Theme: European Christmas Holiday Country: Slovenia Languages: Slovenian Unit of Currency: Euro Locations: Ljubljana & Skocjan Caves Year: 2011 Bucket list: Caving in the Skocjan Caves
DO: CHECK OUT THE RIVER THAT RUNS THROUGH THE CITY
Ljubljana:
- Photographing the Ljubljanica River that runs through the city
DO: VENTURE INTO THE SKOCJAN CAVES
Skocjan Caves:
- Witnessing the underground water that runs through the cave system, which makes this a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Before I start this post, I would like to note how convenient it is to have train stations providing the services to place your luggage in lockers and/or with train attendants. If I did not have the opportunity to leave my luggage at the train station, I would not have the chance to jump around country to country and/or city to city. One last note, traveling by train is great – though I sometimes get a bit harassed on the fact that I have what appears to be an African passport, with all the stamps and visas in it! Country border patrols love me for this!
The Dark Road Trip in Slovenia:
1) Waking up to the first snow fall on this trip was incredible. The view of the Julian Alps coming into Ljubljana, Slovenia really took my breath away and added the perfect morning to the introduction of Slovenia. The snow capped mountains overlooking small villages were absolutely beautiful!
2) Road tripping through the Slovenian coast. There was something about the exploration of a country via car, which helped to create a unique mixture of adventure and spontaneity to a fun holiday. With the Julian Alps rested in the blue sky, the Adriatic Sea at its feet, and the fallen snow highlighting the small villages rested in the mountains it was guaranteed to be a glorious day! Not to mention, the endless paved roads, illuminating sunshine, and sea reflecting the stratocumulus clouds really painted the perfect picture of Slovenia.
3) The mission of the day: “To explore the Skojcan Caves underground!” Some of the world’s largest and most astonishing caves have been sculpted by underground rivers cutting through the porous limestone to create massive caverns like the ones at the Postojna and the village of Skojcan. I recently purchased a book titled, “100 Experiences of a Lifetime,” ironically this particular cave system was in a section of underground caves all over the world. I would have to say that I was not disappointed with the experience! The river flowing through the cave and the 500 hundred steps that I had to hike up was well worth the view of seeing the cave in daylight!
4) The Christmas Market was amazing, especially with a river running through the city. The capital also included an old quarter of the city, where the most sacred architecture was treasured. Medieval and Baroque stood companionably side by side, while the early 20th century was represented the unique and eclectic design of local architecture by Joze Plecnik.
Next stop: Venice, Italy!
