Vintgar Gorge, Bled

Shaped over the millennia by the raging waters of the River Radovna, the Vintgar Gorge slices through 1.6 km (one mile) of the Boršt and Hom hills in northwestern Slovenia.
First discovered in 1891, the narrow, winding river gorge was then impenetrable thanks to the vertical erosion of the limestone rock, but two years later a sandy trail and wooden pathways were built along the canyon length to open up its awesome waterfalls, icy cold pools and boiling rapids to visitors as it repeatedly crosses the river. 

A stone arch of the Bohinj railway bridge, constructed in 1906 is hanging 33.5 meters above the river. 

The trail ends at the impressive Šum waterfall, spewing 16 meters into a pool at the head of the gorge. From Šum , walkers can retrace their steps along the gorge or make a circular tour towards the east, walking over the peak of Hom, past the pilgrim church of St Catherine and on down to Bled.

Vintgar has become a magnet for adrenaline‐fueled whitewater rafters. 

Practical information:
The gorge is open daily in April to November from 8am to 7pm.
Admission adults €4, children €2.
Gorje, near Bled. Vintgar Gorge is 4 kilometers north of Bled and accessed by bus from the main bus station, by car or on foot in about an hour.

Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle

This amazing tour will take you to the Postojna Cave system, located in picturesque Karst Region.
This is unique opportunity to explore the subterranean filled with natural surprises. Enter the mysterious, 20 km long cave system with many great underground galleries and halls. Magnificent cavernous halls with impressive sculptures will take your breath away.
Part of the visit will be done by an electric train and the rest as a walking tour, approx. 1,5 hours.
The temperature in the cave is around 10°C. So, walking shoes and a jacket are recommended.

Predjama Castle, fairy tale Castle perched on a hillside at the mouth of a gaping cavern , a Renaissance gem built in the mouth of a cave.
Predjama Castle — a mysterious, 800-year-old landmark perched impregnably at the mouth of a hillside cave, the largest cave-castle in the world.
See the dungeon, the armory and richly furnished rooms, and learn the legend of Erasmus, the Slovenian rebel associated with the castle.

Its romantic appeal is further emphasized by the idyllic River Lokva, which disappears into the underground world deep down below the castle.
The undoubtedly most famous of all castle inhabitants was the knight Erazem of Predjama, who rebelled against the imperial autocracy in the 15th century. Nowadays Erazem is the main protagonist of numerous legends, which on the one hand glorify him as a passionate, handsome, noble knight, while on the other hand he is described as a bandit and a robber baron, who eventually breathed his last, killed by cannon balls, while in the toilet.

Visitors will learn about the history of the castle and its former owners in the front tower. In other parts of the castle the equipment includes a selection original items, as well as replicas and models. The room with the most opulent equipment is the knight’s room; the castle life in the late Gothic period is presented to visitors in the dining room. The Renaissance hall on the third floor is where hunting trophies of the last castle owner, the Windischgrätz Prince, are exhibited.

Tickets:
Postojna Cave: 25.80 EUR
Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle: 35.70 EUR
Discount for students and children.

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia

Visit charming Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, considered to be one of the most fascinating European cities. 
 Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in Slovenia, is the cultural, educational, economic, political and administrative center of the country. It is renowned for its rich history, reflected in the unique architectural heritage. 
 Its old town center is embraced by Ljubljana Castle and the river Ljubljanica where the feeling of the city is the strongest. 
On your trip, you will encounter ancient and modern architecture. 
You will visit the old town center where you will admire the works of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik, who took an important part in designing the Ljubljana’s most famous bridges, town squares and parks. In a little more than three decades, Jože Plečnik transformed Ljubljana from a provincial city to the capital of the Slovene nation and reshaped the urban part of the city. His influence can be felt everywhere, but mostly along the river Ljubljanica. 
 You will take a walking tour of the historical city centre during which you will be immersed in the history and stories behind Ljubljana's major sights, you will visit some of the most interesting buildings and monuments, such as the Ljubljana Town Hall, the Triple Bridge, the Shoemakers’ Bridge, Ljubljana Cathedral, the Robba Fountain, Prešeren Square, Congress Square and other attractions. 
 The symbol of the city is the Ljubljana Dragon. It is depicted on the top of the tower of Ljubljana Castle and on the Ljubljanica-crossing Dragon Bridge. It symbolizes power, courage and greatness. 
 At the end of your tour, you will reach the Castle Hill by using a funicular railway (4 EUR) and you will visit the medieval Ljubljana Castle where you will enjoy the magnificent view of the entire region. 
 Ljubljana is a modern capital, but at the same time it offers the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of a small town. It is truly a vibrant city full of surprises.
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Bled Lake, Island & Castle

Surrounded by majestic mountains, Lake Bled seems like it’s drawn from a fairytale. During this tour you will visit the 11th century Bled Castle set high atop a cliff and then head to Bled Island.
 The beauty of the surrounding mountains reflects on the lake surface. Throughout the year visitors will enjoy the peace of the lake and fresh air. 
Climb (with our car or afoot) atop a steep cliff more than 100m above the lake, Bled Castle is how most people imagine a medieval fortress to be, with towers, ramparts, moats and a terrace offering magnificent views. The castle houses a unique treasure - a reconstructed Gutenberg's wooden printing press on which the master printer will demonstrate old printing techniques using hand-made paper.  
On the lake shore take 'pletna' handmade wooden traditional boat to the lake island. Rowers still use man power as in old days, making your experience more memorable. The tiny, tear-shaped island beckons from the shore and the ride with the 'pletna' boat is a real thrill. Climb atop 99 stairs and ring a bell for your wishes to come true.  
Upon return from the island stop at the local patisserie  and take a break; taste Bled’s famous cream cake – kremšnita. Since the last 60 years, as many as 12 million cream cakes have been sold. Try it yourself. 

Tito

Lublana

Namibia: Rooster Yelling In My Ear

At the crack of 2:37AM, I'm startled by a rooster yelling in my ear, not more than a few feet away. Then, just as I find sleep, the rooster calls out again. 3:21AM. Did someone import this rooster and forget to reset his clock? Ever half hour thereafter, the rooster reminds me how annoying he is.

With an unstoppable alarm clock on the fritz, I give up and step outside the tent. 5:00AM, a desperate moan comes from the other side of a barbed fence, so naturally I find myself walking over. Five kids are running through a herd of cattle, long stick and ropes in hand. Singling out a large cow with sharp curved horns, the boys throw the rope and proceed to run circles around the terrified animal, winding him with rope. As soon as the cow trips, a brave boy dodges the horns and lunges out with a long knife, stabbing him in the back of the head. I try to turn away, but can't... The most ugly cry gurgles from the dying cow, but I stand, trying to sensitize myself to how the rest of the world feeds themselves.

Calvin 

(to be continued)