river ljubljanica

after checking out of our apartment, we had sometime to walk around ljubljana before going to airport to catch the flight to naples via an overnight layover at istanbul.

we were killing time. after walking we rested and had a drink and chill by the riverside.

river ljubljanica

we started along river ljubljanica, short walk from our apartment. 🙂

ljubljana

we decided to walk along to the tivoli city park. 🙂

Church of St. Cirila and Metoda

past the Church of St. Cirila and Metoda.

tivoli park

the park has a outdoor display of photos along the promenade.

very nice photos…we thought it was a painting..

very nice photos…we thought it was a painting..

outdoor exhibitions of large-format photographs, open throughout the year

Tivoli Park’s scenic Promenade (Jakopičevo sprehajališče), designed by the architect Jože Plečnik in the central part of Tivoli Park, has become a well known outdoor venue for exhibitions of large-format photographs, open throughout the year.

Church of St. Cirila and Metoda

walking back from the park, we past the Church of St. Cirila and Metoda again.

Museum of Modern Art Ljubljana

opposite the church was the Museum of Modern Art Ljubljana.

SKB bankomat

SKB bankomat

we walked back to Prešernov trg at the triple bridge next to river ljubljanica.

Prešeren Monument Statue of France Prešeren

and the france preseren statue in the square,

dragon bridge

dragon bridge

dragon bridge

took some shots at dragon bridge. 🙂

street with middle east food

graffiti art?

ther was still lots of time.

we decided to take a walk down a street with middle eastern food and wares.

falafel

so went to buy some falafel. not really my kind of food. 🙂

fany and mary

we decided to sit down at a place with more shade to chill. ordered beers and a bitter lemon drink. 🙂

this fany & mary was a popular joint. at this mid afternoon hour we could get a table.

they dispense cryptic advice too! lol!

prometheus sculpture on the mesarki foot bridge adorned with love locks

prometheus sculpture on the mesarki foot bridge adorned with love locks

prometheus sculpture on the mesarki foot bridge adorned with love locks

fany & mary was right by the mesarki bridge. so i went to take some photos of the sculpture of prometheus, figures from Ancient Greek and Christian/Jewish mythology. adam & eve sculpture was across adorning the other side of the bridge.

after chilling out, we debated where to have early dinner, and i decided to go chinese after a week of mostly mixed grill dishes.

c.h.e.f andy

evening walk in ljubljana

after checking in our apartment with the airbnb host, we went out for an evening stroll along the river. 🙂

ljubljana castle

ljubljana castle in the background.

river ljubljanica

river ljubljanica

river ljubljanica

the Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja – franciscan church in the background, quite nearby at the triple bridge, preseren square.

tromostovje, the famous triple bridge

tromostovje, the famous triple bridge

we came to the tromostovje, the famous triple bridge.

these are three bridges across the Ljubljanica River. It connects the Ljubljana’s historical, medieval, town on one bank, and the modern city of Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia, on the other.

tromostovje, the famous triple bridge

and the pink franciscan church at the square across the triple bridge.

SKB bankomat

SKB bankomat

SKB bankomat

SKB bankomat, interesting building with a narrow facade facing the square.

Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja – franciscan church

Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja – franciscan church

the franciscan church.

Prešeren Monument Statue of France Prešeren

Prešeren Monument Statue of France Prešeren

and the preseren monument in the square named after him.

tromostovje, the famous triple bridge

evening walk along river ljubljanica

Dragon Bridge Zmajski most

we walked over to the next major bridge the dragon bridge zmajski most.

it was getting dark and my iphone camera lens had a small crack and not taking good pictures with sun or lights. anyway it was time to settle down to a nice dinner.

c.h.e.f andy

our ljubljana 2-room apartment parking area

arrived ljubljana past 5.30pm.

the airbnb host was waiting for. there was some traffic direction issues with the map directions so we had to make a big u turn.

our ljubljana 2-room apartment

our ljubljana 2-room apartment

the 2 bedrooms were huge.

our ljubljana 2-room apartment

and there was a sitting room.

and also another lounge between the 2 bedrooms.

our ljubljana 2-room apartment

the second bedroom.

our ljubljana 2-room apartment

our ljubljana 2-room apartment

there were 2 toilets.

and kitchen.

our car in the parking area

and a quadrangle where we parked our cars.

the apartment was conveniently located near river ljubljanica and the triple bridge was a short walk away.

it was right next to the university, and i suspect (it totally smelled like it, old books, some stationary in the sitting room, and all) that this was like some professor’s apartment. lol!

c.h.e.f andy

postojna caves

postojna caves is the last leg of our day’s journey from bovec to ljubljana on 19.9.2018. ^^

after leaving the beautiful tolmin gorge, we drove about 2hrs to postojna caves.

here at postojna is a 3million yrs 24km cave system with electric railcar access. we rode the rail car 2km into caves, “an electric train which whisks visitors into the black abyss, with only a few lamps guiding the way. It zips through an expansive, open part of the cave called the Ballroom, which has been outfitted with stunning chandeliers—just incredible! “

then guided walk another 1hr total 1.5hrs.

