Twenty-First Post From Türkiye: Spring Break Stop #2 The Julian Alps & Slovenia

We have been wanting to visit this part of the world for a long time. We were really looking forward to visiting Slovenia and Croatia and they didn't disappoint! Absolutely beautiful! It was like all of Europe in a nutshell. Everyone we met spoke beautiful English. Everywhere we stayed was fabulous. We are totally going back! If you want to go, I will meet you there! We liked Italy a lot but everywhere was packed with tourists, especially those stinky Americans. There were a few German tourists around in Slovenia and Croatia but I think that for the most part it is still a bit undiscovered. At least where we went. I think when we go back to visit the more southern coast that will change as there are cruise ship stops there. Anyway, gorgeous!

Julian Alps
This area of Northern Italy and Slovenia is so wonderful and full of history. During WWI it saw some of the bloodiest battles of the war. Soldiers literally dug through rock and ice to fight on these cliffs and the road is dotted with memorials and graveyards.

Kobarid Museum

Italian War Mausoleum

Kluze Fort

Ladder rungs hammered into the mountain that go straight up,

 so soldiers could get up the mountain quickly and watch for enemies.

Russian Chapel, built by Russian POWs.

Soca River Valley in Triglav National park. I can't describe how beautiful this river was and the picture doesn't do it justice.

Jack plays Indiana Jones on one of the many suspension bridges. I felt it was a little too wobbly for such nonsense!

Near the summit, 5,285 feet.

Lake Bled
Goodness it is beautiful, a little chilly but we had a good time.

Our Penzion, a little spartan but you couldn't beat the location, right across from the lake. Plus they were super helpful, provided bikes and arranged for our boat ride to the island.

Trum refused to get in this little boat for a picture.

 Otok (the island)

 A small incident on our bike ride around the lake.

 Hanging at Tito's Vila.

The Castle.

 Boat Ride to the island.

 Ringing the bell for luck.

Ljubljana

Capitol of Slovenia and a beautiful city!

Prešeren Square 

 Dragon Bridge

 Cathedral with special door made for Pope John Paul II's visit.

 Lubljanica River

 Riverside Market

Fun with fried food and forced perspective!

 

Have you ever been in a European country and seen TV channels with hours of Folk Music videos and "wondered what the heck is this?"? Well I have. They were making some of those videos while we were there. Fascinating.

Triple Bridge

From Ljubljana we headed straight to Zagreb...