the water. We say people kayaking, and rafting. We stopped at one point to see the river first hand. There were two younger people in wet suits resting by their kayaks by the side of the river. I chatted a bit, and they said they had been on the river for two hours this morning. They were from Austria, and love to come to Slovenia for river kayaking. The water then seemed very chilly.
We next stopped in a small town called Kobarid, as 'mentioned in Hemingway's Farewell to Arms'. There was a WWI museum there. Seems there were many battles in the mountains around this town. Regretfully, I did not get much from this visit. The rooms were warm, I could not understand the guide or movie, and I dozed a bit every now and then. The little town was beautiful, like most villages in Slovenia. Yards neat and clean and lots of flowers.
In the afternoon, Janez, the bus driver, took us through the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park and over the Vrsic Pass and pass the Russian Chapel, which was created in the honor of the Russian prisoners of war that died while building the road that goes over the pass. The sights and all the switch backs were amazing. Janez had to use both lanes of the road to navigate the roads. We only had one close call when a maintenance truck was impatient, and tried to make the curve while we were in it.
We ended the day in beautiful town of Bled. The circumference of the lake is a 6 km walk, which we did not have time to do. The town is on one side of the lake, and the castle is on a cliff on the other side of the lake looking over the lake and town. There is an island in the lake on one end, and there is a lovely small church on the island. 'Plenta' boats will take visitors to the islands, or there are row boats for the do-it-yourselfers. Looks like the Plenta boats can carry about 20 visitors and the 'drivers' of the boats paddle to the island. A person becomes a Plenta boat driver through family heritage. Swans and ducks swim in the lake, and there most be some fish, as we say fisherman sitting on the shore.
Nora, Pam, Matt, and I had dinner this evening at the neighboring 'Pension' restaurant next to the hotel. A 'pension' in Europe is like a Bed and Breakfast in the US, but it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner which may be included in the price. We all had the daily dinner, but I had a full trout, and they had pork ribs. It was very good. The waiter seemed to tease Nora, so he brought us some complimentary orange liquor at the end of the meal.
We next stopped in a small town called Kobarid, as 'mentioned in Hemingway's Farewell to Arms'. There was a WWI museum there. Seems there were many battles in the mountains around this town. Regretfully, I did not get much from this visit. The rooms were warm, I could not understand the guide or movie, and I dozed a bit every now and then. The little town was beautiful, like most villages in Slovenia. Yards neat and clean and lots of flowers.
In the afternoon, Janez, the bus driver, took us through the Julian Alps and the Triglav National Park and over the Vrsic Pass and pass the Russian Chapel, which was created in the honor of the Russian prisoners of war that died while building the road that goes over the pass. The sights and all the switch backs were amazing. Janez had to use both lanes of the road to navigate the roads. We only had one close call when a maintenance truck was impatient, and tried to make the curve while we were in it.
We ended the day in beautiful town of Bled. The circumference of the lake is a 6 km walk, which we did not have time to do. The town is on one side of the lake, and the castle is on a cliff on the other side of the lake looking over the lake and town. There is an island in the lake on one end, and there is a lovely small church on the island. 'Plenta' boats will take visitors to the islands, or there are row boats for the do-it-yourselfers. Looks like the Plenta boats can carry about 20 visitors and the 'drivers' of the boats paddle to the island. A person becomes a Plenta boat driver through family heritage. Swans and ducks swim in the lake, and there most be some fish, as we say fisherman sitting on the shore.
Nora, Pam, Matt, and I had dinner this evening at the neighboring 'Pension' restaurant next to the hotel. A 'pension' in Europe is like a Bed and Breakfast in the US, but it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner which may be included in the price. We all had the daily dinner, but I had a full trout, and they had pork ribs. It was very good. The waiter seemed to tease Nora, so he brought us some complimentary orange liquor at the end of the meal.
