Our Local Guide in Slovenia; Part 5/5 - A Day at the Lakes

Our final day had a shaky start, not only because we’d been travelling intensively with each other for a week (I was surprised we hadn’t yet clawed each other’s eyes out) but because we hit a busy tourist area, Lake Bled and the Vintgar Gorge, at the busiest time of the year.

We did our best to get ready after our late night and hit the road, stopping for breakfast at a petrol station that was so rammed we had to squeeze the car into a tiny space blocking an access road. We had a nice selection of meats and breads, but each item was individually priced regardless of how much you took, leading JP to comment on his pricy bill.

As we approached Bled, the iconic lake found on the cover of my Lonely Planet and probably countless other tourist guides, the traffic reduced to a slow crawl. Luckily, it moved quicker once we’d passed through, allowing a smooth journey 4km northwest to the Vintgar Gorge.

Our car was directed into a car park at the Church of St Catherine, which was relatively empty, but cars piled in as soon as we got out and put on our sun-cream. Some guy had a massive go at Anja for parking in the wrong place and ordered her to move. Not really the nicest thing to do to someone who’s been driving hundreds of miles in the hot sun all week. Anja mentioned it to the ticket staff, but there wasn’t much anyone could do.

We walked down the hill to the main car park, paid 4 euros each, and carried on down a narrow path to the first bridge over the river. It was a photographer’s paradise, making for a slow, stuttered amble as everyone in front kept stopping to take a photo. We didn’t mind, mainly as the sun wasn’t high enough to reach over the gorge and left us in blissful shade.

At one point, we climbed down the rocks to splash some of the crystal clear water on our faces. Then, at the end of the walkway, we climbed down to a waterfall and laughed as a group of lads stripped down to their underwear and dived into the pool. When we felt ready, we retraced our steps back to the car, stopped to get some locally made ice-cream and had a picnic on the grass.

Although Lake Bled is referred to as the most beautiful and popular lake in Slovenia, we decided to visit the nearby lake at Bohinj which is meant to be more ‘authentic’. It was just as busy and we had to wait in the car-park for a space, which then only let us stay for two hours, but we didn’t mind as we still had Ljubljana ahead. We bought some water from the store (for 40 cents, compared to the same bottle which cost 2.50 at the gorge), and crossed the road to the lake. It was huge, and had little sections of beach which we went down to.

I relaxed with my book (as in the morning’s rush I’d forgotten my swim gear) and had a paddle, laughing when some rowdy teens capsized their canoe moments after paddling away from the hire shop.

We were going to stop to take some photos at Bled when we passed through on the way back, but we couldn’t find anywhere to park and decided it best just to grab a few from the car. I was tired (I don’t want to think about how tired Anja must’ve been feeling) so was glad to get back and shower. It was sad to pack up for going home, but the holiday wasn’t over yet.

Just as proof; yes, it really was that hot!

That night, we headed into Ljubljana a little earlier and went for pizza (ending it how it began!). It was amazing, though I was a little ambitious having a spicy pizza the day before a flight. Afterwards, we went for a stroll through the centre. There was a festival going on, so a gig had been set-up in the street between shops with a stage and chairs for the audience.

As mentioned previously, shoes, everywhere!

It was then time to see the castle. Anja failed to mention the cable car until we were half-way up the steep hill to the top, but it was nice to walk off my dinner. It was dark when we got to the top, but it made it all the more exciting. There was a little stone-walk way which took us to a section of grass at the top of a steep hill. The castle itself was further ahead, but we couldn’t go in as the open air cinema had already started.

Instead, I attempted to open a bottle of wine in the dark, broke the cork and substituted my corkscrew for a twig, which did just as well in the end. There was something mesmerising about passing the wine in a public place whilst gazing at the distant city lights, spying on cars and the ant like people. I then lay back, and could see the stars. It was a happy moment.

We walked down a different but no less steep route, though this one had a hand rail, and headed back to the busy riverside area. One of Anja’s friends came to meet us, and we had a chat about making music over my final dark lager of the holiday. It wasn’t long before I was at the airport and back home in Wiltshire, showing off my pictures and telling everyone about my wonderful trip.

Our road-trip was mainly researched using the latest edition of the Lonely Planet guide and the Slovenian Tourist Board website (follow the links to see more), but as I hope this post has shown, the info from our local guide, Anja, made the trip what it was. I even preferred the countryside around Lenart to the bustle of the lakes, though I remain in love with Ljubljana.

As a final aside, I give thanks to Anja’s family for kindly hosting us for three days, Anja’s friend for letting us use their place in Ljubljana, and of course JP, Pirjo, and especially Anja for making it all possible. What an amazing bunch of people. Guys, I love you all; I truly am blessed.

This was the final part of a five part post. Check out posts one, two, three, and four here. If you like what you’ve read, stay tuned; this butterfly ridden travel-bug in my chest won’t let me stay idle for long.