A small, sparsely populated country with forests, mountains, lakes and coastline, Slovenia reminded us of New Zealand.
Lubljana
Visited: May 2007
Arrive
We took an Easyjet flight from Stansted to Ljubljana. The airport is about half and hour from the centre of town. Buses meet the Easyjet flights and taxis should cost about �30.Explore
Ljubljana Castle - Perched on the top of a hill looking over the city centre, Ljubljana Castle offers excellent views of the city and surrounding countryside. If you are feeling energetic, you can walk up the hill to the top. If not, you can catch a cable car from near the market square.Market- There is a market in Vodnikov trg at the bottom of castle hill. It was mainly selling produce on the day we were there. Apparently it is bigger on Saturdays.
Rest
We rented Apartment Mandi. It was a little bit out of the town centre but right next to a supermarket and two funky cafe/bars. There was also a bus stop right outside, from which you can take a bus into town for about �1.25. A taxi into the town centre costs about �10.Bled
Visited: May 2007
Arrive
We rented a car and drove up from Ljubljana. It took just over and hour on the motorway (part of which was a toll road).Explore
Bled Island - You can't go to Bled without making a pilgrimage out to the church on Bled Island. Row boats are available to hire for about �13 (or you could try to swim). Apparently your wishes are granted if you ring the bell - it chimes constantly.
Luge- In Summer a luge ride operates on the Southern side of the lake. Unfortunately it was closed when we were there, but it looked fun. It is a small ski field in Winter.
Piran
Visited: May 2007
Very cute place - we were even thinking of buying an apartment here but they were too expensive.The stari most has been rebuilt and was opened in a elaborate ceremony in early 2004 (complete with Prince Charles). Althuogh the new brdige is a symbol of croat/muslim unity the city still seems to be separated into distinct Croat and Muslim areas. It must be very strange to meet someone in a line for an ATM who was pointing a machine gun at you across the river a decade ago.
Arrive
We drove from Ljubljana to Piran. It took about an hour and a half on the motorway.Explore
The Sea- It was warm. We went swimming.Front Line - Although the war years ago, the scars of war are still disturbingly visible. The front line is one block to the west of the river. A chilling reminder of the fierce warfare that Mostar witnessed.
