Slovenia Part 2

Changing hostels mid way through my stay in Ljubljana, I had PeaceWalkers as room mates. People of all ages walking a predetermined route with lodging and side trips all arranged in the name of Peace. I will have to look that one up further, as I've already forgotten their route and distance this year. It's been in existence since 1914, I believe primarily in Europe. (I've added the Camino for Peace info at the end.) 

In need of a laundry day, I was super ecstatic that my new hostel would also wash and dry my clothes for 5 euro. Woohoo! Iin this heat wave, wearing the same clothes over and over again is pretty unpleasant!! I've already had to buy a couple extra summer type outfits to keep me clothed in comfort. 

Today is also my tour of Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle in southern Slovenia. Predjama Castle is a real medieval castle rebuilt in 1510, but in existence much longer. It is built into a cave system giving it an impenetrable rear and facing a wide open valley in the front. The walls are massive at about 4 feet in width. The limestone walls gave it a continuous water supply and the cold cave was a great refrigeration system for food. A perfect place for Slovenia's own Robinhood type character, Erazem Lueger, who stole from the wealthy Austrian Lords. He did not, however, give it to the poor. 

It had its own justice system: 

Out the door through a shaft that dropped you 60 meters on solid rock below. Or:

The torture chamber for a more extended stay. 

We then drove to the caves, just 15k away. Our guide informed us that under Slovenia, it looks like Swiss cheese with all the caves. Postojna Caves are a 27 km long system carved through the limestone rock by the Puka River (which flows to the Danube and eventually to the Black Sea). The cave was opened to the public in 1819 who used torches and candles to view the incredible formations. Now a train system takes you 2 km in, passing through numerous chambers filled with beauty. Then a walking tour encompasses another 3 km of the system with so many natural wonders, it's rather overwhelming. Truly a magical underground world. 

A huge "concert hall" provided incredible acoustics with 6 second echoes. Our guide did a beautiful job singing for us here. After our train ride back through the 10 degree cave, it was pleasant to be in the warm topside again. The storm that had brought thunder and lightening during our tour of the castle (perfect weather to visit a medieval castle!!) had cleared for our journey back to Ljubljana. The temperature had cooled substantially and I enjoyed a creamy hot chocolate sauce with my hazelnut ice cream! 

This morning, I packed up and ventured through Ljubljana one last time. Visiting the old roman sites and exhibitions was very interesting. Roman history is so pervasive in Europe and each country I've visited has always been proud of its artifacts and ruins. 

After supplying myself with delicious Slovenian baked goods and a last ice cream, it was time to board the train for Munich. Making my way north, back home to Rhede. I have the love of my life to meet in just a week! So excited! 💙

The European Peace Walk (EPW) is a trans-national Camino-style adventure across 6 European countries from Vienna all the way to Trieste, Italy.

The Route itself weaves along the borders of Central Europe, thus you can expect to cross an international border over 25 times throughout the EPW experience.

Daily Stages of between 20 and 25kms lets the PeaceWalkers slowly enjoy the beauty and culture along the Route, before arriving at super (and cheap) hostels every evening and settling down to cuisine from one of 6 European cultures.

On the 24th day of walking, having passed Vienna, Bratislava, Kőszeg, Varaždin, Ljubljana and Lake Bled, the PeaceWalkers will arrive on the Adriatic sea at Trieste.