Slovenia Road Trip ; Idrija’s lacemaking

 
   It’s interesting seeing how Idrija’s lacemaking style evolved over time with political and geographical changes. Pre-World War I, Idrija’s lace clients were mostly Austrians, who preferred large, country-style lacework.

Post-World War I, their primary clients became Italians, who demanded fine, intricate, detailed lacework.

  Adventurous Kate (to be continued) 

Slovenia Road Trip ; Idrija Largest Wooden Wheel In Europe

 
On the quirky end, Idrija also happens to be home to the largest wooden wheel in Europe. It used to power the whole town.

Idrija is also famous throughout the world for its lace, which is on display throughout the town.

Adventurous Kate (to be continued) 

Slovenia Road Trip ; Idrija Church On Top Of A Mountain.

 
While having an after-lunch coffee, Peter and I ran into Urban, the curator of the nearby Mestni Museum. He kindly offered to cart us around to every attraction in town; I asked him if instead he could take us to the highest point in town so we could take pictures. He obliged and took us to a church on top of a mountain.

  Adventurous Kate (to be continued) 

Slovenia Road Trip 6 Idrija, Žlikrofi

 After the dark and cold mine, it was time for lunch in the sun.

“What’s your local specialty?” I asked the waiter.

“Žlikrofi,” he replied instantly. That was settled — I had to try it. I was given a plate of tortellini-like pasta stuffed with mashed potatoes and “animal fat” (pork in this case) and topped with a truffle and cream sauce. SO good, but definitely not the healthiest thing! 

 Adventurous Kate (to be continued) 

Slovenia Road Trip 5 Idrija

 The mine, which was built in the 15th century, was fully functional as late as 1986.

 You can still see oxidized mercury in the walls.

 The miners had their own underground chapel.

 The cool thing about mercury is that it’s heavier than lead! It’s cool watching a lead ball bounce around in a jar of liquid mercury like it’s a ping pong ball in a beer-filled solo cup.

 Adventurous Kate (to be continued)