Croatia:Zadar

Travelled to the Adriatic coast where there is a beautiful blue sea and a town with medieval walls and Roman ruins. Walked on a street that has been here for over 2000 years. History coming alive for me as never before. Zadar has many echoes of Venice as it has been part of Italy  various times in it's history. Aunt C and her pals relaxed by the pool after a swim  before dinner. Hope I do not need to wear my heavy raincoat again!

Croatia: Zagreb

Visited the local open air market and enjoyed coffee in a cafe which we are told is a favourite pastime of Croatians who get together for a "cup of conversation". After walking through the "green horseshoe" of parks, we had a city tour called the Musical Postcard of Zagreb that culminated in a glass of champagne before a concert performed by musicians from the Croatian Chamber Philharmonic on the baroque church of St. Catherine. Thanks to Ron Booiman (www.travelwithron.ca) our fabulous tour guide for arranging a wonderful trip and a very special evening.

Croatia : Zagreb

Left Slovenia to travel by bus to Zagreb Croatia. Another country that was part of the former Yugoslavia. These are small countries whose citizens are fiercely proud of their newly found independence and who have a strong sense of national identity developed over centuries of struggle. After a few of us enjoyed some relaxation at a cafe, the group took a walking tour of the old town, much of which was rebuilt after an earthquake in the late 1800's. A lovely evening spent with some amazing women who love to travel and laugh and enjoy life in all it's complexities.

Slovenia: Postojna and Lipica

An early start to travel to amazing underground caves at Postojna. After a short chilly train ride into the caves, we walked through cavern after cavern, each one more spectacular than the last. Mystical stalactites and stalagmites above us and beneath us, inspiring awe at the patient artistry of nature. Masterpieces carved and constructed drop by drop over millions of years. Lunch included wine tasting at a restaurant with local food of cheese and prosciutto and pork with regional wine. Saw a castle imbedded in a cave on the way to spend the afternoon at Lipica to learn about the stud farm that has bred Lipizzan stallions for generations. Complete with a dressage show and a ride in a carriage. The spring blossoms and newly grown grass so peaceful.

Slovenia: Bled and Bohinj

Took a bus trip to the Julien Alps to see Lake Bled and a dairy museum at Lake Bohinj. Very interesting mountainous area in this small country of 2 million people. As a former journalist and public relations guy, our guide Mike has a wealth of information and opinions, all so helpful in understanding the context of where we are. We took a flat bottomed boat ride to the only island in Slovenia. Aunt C had great fun pulling the wishing bell in the church on Bled Island but was so focused on her task that she forgot to wish!

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Had a walking tour of the old part of the city. Lots of interesting Art Nouveau buildings and intriguing cobbled alleyways. A trip on a funicular railway to a castle overlooking the city. Lunch at a cafe of course. Folk both young and old riding bicycles going about their daily business. A traditional Slovenian dinner with our tour group of 11 complete with Folkloric dancing and a musical chairs number with audience members included. We shared lots of laughs and good stories

Travel days

Lots of miles covered yesterday and today. Cornwall to London to Frankfurt to Graz, Austria to Slovenia. Met Aunt Candy and the rest of the group in Frankfurt. Enjoyed some famous local donuts on our way the hotel. Drove through beautiful hills and forests.