This morning we left Ljubljana bound for Budapest by train, a 9 hour journey that made for our longest travel day by a long shot. While it is only around 450 kms between the two cities, the train takes a couple of detours that are both significant and unavoidable. Nine hours is actually one of the shorter trips available on the route and we were lucky to avoid switching trains, which some of the milk-runs have you do 3 or 4 times. We arrived in Budapest under the...

We started our last day in Ljubljana by joining a free walking tour of the city, which is the second time that we've joined such a tour on this trip. Free tours are a great way for people on all different types of budgets to learn about the city they're visiting by getting some firsthand local knowledge. Guides work on a tips only basis, so you only pay what you think the tour is worth. A great concept all around. Today's guide not only gave us a great feel for t...

Another day-trip today, this time by bus to nearby Lake Bled. When we left Ljubljana, it was par for the course: cold with dense fog. It seems that as soon as we get about an hour outside the city (both days) the sun comes out and we pick up about five degrees. Weird. But I digress. Lake Bled is about 6 km's circumference and has a walking trail all the way round that offers great views of the lake and surrounding area, including an island in the middle that is h...

Today we took an amazing day-trip to the Skocjan Caves, located in the Karst region southwest of Ljubljana. The caves are the result of an underground river that has slowly eroded the surrounding limestone into many impressive chambers, the largest of which is over 200m high! From the stalactites to the stalagmites, the scenery in the caves was truly stunning. Back in the city, we dropped by Hot Horse to sample a Slovenian specialty. Remember: it's yes to the bu...

We're still adjusting to the climate change in Slovenia as we dug out our woolies today and bundled up for some off and on walking around the city. Luckily our hostel is in a prime location, so popping in and out is a convenient option when the forecast promises 'freezing fog' (picture Canso, but with people). It cleared enough this afternoon for a relatively sunny walk through Tivoli park, an amazing green space in the heart of Ljubljana. On our way home we ran ...