We departed Bovec with the intention of heading to Slovenia’s wine country. Alas, that turned out to be a miserable failure. While I had researched the location of a few potential wineries, I had apparently failed to check hours, or even how they operate. As it turned out, they don’t have regular tastings, which is popular in the States. Sigh… stupid Americans. At least it was a pretty drive!
I have my own couch bus franchise in Slovenia!
We opted for a longer route that dumped us into Italy and along the coast. We followed the coastline into some hellish looking weather.
Eventually, we made it to Piran, which we discovered to be a bit different than expected. We were not exceptionally impressed with the coastal town, but we will admit that may partially be because it was rainy and dreary during our visit. Additionally, prior to visiting, we were unaware that we could not park within the boundaries of Piran, but instead we had to drive to a parking garage outside, and hitch a ride back to our hotel afterwards. Our short stay mostly consisted of hunting down a decent seafood restaurant, a short walk, and souvenir shopping.
We stayed at Hotel Piran, a large establishment with a restaurant perched right next to the Adriatic Sea. It was nothing special, just your run-of-the-mill hotel, except for the numerous staying scribbled on chalk boards circling the exterior of the hotel. And they gave us a free glass of wine after we checked in. Mama Rubes is clearly not a fan of the fermented beverage!
A few highlights of Piran…
Seafood dinner at Pavel…
Tartini square…
The “beach”…
We only spent a single night in Piran before heading back towards Ljubljana. But on the way back, we made a stop at Predjama Castle in Postojna. That will be a separate post for a bit later. Stupendously awesome castle, though!
Fast forward to Šenčur, a small town near the airport. Prior to departing for Slovenia, we decided to make this pit stop closer to the airport as a means of shortening the drive from Piran to the airport before our early morning flight. However, we were pleasantly surprised by our accommodations at Pr’Fik Apartments. The little devils are hidden off the main drag, and took us a few extra minutes to locate, but it was worth it. We were warmly greeted by a gentleman in the small reception office, and shown to our efficiency apartment. This kickass little apartment had a full kitchen, and a walkout onto a beautiful courtyard that was then bordered by the river. This courtyard had a garden, fire pits, a swing, trampoline, and a multitude of other outdoor entertainment.
The best part of this place was the black, shaggy dog that belonged to the owner. After providing me with an insane amount of brochures for hiking and activities in the area, which I will certainly keep for our next visit, the reception guy informed me the dog was 16 years old, deaf, and was given free roam of the grounds. He wandered aimlessly throughout the complex. That is, until he met us. More on that later.
Husband and I left mom napping at the apartment and went for a stroll. We wandered down the path behind the building into the woods. The path was bordered by a canyon wall on one side and the river on the other.
Even took some time to pick some wild flowers for Mama Rubes!
We then headed the opposite direction, which led us towards town before dropping us in a field with a fantastic view of the mountains. I could get used to this place.
Šenčur… a town even smaller than Bovec.
You are never too old for swings!
We retired to the apartment for our final night in Slovenia. None of us cared to return to the States the following morning. Prior to hunting down our apartment that night, we had made a pit stop at the Slovene equivalent of a Walmart in Kranj. We picked up snacks, drinks, a few adult beverages of choice, and playing cards. Our trio moved out onto our partially private patio to play Rummy. Shortly after we started playing, we were joined by the black pup.
After feeding him our variety of snacks, to include salami and crackers, we provided him with a water bowl, and continued playing cards. The sweet little guy stayed with us until we headed in for bed. At least I thought that was when he would depart. However, he decided to follow me inside our little apartment, where he was given more love and rubs. Eventually, after the treats ran out, he left, presumably to wherever he sleeps. Goodbye, pup!
Morning came, and we reluctantly started packing. While the front door was open as we filled the rental, the dog returned and wandered straight inside! After he was happily greeted by all three of us, he “stood” guard outside the door.
We said final goodbyes to the puppy, and left for the airport. After dumping the car, we walked across the street to the terminal. Toodles, Slovenia… we WILL be back.
We adored Slovenia after our first trip in 2015, but this trip brought us to the conclusion that will return for an extended period of time in the future. We didn’t get to hike as much as we would have liked this short trip!
To end where this journey began… I am currently sitting on an Adria Airlines flight from Ljubljana bound for Paris with a lavender and neon green dragon overseeing my writing process. The cute little dragon is a gift for my niece, Allie. Next to me, sits my NOW husband, whom I swear is oftentimes the age of a child, as he scarfs down his “Cloud Hoppers” plane snack, and makes the little airplane shaped crackers fly in front of me. What have I gotten myself into? I suppose I’m stuck with this goof now.
Nasvidnje, Slovenija!