At that time, Europe obviously felt very inaccessible to me. I often go to places just because I want to see if they look as good as they do online. I have no plan… I just go to see and explore without any itinerary. This is exactly what I did in Slovenia. I rented a car and just winged it. As you can see, the country sits at the very top of the Adriatic sea, shoulder to shoulder with Italy and Croatia, with its back to the Alps.
Like Serbia, it was once part of Yugoslavia, but it was one of the most prosperous and successful areas of the former republic due to their high standard of living. The country, like many in the area, has struggled, been fought over, taken over and suffered under communist rule for many years. Today, the independent country enjoys a successful economy, is part of the European Union, the Schengen Area and uses the Euro as their currency.
If I was a passenger you would have a lovely photo of the road and accompanying scenery. But since I was driving, my hands were otherwise occupied trying to adjust to driving a non-automatic car on the side of the road that I still find odd why did you do this to us damn British imperialists? Just look at those colours… Magical. Tip: the best sunrise view is found near the camping site on the northwestern side of the lake.
Wish someone had told me that before I started trekking aimlessly. The good thing about this though is that if the sunrise time is 6am, you still have an hour before the sun peeks out from over the mountains so pack a sandwich and take your time. Yes you can swim in Lake Bled but the water is dark and ominous.
Lake Bohinj is another story. Look at the colour of this water! Tip: parking is limited so go early if you can and oh, remember to pay for your parking at the machines!
