Liechtenstein, Zuerich und Slovenia

Out of the blue some months ago, I heard from an ex student of mine, Rosche, the first European to attend the Polytechnic, and it was so exciting to catch up with him and family again at a wonderful Mother's Day brunch at his sister's home next to the Swiss/Liechtenstein border - not that you see one! Travel is such a fabulous way to make friends around the world, to keep contact and to better learn the different cultural values and ways of living.

I continue to be fascinated by the splendid castles, perched high up, watching over the valley below. They are so very impressive and constantly get me thinking about how such incredible buildings were created in the first place, and how have are they still standing? What clever people they were.

It still confuses me how the two countries of Liechtenstein and Switzerland share so much and yet have tax laws, etc, which are so different.

The next day it was time to at last catch up with Dennis again. Since we have known each other, we have not had such a long separation, but within seconds it felt as if we had never been apart. There was so much to discuss whilst enjoying our old favourite haunts. Selfie time again! I decided not to put in the one Dennis took with his special beautifying app. It certainly irons out any wrinkles, but I do not feel I am looking at the real me.

And then we fortunately had time to wander through Niederdorf as the late evening sun finally made it through the heavy grey clouds, casting its golden light onto the walls of Zuerich's magnificent buildings . It was truly a magical sight, made all the more beautiful because of the colourful reflections in the river.

Time to say 'farewell' once again until we meet at the end of May at the Polyglot Gathering in Bratislava. I am so looking forward to that weekend and the chance to be immersed in languages from all over the world. Even better this year is the fact I can share the experience with such dear friends, Dennis and Marc.

The trip certainly went with fewer hitches than my last one from Wales to Zuerich, but it certainly was not the most restful I have ever had, but thankfully only lasted 60 minutes. Enough time , however, for the many young travellers to scream incessantly, my back to be pummelled by the screeching kid behind me, and for the two kids across the aisle to throw up, one during the flight over his dad, and the other over his mum ( very fair, I thought) and the aisle, as we disembarked. I was fortunate enough to be a metre ahead at the time and could escape, the other passengers had to wait!

Anyway, then it was time to set off on a new adventure in Ljubljana, which I last visited 50 years ago, as a somewhat drunken teenager! I can't say I remember it at all, though I am sure the alcohol had nothing to do with that. It has changed dramatically since the wars and its independence, and according to the taxi driver, it has been transformed into a clean, safe and beautiful city, so different from the run- down city it had been. I did think of my dear Christchurch and perhaps the missed chances after the quakes to make a more environmentally friendly city.

As I approached my B and B, I did get the chance to see how buildings had been before the big clean up and restoration. First impressions can deceive, and I was thrilled with my accommodation next door to this old hospital building, in the old part of town.

Although it was cold and blustery, it was dry, so I made the most of it and saw most of the city centre highlights. From the top lookout level of the building, simply named Skyscraper, as it was the first ever built in the city, there was a fantastic view over the recently renovated castle and the old town on the one side

And the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered mountains from the other side. It was the perfect place to rest a while in the cafe on the 11 th floor  to take it all in. Actually, this next photo was taken from the castle tower and the Skyscraper can be seen in the middle. It was great to be able to have so many places affording panoramic views of the city, the lush green surrounding areas and the mountains in the distance.

I guess the pictures above and below give the perfect picture of this incredibly calm, yet busy city, thanks to the entire old town being made pedestrian zone. Yes, there are plenty of bikes and scooters, and on the main shopping road there are trams, but cars are not allowed in, apart from delivery vans till 10 a.m. and 6 little green, electric cars which anyone can call from anywhere in the inner city and they will drive you to either the closest tram stop or to your accommodation - but only in the pedestrian zone. It is a free service and to mind, brilliant. 

What a gorgeous, tranquil place this is, and so colourful too. I can imagine when it is sunny, the colours are even more intense.

As in many major tourist destinations, there is a bridge of love, where couples promise to love each other, lock a padlock and then throw the key in the river. There must be an incredible number of keys at the bottom of this river!


It was a very short stay in Ljubjana but I saw a huge amount in a short time and I am sure that the way in which this city has developed will certainly influence my thoughts when I head back home to Christchurch.

