Slovenia – a huge little country

You’re probably smarter than we are.  More then likely you know more about the small central European country of Slovenia then we did.  The only thing we knew about Slovenia before traveling was that it was part of the former Yugoslavia.  We asked ourselves, Do we really want to go to Slovenia if we’re going to Slovakia?  Aren’t they the same?  What could this tiny country offer in the way of culture and fun?  Expanding our horizons is one of the main reasons we’re traveling, so because we knew very little about it, it was added to our itinerary.   Hoards of tourists will soon discover it too.  Slovenia has lots to offer.  The country is small in size, but feels much bigger. Geographically it’s in central Europe, south of Austria, east of Italy and north and west of Croatia.  The influences from each of it’s neighbors mixes up just right to create a wonderful Slovenian vibe.  From the scenic beauty to an upbeat capital city; we fell in love with Slovenia.

It seemed to us that the capital city of Ljubljana has a good sense of humor about itself.  A pole vaulting exhibition in the main square and the art work around the city (see the weird squatty horses on the fountain?) created a light hearted feel.  The historic buildings, museums, café scene, castle on the hill and picturesque river running through the town makes for a tourists dream and we enjoyed it all.  And the city seems to be preparing itself for mass tourism.  Much of it is under going renovation. We’re very glad we saw it before more people discover the delights of Ljubljana.  We took the construction in stride and saw the city from end to end.
 
     
How can you not love a country with a capital city that celebrates its annual white water festival by hanging kayaks decorated as lips, shoes, flutes, a fountain pen and a fish?

Just about an hour from the metropolis of Ljubljana are the Julian Alps.  Yes, Alps.  Hills and mountains make up a large portion of Slovenia’s geography.  We could have stayed several more weeks in the Soca River valley, which has the most amazing blue-green water we‘ve ever seen.  There is no lack of things to do in this area - hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, paragliding, gawking at picturesque towns, drinking world class wines.  We even learned  that the Julian Alps were a major battle front line of WWI.  Many bloody battles were waged between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Italians here.  Too many young men were lost from the region.  So besides all the outdoor activities available, there is a ton of war history too.  We twisted and turned our way through the Alps of Slovenia, oohing and aahing at every curve.  If you like scenery and history, it’s a don’t miss on a Slovenian itinerary.
       
Another day in the Slovenian countryside was spent visiting an extraordinary underground canyon, otherwise known as a cave system.  The Skocjan Caves are in Southwest Slovenia and are spectacular. There are stalagmites and stalactites like we’ve never seen. It was fascinating to see the Reka River flowing from the outside, and then sinking to the inside of the cave where it is still carving out this underground wonderland.  We were so impressed by the giganticness of the cave system. The only creatures in the caves, besides the tourists were bats. And they let us know that we were disturbing their sleep by screaming at us. Loud little buggers!  No pictures were allowed inside the caves as the light from the flash stimulates green moss to grow. We wouldn’t want that!  The photos from the inside of the cave are from the brochure and look just like what we saw. 


From the nature-made to human-made all in one afternoon.  Just one town over from the caves is the home of the famous Lippizzan horses.  They are the horses that were bred and trained, since 1580, for the Austro-Hungarian royals.  400 regal Lippizzans are bred and trained at the sprawling, luxurious farm.   They are known to be steady, sturdy and speedy and we saw them showing off these characteristics in an impressive performance.  We also took a tour of their stud farm.  Oh baby!  Stud farm.  That’s fun to say.  Amy had to bring up the topic of reproduction.  She was the only one in the group to ask a question and it was about that!  She got an interesting answer though.  Up until 2 years ago the means of reproduction was artificial.  Now the horses have been, once again, allowed to make babies naturally.  Under supervision, of course.  Unfortunately there was no horsey action on the tour that day!  As you can see, Steve was trying to get something going.   
 
Even if you are smarter then we are and know a bit more about this tiny country then we did, and no matter what your interests are; we think you’ll like Slovenia.  Their tourism marketing slogan is very apropos “We Feel Slovenia”.