Middle-aged flash packers

 
The weather forecast for Kranjska Gora meant that hiking there would not be in the least bit pleasurable and an alternative needed to be found.

Ljubljana is the small but perfectly formed capital of Slovenia so we all decided that a visit to discover its charms was a suitable choice.

We stopped off at the Slap Savica waterfall (close to Lake Bohinj) on our way to Ljubljana. It was pleasant  but not overly spectacular. However, the weather stayed dry and the walk to the viewing point enabled us to stretch our legs a bit. (Possibly a bit too much for Nik as his knee has started protesting after Mount Triglav.)

We had a reasonable run to Ljubljana and arrived at the Four Points Sheraton mid afternoon, along with many other people.

It seems that Slovenia has been well and truly discovered. I’m not surprised. It’s a very neat country , hardly any rubbish around, meadows are mowed and of course it’s beautiful.

We went into full sightseeing mode the next day but not before we had a powwow as to where to go after Ljubljana. The weather has proven to be most unreliable and also very inclement over the areas we were hoping to explore.

Luckily we were all prepared to be flexible and decided we would be better off diverting to Lake Como in Italy where the weather looked better and which also fitted the bill for our requirements. (Walking and general r&r).

We found some accommodation that on paper at least, suited us all – excellent. 

I don’t know what possessed us, but we were all so buoyed up by the anticipation of a nice sunny day (the one day the weather forecast was actually positive) not one of us took a rain jacket. How stupid is that? Because of course the heavens opened and it utterly poured down. For ages. We were stuck in the Castle cafe for at least an hour and a half. Every time we thought the rain was easing, it would bucket down again. 

Eventually the rain stopped and we made our escape …..to go on a boat trip. As if we hadn’t had enough water. The highlight of the trip was Jan spotting an enormous rat. It was huge, the biggest rat I have ever seen. Except it wasn’t a rat, apparently it was a coypu. I thought Coypu were only found in South America but it seems they are a regular fixture on the Ljubljana riverbanks. Also called nutria, they were brought to Slovenia originally to be bred for fur but it appears some didn’t like that idea and made their way to the river where they seem very happy, pretending to be mutant rats.

Our next port of call was the imaginatively named Skyscraper . Built between the two world wars, it used to be the highest building in the Balkans. It has an Art Deco feel to it and also a tiny lift -the four of us could barely squeeze into it. 

The views from the top are impressive but all the outside seating was soaking and the staff disinterested so we decided to move on.

The sun had actually come out by this time so we found a riverside bar and enjoyed a beer in the sunshine. As a pint of beer is almost the same price as a half, Jan and I have taken to swilling back pints on the pretence that we’ll share it with our respective partner. 

After our delicate aperitif, we were all hungry and enjoyed a hearty meal at the Paninoteka restaurant. I can’t keep eating and drinking like this or I’ll explode, and if I don’t, Steve certainly will as he eats up anything I leave. 

We made our way back to the taxi pick up point and en route I worked off a few extra calories by joining in with the Hare Krishna dancers. I refused their generous offer of one of their nice book to read as I might get indoctrinated and I definitely won’t suit the hairdo.

Tomorrow will be a long driving day but I’m very much looking forward to spending some time at Lake Como.

Will be sorry to leave Slovenia though and will definitely return at some point.