DAYS 8-10: Again drove through some stunning scenery: pine forested mountains and pristine local villages really make Slovenia a beautiful country. First point of call was Bled, a picturesque lakeside town with a fairytale island in the middle of a crystal clear lake - an eastern european version of Udaipur in India. A real gem and a place we would recommend to anyone.

The following day we drove through the Julian Alps into the Bohinj valley - again a beautiful azure, mirrored lake with stunning scenery. Climbed up to 'slapyerface' waterfall, apart from liking the name we fancied a bit of exercise since we have spent the last week sitting in the car.

It was a long drive down through the mountains to Ljubljana and we vered off the main road along gravel windy tracks passing through rural Slovenian villages. It was pretty steep in places and after about an hour of coming down the slope we smelt a funny smell and Rich noticed the brakes go a little spongey. As we approached a little village called Rudno, driving slowly, the brakes went all together. As we came to a stop a huge pelt of thunder clapped in the sky right above us and the heavens opened! Luckily we'd rehearsed our reaction...we got out the car, put on our waterproofs and went to make a cup of tea whilst pondering calmly on the situation.

Luckily we didn't have too much time to wait pouring over the Haynes manual with the rain bucketing down, wondering if the AA covered Slovenia! A lovely Slovenian girl called Anja who spoke fluent English came out of her house and asked if we would like any help. Before we could answer her mother was on the phone to a mechanic in the next village and invited us in for a cup of very strong coffee and a piece of cake. What incredible hospitality, we certainly chose the right place to brake down! Even though it was getting late on a Saturday evening, the mechanic arrived an hour later and we followed him slowly to his garage in the next village. We realised the steep slopes and rugged ground had managed to 'cook' the existing brake fluid - which meant we needed to bleed the brakes and replace the fluid. Both Rich and the mechanic did this quickly and we were back on the road in no time.

Whilst at the garage we got talking to another customer, Daniel and his baby daughter Clara, and told him what we were up to - to our amazement Daniel gave us 20 euros for Amani, the Children's Home in Tanzania we are fundraising for. We were really struck by how helpful and generous everyone is in this part of Slovenia and drove away saying we'd love to revisit here one day.

We pitched camp just north of Ljubljana city centre where torrential rain continued for two days non stop. We met up with three English blokes, Duncan, David and Tim, and Luca, a multilingual, guitar-playing Italian who lives in Slovenia. They were all recovering from hangovers from a Slovenian wedding the night before.

We all drove to the city centre to experience the famous cafe society in Ljubljana. We huddled into a funkz bar in Metalkova, a hippy hangout near Ljubljana station where squatters camp out amongst underground bars with graffiti, burnt out cars and an overall feel reminiscent of a set from Baz Lurhman's Romeo and Juliet. Fitting in with the scene we sat cross-legged in the Celica Hostel, a converted prison, smoking a grape flavoured hubba bubba pipe and nursing several Lasko beers. We ventured into the old part of town which was beautiful - narrow cobbled streets lined with cafes and bars. Had a drink in a cool bar where we got chatting to "Abba Mania" - four English Abba look-alikes who are touring the world replicating the Abba tour of the seventies. They were great fun and very generously donated some money for Amani, once again, we were humbled by eveyone's generousity.

We have experienced many "random acts of kindness" that mean so much. We had underestimated the warmth and generosity of people who are supporting us in our fund raising efforts for Amani, we appreciate it immeasurably.

We ate at a lovely local Slovenian restaurant - a feast of veal, hams, meats, sourcrout and chips! Then back to the hostel in Metalkova for more beers and lots of laughs. We had a great day and hope to meet up with 'the wedding crowd' back in the UK (Duncan - did you strike gold with the Slovenian lass??!)

Another rainy night in the tent - our matress is now drenched and unless it clears up today we might have to spend our first night indoors...

We drove through the rain to Piran in Southern Slovenia where the weather cleared up a bit. Piran has lots of Italian influences and the winding narrow streets have a lovely Venician feel. We succumbed to the Italian aura and guzzled a pizza on the quayside. The weather is brightening up :)