SLOVENIA
STRUKL, MOUNTAINS & LOTS OF FUN
I crossed over the border into Slovenia near Kranska Gora. Immediately I made a stop at the first bakery for a Strukl. Then I was ready to go down the road, find Camp Spik and chill. There is everything to love about this camp - super friendly receptionists, immaculate facilities and the best view from my campsite. In the morning, I saw the moon over the mountains from my van!
The next day brings great weather and I fortify myself with a good lunch. Afterwards, it's time for a hike. The trail leaves from the campground and goes up the mountain past several waterfalls. It also crosses through the woods to Lake Jezero Jasna. After five miles, I’m ready for a coffee and stop at a lakeside cafe where I meet a young couple with travelers backpacks and immediately ask about their journey. Marjanne and Pablo are from France and are wild camping their way towards Romania. The next day, as I’m heading to Ljublijana, I see them at a bus stop and immediately offer them a ride. We have a good laugh and part ways again when I drop them off at Lake Bled.
LJUBIJANA
Ljubijana is my next destination. First stop is at Moi Strukl restaurant, where I treat myself to the best warm vegan chocolate strukl. Then I head to the farmer’s market for some fruit and a visit to the Museum of Modern Art. I find a perfect spot to park my van and join the evening performance by All Strings Detached. The women have such harmonious and melodic voices. Their music is mesmerizing and so calming to the nervous system (find them on Spotify).
My home away from home in Ljubijana is Hostel Celica. Everyone who works here is like family and when I show up, I’m welcomed into the fold. There is such wonderful energy with the hostel team and friends.
2nd photo: Gonzalo (hostel) who is working on his masters in economics & power structures; Mirko who is studying languages with a special interest in almost lost languages, Melica (hostel) who is an expert translator in multiple languages.
3rd photo: Kim (far left) who is studying to be a doctor and is a master of fine dining food prep and Nic (far right) who love DJing and fashion.
4th photo: Luca who is studying to become an architect.
Such a talented, super interesting and fun group!
Special thanks to:
Tine at Loose Cycles who has put together the last two bikes I brought to Ljubijana and now fixed this folding bike that sat for a couple of years in Germany. I couldn’t have done the bicycling I did without Tine making sure each bike was in the best condition.
Kujo at Hostel Celica who has a mighty tool chest for removing one of the pedals to make the bike fit perfectly in my van.
Matevz who is with the team that created the Trans Dinarica GPS routes that I bicycled last Fall with Jo. Every time we get together, we pull out the maps and Matevz shares special places and people for me to visit.
Staying open to the moment creates magic…