Friday, September 18, 2015
September 16 = Piran, Secovlje, Portroz, Nova Gorica, and Goriska Brda - Wednesday
Rain Rain - Go Away
We awoke to a beautiful morning. Our breakfast was out on a terrace overlooking the so called Adriatic beach. This beach has a seawall with ladders that go into the water. It is probably the only way the commercial sites on the coastline can control and protect their properties. But is seems strange from the Great Lakes perspective. We saw many people in swimming before breakfast. They were all shapes and sizes.
Matt and I decided to get some exercise, and walk up to the city walls that were east of the church of St George. It was a great walk up the steep cobblestone streets. I was very sweaty once we got back down to the town. We saw Nora and Pam who had been shopping, and I decided to join them. Matt was not interested, so he went back to the hotel. Just as Nora, Pam and I were finishing our purchases, the clouds let loose. None of the three of us had umbrellas or jackets. We figured we would wait at the store, for the rain to let up, and we were there for over 30 minutes waiting. Each minute was closer to the time we needed to meet in the hotel for our departure. And as soon as the rain would let up, it would start raining harder. I finally asked the store owner to call Tina, so that I could talk to here. But instead he spoke with her, and she came to our rescue, with Matt's rain jacket, and one extra umbrella. Our feet were soaked because some of the streets were flooded, and our hairs were quite damp. The next challenge for all of us was to get to the bus, as it was too big to come into town. All 18 of us jumped on the city shuttle with other city folk, to get to the bus station. Tina realized that some of our folks, had umbrellas from the Hotel. So she quickly called them, and then collected them all, jumped off the shuttle to give them to a hotel staff member, and get back on the shuttle before the scheduled time.
Our next stop was to the town of Secovlje for the Salt Pans. Here they showed us how they produce the best salt in the world. The process has not changed in 700 years. Here are a couple facts that interested me: Environment has to be exact for salt flowers to grow, meaning hot temperatures and no rain. Salt flowers grow on top of the water above the algae. If a child were to throw a stone in one of the evaporation areas, it would take 8 years for the area to be rebuilt. The workers where special wooden shoes so their feet do not break the lowest level of muck in the water.
Lunch was in Portoroz, which is another resort/beach town. We decided to have soup at a restaurant that had a patio that looked out on the beach. The waiter surprised us with an welcome appetizer from the kitchen. It was a little cooked fish in a sardine can. Matt was thrilled - NOT. The soup was excellent. Afterwards I went to the beach to stick my feet in the water. I can now say I have been in the Adriatic Ocean !
We got back on the bus and headed to Nova Gorica. This city is on the border of Italy. She had the bus stop to show us a landmark from 2004 where a wall that separated Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorica, Italy was taken down. The wall was a green wire fence. She said there were all sorts of stories about relationships between people on each side of the fence. 2004 was when they joined the European Union, and the fence was no longer needed. Not that long ago - huh!
For dinner, most of us decided on an optional tour to Goriska Brda, a wine region of Slovenia. We had a wonderful beef tenderloin dinner with 3 wine pairings. The restaurant was on the top of the hill, and outdoorsy and lovely. We asked the waiter for some beer for Matt, but they said they had none. So Nora helped drink Matt's wine, and Matt helped Nora with her dessert. We had a great time chatting with different people and Tina at dinner.
We awoke to a beautiful morning. Our breakfast was out on a terrace overlooking the so called Adriatic beach. This beach has a seawall with ladders that go into the water. It is probably the only way the commercial sites on the coastline can control and protect their properties. But is seems strange from the Great Lakes perspective. We saw many people in swimming before breakfast. They were all shapes and sizes.
