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Thursday 23rd April, 2015
Sheltered by mountains and mother nature, journeying from one country to another, Jack and I had arrived in Bled. On our ninth day in Europe, the Alps still remained visible, travelling alongside us like a friendly companion. I often paused to admire their immense masculinity, feeling comforted and finding solace in their glory—as if their unseen arms were wrapping around me, protecting me from the world beyond their peaks. I felt a profound connection, as though we were communicating telepathically, sharing love and energy through the plants, trees, and fields of grass, creating a rhythm like a Mexican wave. I sensed that they were a part of me, and we were journeying together.
When we arrived in Bled, the sun was shining, the air was fresh, and the atmosphere was calm and inviting. Friendly locals welcomed us as we walked toward the hostel, making me feel immediately at home. I was grateful to be visiting in the spring, knowing that summer would likely be bustling with tourists, diminishing any chance of peace.
Our hostel, Castle 1004, a 5-minute walk from the bus station, was perched atop a hill and offered wonderful views of the alpine resort below. As my boyfriend, Jack and I entered this cabin-like haven, we were greeted by a warm and inviting ambience. The space was small but cosy, with clean, simple dorm rooms, and the friendly, laid-back staff made us feel right at home. They gave us a thorough introduction to Bled and recommended some fantastic dining spots, including a pizza restaurant just a minute’s walk away. We were also provided with wristbands that granted us discounts at various bars and restaurants throughout the area, including a nearby pizza place.
The pizza at Pizza Rustika was nothing short of extraordinary—one of the best I’ve ever had. The Slovenian beer complemented it perfectly, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was cosy and inviting, enhanced by the kindness of the staff. I loved the experience so much that I asked the chef if I could snap a picture of him.
After two pizzas, two beers, and two hours of delightful conversation with locals and a family of travellers from New Zealand, the sun was fading, leaving us content and full. We took a leisurely stroll through the quiet streets of Bled, the castle looming majestically on the cliff above, watching over the town. Even though I didn't want to go to bed, I looked forward to falling asleep, as I couldn’t wait to wake up early and explore all that this magical place had to offer the next day.
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| Pizza, beer and this cool guy, Pizzeria Rustika |
Friday 24th April, 2015
Since we were only in Bled for one night and wanted to make the most of our time, we packed our bags and prepared to check out. Just as we were about to leave, the staff invited us to join a gorge walk at Triglav National Park. It was only a short 10 to 15-minute drive away, and the entry fee was just four euros—a bargain for what awaited us. A few fellow travellers from the hostel joined in, including a Canadian girl named Paula and a guy from Serbia. We all piled into the minibus, feeling like kids on a school trip, decked out in waterproofs and hiking boots, buzzing with excitement.
Despite the rain that accompanied us throughout our visit, Triglav National Park was breathtaking. The dampness seemed to enhance the landscape. I strolled slowly through the gorge, taking my time to soak in the beauty around me. The atmosphere was only punctuated by the soothing sounds of flowing water and the cheerful chatter of wildlife nearby. After wandering through this natural wonder for about an hour, we arrived at a waterfall.
As Jack, Paula (a fellow friend from the hostel) and I took in the stunning view, we began sharing stories about our lives back home. This being our first backpacking trip, Paula eagerly offered tips and advice from her own adventures. I found great joy in sharing this moment in Triglav with her; her passion for travel was infectious, and her adventurous spirit inspired me. It felt like we were forging a connection amidst the beauty of nature, making our time together all the more memorable.
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| Gorge walk at Triglav National Park |
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| Waterfall, Triglav National Park, Slovenia |
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| Coffee and cake and Milan Juvan's market stall |
After well-spent hours wandering in a Slovenian national treasure, we headed back to the hostel and checked out. Our train wasn't leaving Bled until 8:00pm, and as it had only just turned noon, we opted to explore the town and its offerings. First, we tried a traditional cake in Bled, known as Kremna Rezina, which was a delicious pastry stuffed with cream and custard. It was so bloody big that I decided to save half for the train journey later on.
After enjoying some coffee and cake, we strolled through the Bled's independent shops and market stalls. It was there that Jack and I met a wonderful Slovenian man named Milan Juvan, who crafted beautiful handmade jewellery. He shared a story about his passion for jewellery-making, explaining how he spends half the year in Greece collecting various stones, which he then transforms into pieces of art to wear on your heart.
Milan's tale was so inspiring that I couldn’t resist purchasing a shell necklace adorned with a tiny moonstone. He took the time to explain the process behind its creation and the significance of the shell, emphasising what made it special to him. His heartfelt passion for his craft made me appreciate the necklace even more, and I felt a connection to both the piece and the story behind it.
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| Lake Bled |
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| An Island of it's own, Lake Bled |
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| A boat to the church in the middle of the lake |
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| Beer o'clock in the middle of the woods |
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| Beautiful view, Lake Bled |
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| How adorable are these swan shaped boats? |
The sun pushed its way through the clouds, bringing Bled to life. We decided to embark on the two-hour walk around the lake, but we ended up taking five hours, as we found ourselves lost in our own worlds, floating in individual bubbles of tranquillity. We barely spoke a word to each other, our minds clear of worries, fully immersed in the beauty of the moment.
As we approached the end of our stroll—and our time in Bled—we felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving. Despite our brief stay, it quickly became one of my favourite stops on our journey so far, and I couldn’t help but dream of returning someday. But it was time to bid farewell to Bled and say hello to Slovenia’s charming capital, Ljubljana.
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