Highlights E Europe Day 3

Day 3 – Saturday, May 1, 2010 – Drive from Vienna to Lake Bled, Slovenia – Visit the Castle and Lake Bled (2 nights)

The sun peeked up over the Danube early so we were both awake when the alarm went off at 5:45. Just before we ate our breakfast I checked the weather and it was already 61º and 75% humidity.

Eva greeted us and reminded us that where we sat today would determine the rotation for the rest of the journey. We left the hotel a few minutes before our designated 7:30; hopefully this will be a prompt group.

We traveled out of Vienna and south east through Austria and to the Karawanken Mountains and over Loibl Pass into the green hills of Slovenia. Eva gave us a new map so we know where we are going.

Eva also gave us name tags which will help us all to learn a few more names of our travel companions. She went over the Trafalgar Bus Bible, a list of rules that will make our journey more enjoyable and help us all to remain safe.

The first morning’s break was about 9:15 when we stopped at an AutoGrill on Highway A-2. Drivers are required to take a 30 minute break every morning and afternoon so it was also great for us to stretch our legs.

Back on the bus, Eva went over the Optional Excursions. Like most travel companies, the Optionals are truly the heart of the trip so we try to take advantage of the culture and these many unique opportunities.

As we drove, we saw the gorgeous countryside. The fields have just shed their snow from the exceptionally long hard winter here in Central Europe. All of the fruit trees were in bloom and the lilacs were so fragrant.

We stopped at about 11:20 at a Rosenberger Restaurant on the highway and enjoyed a salad and pretzel with Carolyn from Australia and Grant from New Zealand. After our refreshing lunch we were back on the bus at 12:20.

Although the skies were a little hazy the views of the Julian Alps were incredible. We noted many prayer shrines along the roadsides where travelers stop to pray before attempting to climb the mountain paths. We also saw many hunting blinds in the fields.

We gradually climbed the switch backs to the top of Loibl Pass through a mixed forest of pine, silver birch, and hard wood trees. We have seen parts of this area in the fall and it is just as spectacular in the springtime.

Today is May Day, the Worker’s Holiday and almost all of the shops are closed. Families were out hiking, picnicking in the many parks, or just playing cards in their back yards.

At the top of the pass we crossed over the border and through the old checkpoint no longer used that once divided Austria from Yugoslavia. Slovenia is a new country, only 19 years old as it gained its independence in 1991.

We reached our hotel right on Lake Bled at 2:15 and checked in to find free internet. While Gennie did little laundry, I was able to get us connected to the rest of the world.

At 3:30 we met our group in the lobby of the hotel and I checked the temperature – it was 69º and 54% humidity – a beautiful day. We met our local guide Tamara who got on the bus with us and welcomed us to the Jewel of Slovenia. She taught us a few words in the Slavic language as we toured the perimeter of Lake Bled.

We climbed to the top of a steep cliff overlook to the Blejski Grad Castle at about 2000 feet above sea level. Tamara gave a guided tour of the castle and museum but because Gennie and I had been here we opted for free time to explore and take photos until the meeting time at 5:00.

Our Pletna boat man was waiting for us at the dock by our hotel. It took him 20 minutes to row us across the lake to the island where we visited The Church of Mary the Queen of Bled Island.

Tamara told us the legend of the golden bell and that it is the traditional for couples to ring the bell three times and to make a wish of unselfish love. The story goes that the Virgin Mary will answer your wish.

When we returned to the shore, we had about 45 minutes to get ready for dinner. Trafalgar offered us a welcome drink in the lounge. Eva made a toast for our continued safety and we all introduced ourselves.

We found out that on this tour there are 14 people from Australia, 12 from the USA, 5 from South Africa, 4 from New Zealand, 3 from Canada, 2 from Namibia making a total of 40. Our Guide is from Poland and our driver is from Hungary so we have quite an international group.

It was almost 9:00 when we arrived back to our room after dinner to finish up the journal and to look over our photos from the day.

Hotel: Park Hotel Bled (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Here we are 10 years later, if 2020 didn't happen who knows, if we would have any time to look back. Still wonderful, great memories.

Mum just sent this link via text, her and dad are on your tour - Anne and Lloyd Tong. Hello from New Zealand! x

Absolutely wonderful...Im very impressed and grateful I can share your holiday adventure.Thanks! tgrilc@yahoo.com

Awesome pics and writeup!

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