Matt and I decided to get some exercise, and walk up to the city walls that were east of the church of St George. It was a great walk up the steep cobblestone streets. I was very sweaty once we got back down to the town. We saw Nora and Pam who had been shopping, and I decided to join them. Matt was not interested, so he went back to the hotel. Just as Nora, Pam and I were finishing our purchases, the clouds let loose. None of the three of us had umbrellas or jackets. We figured we would wait at the store, for the rain to let up, and we were there for over 30 minutes waiting. Each minute was closer to the time we needed to meet in the hotel for our departure. And as soon as the rain would let up, it would start raining harder. I finally asked the store owner to call Tina, so that I could talk to here. But instead he spoke with her, and she came to our rescue, with Matt's rain jacket, and one extra umbrella. Our feet were soaked because some of the streets were flooded, and our hairs were quite damp. The next challenge for all of us was to get to the bus, as it was too big to come into town. All 18 of us jumped on the city shuttle with other city folk, to get to the bus station. Tina realized that some of our folks, had umbrellas from the Hotel. So she quickly called them, and then collected them all, jumped off the shuttle to give them to a hotel staff member, and get back on the shuttle before the scheduled time.
Our next stop was to the town of Secovlje for the Salt Pans. Here they showed us how they produce the best salt in the world. The process has not changed in 700 years. Here are a couple facts that interested me: Environment has to be exact for salt flowers to grow, meaning hot temperatures and no rain. Salt flowers grow on top of the water above the algae. If a child were to throw a stone in one of the evaporation areas, it would take 8 years for the area to be rebuilt. The workers where special wooden shoes so their feet do not break the lowest level of muck in the water.
Lunch was in Portoroz, which is another resort/beach town. We decided to have soup at a restaurant that had a patio that looked out on the beach. The waiter surprised us with an welcome appetizer from the kitchen. It was a little cooked fish in a sardine can. Matt was thrilled - NOT. The soup was excellent. Afterwards I went to the beach to stick my feet in the water. I can now say I have been in the Adriatic Ocean !
We got back on the bus and headed to Nova Gorica. This city is on the border of Italy. She had the bus stop to show us a landmark from 2004 where a wall that separated Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and Gorica, Italy was taken down. The wall was a green wire fence. She said there were all sorts of stories about relationships between people on each side of the fence. 2004 was when they joined the European Union, and the fence was no longer needed. Not that long ago - huh!
For dinner, most of us decided on an optional tour to Goriska Brda, a wine region of Slovenia. We had a wonderful beef tenderloin dinner with 3 wine pairings. The restaurant was on the top of the hill, and outdoorsy and lovely. We asked the waiter for some beer for Matt, but they said they had none. So Nora helped drink Matt's wine, and Matt helped Nora with her dessert. We had a great time chatting with different people and Tina at dinner.
September 15 - More Ljubljiana, Predjama, Postojna, and then Piran - Tuesday
Our tour director is a wonderful young woman named Tina. She is 39 years young, and cute as a button. She runs a 'tight' ship to keep us on schedule. If we are late for a meeting time, we have to sing a song; if 5 minutes late, we have to buy everyone a drink, 10 minutes late, you buy lunch, and if fifteen minutes late, the bus will leave without you!
So we met Tina at the hotel lobby on time, and she introduced us to Helena, who was a local guide who was taking us on a walking tour of the old city area in Ljubliana. She showed us different buildings and their history, and beautiful farmers market with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a beautiful flower market. There was a vending machine there that provides fresh, non processed, non pasteurized milk. It will cleanse the customers container, or they can purchase a container from the machine. They said that many people come every day to get the fresh milk.
We went by a Ljubljana Cathedral of St. Nicholas which had the most interesting tarnished bronze doors. In front of this church, she told a story of how she was hired to help a person from Pueblo Colorado find his grandparents village in Slovenia. The grandfather had been hired by a US mining company to work in the Colorado mines. As he worked in the US, he would send a portion of his earnings to his relatives in the US. He eventually returned to Slovenia, to marry and bring his wife to the US with him. He continued to send care packages to the Slovenia family, and even once sent a radio. It made the Slovenia relatives the envy of the village. As she shared each segment of the story, Nora and Matt smiled in amazement and looked at each other. This story could of been told about their grandfather. It was fun to see their faces light up with each sentence !
