A Yosemite Moment in Slovenia

Well, Julie and I got a little risky and took the mile-long hike along the Vintgar gorge less than 4K from Bled. Beginning in May the gorge has paid access. The build-up of snow and ice over the winter season closes the gorge down, but a local shop keeper clued us in that hiking was possible due to the minimal snow fall this year. And so, with that bit of knowledge, we decided to check it out.

At the trail head there was a middle-age couple mulling over whether to hike, all decked out in hiking gear, including chains for their hiking boots. We chatted with them a bit, but they soon decided against it because of the ice at the beginning of the trail. After a quick survey we could see not far down the trail ice turned to a stony path. Up ahead we could see a wooden bridge that looked ice-free, so we ducked under the railing to give it a go. We passed a local man on his way out and a couple within minutes. After that we never saw another person.

The Radovna river cascading over rocks below, at times stopping to rest in crystal clear pools is mostly seen from a wooden path that hugs the side of the rocky cliff walls. There were times the railing was out or a few boards here and there due to trees and rocks that had fallen over the winter season.  Only once did we hear a rock falling from above that landed with a big splash on the other side of the gorge.

Most definitely a not-miss natural beauty. A Yosemite moment in Slovenia.

The Beauty of Bled, Slovenia

Yesterday Julie and I drove 5.5 hours to the town of Bled in the beautiful Alpine country of Slovenia. We arrived late in this small town of just over 10,000 people, yet over 1,000 years old. We wondered what was beyond the darkness as we drove to our B&B.

This morning's sun gave way to the natural beauty of Bled. We walked the full 6K around Bled Lake stopping to take pictures a million times. The lake is completely iced over. Locals told us that a week ago we could have walked on the ice, but the above freezing temps over the past few days kept us from daring to cross over to the small island in the middle of the lake. The church on the island is a picture often seen in tourist advertisements for Bled.

Almost around the lake, we stopped to hike up the trail, then steps, to Bled Castle which is perched on a cliff that overlooks the lake.

It's been a great day in Bled with Julie. Tomorrow we'll drive 25K to another lake town, Bohenj, which like Bled is nestled within the Julian Alps.

Small island on Lake Bled

Bled Castle

Enjoying the lake walk

Storming the Castle

Castle view of the sun going down over Bled Lake

From the non-lake side of the castle

An Enchanting Evening

On Sunday evening Jules and I decided to check out Heroe's Square with the night lights casting a glow on the statues. It's always a breath-taking sight. Just behind the square is the largest open-air ice rink I have ever seen. I had a skirt on, but oh well, we decided to go ice-skating anyway. We had a blast.

Nothing but enchanting with backdrops of the Vajdahunyad Castle, Városliget (City Park), and the beautiful skating complex. After ice skating we walked through the castle area by the Anonymous statue. We felt like we were in a fairy tale.

Heroe's Square

Ice Rink

Julie with Anonymous

Castle area

 Definitely an enchanting evening. (can you tell we watched You've Got Mail :)

Oh, the Places She'll Go!

Today is my day. I'm off to great places! I'm off and away! I have brains in my head. I have feet in my shoes. I can steer myself any direction I choose.

Julie is off to explore some of the world after graduating from IUPUI (Hoosiers will know this university:) in December. We are thrilled that her travel log steered her into Budapest for the first leg of the journey.

Along the Danube on a very cold winter night

Coffee with a very large Hungarian biscuit called a Pogácsa (“PO-GA-CHA”)

Lunch at a local pizzeria

Kindred Spirits

Enjoying a Swiss Cheese Fondue
with Kathrin, a kindred spirit :)

Dennis always has to laugh when I use the word kindred.

I'll be chattering on about a new friend and sometimes I can only sum it up with, Oh honey, it just feels like she's  . . .  He gives me that teasing grin before I even finish the sentence because he knows what I'm about to say.  . . .  a kindred spirit.

Why does he snicker? Because kindred reminds him of bosom friends, Anne and Diana, from the story of Anne of Green Gables. I remember when my girls and I watched the movie and sequels through a winter season.

You know, Diana, kindred spirits aren't as scarce as I used to think. Anne's incessant talking drove Dennis crazy!

But, sometimes there is just no other word to describe a friendship.

Kindred spirit: Like-minded, in harmony, in tune, akin, similar, compatible, on the same wavelength. Someone who feels and thinks the way you do. 

So, in spite of Dennis' snickers, it will continue to be the way I express such a find in a friend. I am thankful for the kindred spirits I have found along life's way. Kathrin is one of them. She doesn't talk like Anne, but she does have a beautiful Swiss accent!

And, yes, I agree with Anne Shirley. Kindred spirits aren't as scarce as I used to think. 

The Doors and Windows of Basel

I'm not sure why it is, but I love doors and windows. Why is that? Maybe because I think they tell stories. They've watched history take place. Some grandeur moments in time, others simple family life. They've heard conversations from children playing to lovers whispering to friends reminiscing. They see inside and out. They know the comings and goings of occupants and visitors. Oh, what could they tell us about life.

Doors and windows are everywhere in the world, but in Europe you find unique ones.

While in Basel, Switzerland last weekend, it was hard to keep walking for all the doors and windows I wanted to frame through the lens of my camera. So, peek in at just a few, with a couple random shots that I threw in the mix.

River Rhine

Basel... a Special Gift

My first time to Switzerland, and it is absolutely beautiful. It has been a gift to be in  Kathrin's home and to be in the middle of her family's life. Sometimes I miss the dailyness of family life. So, sharing these days with a family who have opened their hearts to me, has filled my heart with joy. So great to hang out with Stefanie and Ramona again.

Welcome to Kathrin's home :)

Getting to know the city of Basel

A beautiful walk along the Rhine River

Taking a ferry boat across the Rhine

A great day with Stefanie

Over looking the city during sunset from a high-rise

Sunday lunch - a true Swiss meal called Raclette

Enjoying a very cold, crisp, but sunny day in the countryside with Stefanie and Ramona

I love to take pictures of doors and windows and there are plenty here to capture. I'll share on my next post.