I left on a dull, dreary day of drizzle, but still I could not help but love the stunning green of the countryside here in Slovenia. Luckily, by the time I reached Bled, the rain had stopped. My accommodation here at Mlinar Bled could not be better. I feel as if I am in the country and yet I am staying at one of the most visited tourist destinations in Slovenia and only ten minutes walk from the lake. 

As I walked the five minutes from the bus, I followed a narrow road between apple orchards, listening to the joyful singing of the birds in the trees there. It was really beautiful. My room is fairly basic, but I love the fact that I have a small balcony where I can enjoy more bird song and chat to the very pleasant neighbours. It is so much nicer than a huge luxury hotel!

I spent the entire afternoon at the lake, walking around the 6 kilometre track but taking plenty of time to stop and stare. I even found a little gondola with my name! In the background is the majestic Bled Castle on the very top of an incredibly sheer cliff. It must have been an impenetrable fortress,

I had a wonderful meeting with a Swedish couple who joined me on one of the many benches to enjoy the view. We chatted for ages because they were so excited to find an English person who wanted to speak Swedish. I am so thrilled that my languages provide me with an open door to other nationalities. I hope I will never stop learning!

What a gorgeous lake this is, despite the fact that the low cloud was preventing us from fully seeing the mountains. I just could not stop looking at the little island and the castle. It was such a picturesque, calm scene.

Just before I got back to Bled, the cloud started to clear a little and the water also seemed to get stiller, offering up the first reflections of the castle and neighbouring church. What a lovely sight, and if I am lucky tomorrow might be even better weather. Fingers crossed.

It was amazing how a little sunshine could raise temperatures and brighten up the skies. 

Despite once again seeing Barbara moored and ready to head to the island, I opted for a small e- boat which was much quicker and yet smooth and quiet. I was happy not to have to wait till the boat was full to bursting, like the gondolas, we just left as per timetable and with only 5 and the driver had a much more personal experience.

The natural island at the far end of the lake is only tiny and the church, built in the 1300s at the top can be reached by steps on two sides. As I went up, there were arborists high up in the trees, swinging from the branches, dangling from ropes as they sawed through the unwanted branches. It didn't look very secure. Later when I chatted to one of the young men, he told me how much they love their jobs. When I told him of my fear of heights, he said with a smile, 'lady, it is not the height you should fear, but the falling!' How true.

It does not take long to see the church, ring the church bell, and climb the bell tower. Fantastic views all around. I was so grateful that we had such a lovely morning weatherwise.

The island is a popular place for weddings, and it is easy to see why! How I would love to be a celebrant here, 

Apart from the access! I imagine a few brides have struggled up these steep and rough stairs, but surely worthwhile.

Actually, going down is much worse, and I was completely sober, so I dread to think how wedding parties cope after a feast! Perhaps they don't drink as much as we do?!

It was certainly a great trip to do and being only a few hours total, it left me time to visit a nearby village at the recommendation  of the owner of the B and B. He was even kind enough to drive me there. 

So, here I am writing this in one of the most captivating, small towns I have ever visited, Radovljica. I had passed through the bus station yesterday, and must admit would never have come here based on those immediate impressions, but hidden away, 3 minutes walk from there is the most charming medieval town centre imagineable. 

For an old town with only a central square of only about 300 metres, it has so much to offer, particularly its calmness, friendly and helpful people, and spectacular views over the lush green valleys,

Greener than even the Welsh valleys!
The 16 th century church of St Peter is fabulous, both outside and in, where it had been so beautifully decorated ready for a wedding. 

Just metres away is a truly fascinating bee museum and next door to this a restaurant Lectar, where I will eat tonight, and in its cellar a gingerbread museum and shop. I got to taste both honey and gingerbread. Both fantastic!

And now! Here I am, writing this blog, being serenaded by various musicians having lessons in the beautiful baroque building opposite - some good and some in need of more lessons!

Who are these people who adorn the walls - women with huge breasts, men with faces in pain and anguish, the rather aloof man with an eagle on his head?  I had time to sit and wonder. What a marvelous thing that is - time!

It is almost unreal, I have to say. How lucky I am. I never allow myself to forget that. These experiences are so very special. 

I have certainly misjudged Slovenia and allowed far too little time, so I must come back next year to do it justice. Now I have seen how easy it is to get around, how safe it is and how lovely the people and places are, it is a tremendous drawcard. I need a couple of weeks to really get to know the country properly, and perhaps some online lessons in Slovenian would further enhance the stay.😀