Next stop was the Predjama Castle. This stop brought us to Slovenian rolling hills. This castle was build into a cave opening. Very interesting and pretty area. The story goes that a Slovenian 'Robin Hood" lived in the castle with his family for some time. He could hide in various tunnels and exits when his enemies tried to capture him. One of his servants betrayed him, and informed the enemy that the best time to get him is in the evening when he had his daily constitution in the outside potty. He lost his life while sitting on that potty.
Next stop was the Postojna Caves. What was nice about these caves was the train ride that would take us down into the cave, and back up. The cave formations were spectacular, like they are in most caves. They did do a great job of lighting the features, and making the pathways very walk-able. At the end, there was a gift shop, so I decided to get some family postcards. Nora and Pam waited for us. We decided to run to the bathroom before we got on the bus. Unfortunately, it caused us to be a few minutes late, and we ended up signing Old McDonald had a farm!
We arrived in the beautiful town of Piran Slovenia and the Hotel Piran where we were staying the night. Piran, and our hotel, are on the Adriatic Sea. Just a beautiful little town. I walked around the concrete boardwalk as Matt napped in the room. Nora and Pam went to the hotel roof for a glass of wine. We met Tina about 7 pm, and she took us on a walking tour of the city, as she had lived in the city for a number of years. Our destination was the church of St George, that sat on the top of the hill overlooking the town and the sea. It was a wonderful view from there. The only problem was that it was dark earlier that she remembered, and we needed to go down about 60 stone steps to get back to the water level where we were all having dinner. Thank goodness for the flashlight on our phones. It helped a few of the older people, like me, see where we were placing our feet.
The dinner at the restaurant was very good, but not for Matt. He was a great sport, but just could not eat all the 'fishy' things they served, as it was a fixed dinner. He ate the sliced tuna appetizer, and the pasta with salmon, but the fish fillet and calamari was not to his liking.
So we met Tina at the hotel lobby on time, and she introduced us to Helena, who was a local guide who was taking us on a walking tour of the old city area in Ljubliana. She showed us different buildings and their history, and beautiful farmers market with fresh fruits and vegetables, along with a beautiful flower market. There was a vending machine there that provides fresh, non processed, non pasteurized milk. It will cleanse the customers container, or they can purchase a container from the machine. They said that many people come every day to get the fresh milk.
We went by a Ljubljana Cathedral of St. Nicholas which had the most interesting tarnished bronze doors. In front of this church, she told a story of how she was hired to help a person from Pueblo Colorado find his grandparents village in Slovenia. The grandfather had been hired by a US mining company to work in the Colorado mines. As he worked in the US, he would send a portion of his earnings to his relatives in the US. He eventually returned to Slovenia, to marry and bring his wife to the US with him. He continued to send care packages to the Slovenia family, and even once sent a radio. It made the Slovenia relatives the envy of the village. As she shared each segment of the story, Nora and Matt smiled in amazement and looked at each other. This story could of been told about their grandfather. It was fun to see their faces light up with each sentence !
Next stop was the Predjama Castle. This stop brought us to Slovenian rolling hills. This castle was build into a cave opening. Very interesting and pretty area. The story goes that a Slovenian 'Robin Hood" lived in the castle with his family for some time. He could hide in various tunnels and exits when his enemies tried to capture him. One of his servants betrayed him, and informed the enemy that the best time to get him is in the evening when he had his daily constitution in the outside potty. He lost his life while sitting on that potty.
Next stop was the Postojna Caves. What was nice about these caves was the train ride that would take us down into the cave, and back up. The cave formations were spectacular, like they are in most caves. They did do a great job of lighting the features, and making the pathways very walk-able. At the end, there was a gift shop, so I decided to get some family postcards. Nora and Pam waited for us. We decided to run to the bathroom before we got on the bus. Unfortunately, it caused us to be a few minutes late, and we ended up signing Old McDonald had a farm!
We arrived in the beautiful town of Piran Slovenia and the Hotel Piran where we were staying the night. Piran, and our hotel, are on the Adriatic Sea. Just a beautiful little town. I walked around the concrete boardwalk as Matt napped in the room. Nora and Pam went to the hotel roof for a glass of wine. We met Tina about 7 pm, and she took us on a walking tour of the city, as she had lived in the city for a number of years. Our destination was the church of St George, that sat on the top of the hill overlooking the town and the sea. It was a wonderful view from there. The only problem was that it was dark earlier that she remembered, and we needed to go down about 60 stone steps to get back to the water level where we were all having dinner. Thank goodness for the flashlight on our phones. It helped a few of the older people, like me, see where we were placing our feet.
The dinner at the restaurant was very good, but not for Matt. He was a great sport, but just could not eat all the 'fishy' things they served, as it was a fixed dinner. He ate the sliced tuna appetizer, and the pasta with salmon, but the fish fillet and calamari was not to his liking.
September 14 - Ljubljana Slovenia - Monday
We arrived in Ljubljana about noon, after a 2.5 hour ride via van from Venice. The Italian country side did not look much different that Ohio country side. I believe Maddie said the same about France between Paris and LeMans. None of the 4 of us slept on the plane, but Pam dozed on and off in the van. The van driver was a young man in his late 20's. He did a fine job until he started texting while he was driving. Fortunately, he did not do it long, but it made both Nora and I a little nervous.
Once we settled into our rooms, we decided to go out exploring. The hotel was just 3 blocks from the 'Old Town' city center. We found the funicular that could take us up to the city castle. It differed from the one in Budapest as it had a steeper incline, the compartment was 21st century, and there were weights to counter the 'car' instead of there being two 'cars'. The 'car' could hold about 25 people, so it was a good size. Once at the top, we walked around the area like zombies, and decided we were getting really hungry. Since the restaurants at the castle were a little pricey, we went back down, and found a restaurant named Sklovka with outside seating. Matt loved his Venison Goulash, and I loved my sausage and sauerkraut. We quickly found that beer and wine selections are limited. One asks for Beer, or White or Red wine - period. Interesting. We found an ice cream store for desert - Yum.
We met our tour director and our group that night at 6. There are 3 people from Milwaukee, 3 sisters from the US who were raised in Garfield Heights Ohio, 2 couples and a single traveler from Australia, one woman from South Africa, and I think I am missing one person. Everyone has been extremely friendly and fun.
After that meeting, we went up to our rooms and collapsed.
Once we settled into our rooms, we decided to go out exploring. The hotel was just 3 blocks from the 'Old Town' city center. We found the funicular that could take us up to the city castle. It differed from the one in Budapest as it had a steeper incline, the compartment was 21st century, and there were weights to counter the 'car' instead of there being two 'cars'. The 'car' could hold about 25 people, so it was a good size. Once at the top, we walked around the area like zombies, and decided we were getting really hungry. Since the restaurants at the castle were a little pricey, we went back down, and found a restaurant named Sklovka with outside seating. Matt loved his Venison Goulash, and I loved my sausage and sauerkraut. We quickly found that beer and wine selections are limited. One asks for Beer, or White or Red wine - period. Interesting. We found an ice cream store for desert - Yum.
We met our tour director and our group that night at 6. There are 3 people from Milwaukee, 3 sisters from the US who were raised in Garfield Heights Ohio, 2 couples and a single traveler from Australia, one woman from South Africa, and I think I am missing one person. Everyone has been extremely friendly and fun.
After that meeting, we went up to our rooms and collapsed.
Sunday, September 13, 2015
September 13 - Leaving for Venice and Slovenia.
Well, here we are sitting in the Newark airport, waiting for the flight to take us to Venice. 'We' consists of Matt and me, and Matt's sister Nora, and her friend Pam. We board the huge plane in about 10 minutes. So far, the funniest thing that happened was to Nora on the last flight. We were on the plane in Cleveland, waiting to get to our seats. All of a sudden, a phone starts playing Harry Connick, and we all looked at each other. She finally realized that it was from her phone. Since it was new, she did not know how to turn it off. So I said, let me look, thinking it was an Apple Phone. When I realized that I could not figure it out, it was passed back toMatt, who just turned it off. What a way to call attention to ourselves.
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