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

there are stalactites aplenty hanging down from the cave ceiling. 🙂

about €32 entrance fee to postojna caves & vivarium

entrance fee to postojna caves & vivarium combined was about €32.

postojna caves

stalactites and stalagmites

postojna caves

postojna caves

stalactites @ postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

the brilliant = stalactites & stalagmites formation

postojna caves is nothing less than stunning.

we are treated to dazzling collection of stalactite and stalagmite formation, breathtaking at every turn.

the most famous stalagmite of all, Brilliant is a bright-white, five-metre high limestone formation.

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

there is no limit and boundary to nature’s marvels. 🙂

postojna caves – subterranean paradise

we alighted the train, and followed the guide to a large lit chamber.

the english guide spoke clearly, had a good command of english, and had good knowledge of the caves.

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

there are many more chambers, old, new…

bridge to new caves

stunning formations

stunning formations

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves

postojna caves was an awesome. the best cave i have visited.

the stalactites and stalagmites were just amazing, incomparable anywhere. but it is also the accessibility and the massive collection of tunnels and caves and chambers…

some may see this as excessive commercilaisation, for me it was good that the tour was professionally done, efficient, extensive and came with good english guides. no time wasting, nothing missed out.

c.h.e.f andy

postojna vivarium – ohm

it took us another like 2hrs car journey from tolmin gorge to arrive at postojna caves about 2.50pm on 19.9.018. ^^

we bought the tickets that included a visit to the vivarium.

the next main postojna cave with english guide starts 3.30pm so we were advised to visit the vivarium first before queueing up for the 3.30pm guided tour.

postojna vivarium – ohm

the ohm is a creature of the dark.

It feeds on crustaceans, worms, snails and other aquatic invertebrates,  has a lifespan of up to one hundred years and can go without food for several years.

In 2016, one of Postojna Cave’s olms laid eggs, which hatched some time later, capturing the attention of people all around the world.

postojna vivarium – some bugs

postojna vivarium – spider?

postojna vivarium – beatles

postojna vivarium – ohm

fascinating what creatures & microbes live in caves and mostly darkness.

it was fun, though we did not read up much about this and so did not know much or what to look. lol! 🙂

c.h.e.f andy

tolmin gorge

after a full satisfying breakfast at our apartment wallace in bovec, we drove 50mins to tolmin gorge on 19.9.2018. ^^

we parked at the carpark at the entrance. parking is free. we paid entrance fee was €4pax for adults at a small wooden hut at the gorge entrance.

tolmin gorge is actually two gorges. the tolminka gorge and zadlaščica gorge. the confluence of both rivers, is the sotočje.

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

a very pleasant, easy walk in the woods alongside the river.

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

son, wife & i all like walks…

suspension bridge

suspension bridge

tolmin gorge

we followed the tolminka gorge.

bridge

bridge

tolmin gorge

bridge

crossed the bridge…

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

devil’s bridge – tolmin gorge

walking towards devil’s brdige.

tolmin gorge

we continued on the path. nice stream flowing past many rocks.

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

the beautiful colours of the river, from turquoise to emerald depending on the play of sunlight, reflections and mineral in the water.

this stretch was like the most beautiful part of the walk. 🙂

tunnel with steps

tunnel with steps

we reached a short tunnel with steps…

thermal spring – tolmin gorge

and the thermal spring next to the small cave (above photo). 🙂

tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

thermal spring – tolmin gorge

end of the path.

and turned back. 🙂

devil’s bridge – tolmin gorge

tolmin gorge

devil’s bridge – tolmin gorge

we walked back the path along tolminka gorge.

sotočje, confluence of tolminka gorge with zadlaščica gorge

towards the confluence with zadlaščica gorge, the sotočje.

zadlaščica gorge

along zadlaščica gorge looking back at the sotočje.

bridge across the zadlaščica gorge

bridge across the zadlaščica gorge

zadlaščica gorge

zadlaščica gorge

along zadlaščica gorge looking back at the sotočje

medvedova glava, the bears head

next, medvedova glava, the bears head. 🙂

this a natural bridge created by a large rock that got stuck between the walls of the zadlascica canyon.

medvedova glava, the bears head

the bear’s head…looked like a heart of stone! lol! 🙂

medvedova glava, the bears head

medvedova glava, the bears head

& water “jumping” from one pool to the next..

zadlaščica gorge

devil’s bridge – tolminka gorge

devil’s bridge – tolminka gorge

we walked further up the steps and towards the devil’s bridge which led to the road exit.

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

devils bridge leading to the road exit

devils bridge over tolminka gorge

looking over tolminka gorge from devils bridge

the tolminka gorge is the most beautiful, stunning. whether looking over from the devils’ bridge, or walking alongside at the lower level.

from the bridge it was a short walk along the road to the carpark. the easy hike and picturesque outing took us just about 1 hr 10mins.

railway near most na soci?

a high bridge

we took photos fro the bridge

napolean bridge in the distance?

napolean bridge in the distance?

napolean bridge in the distance?

napolean bridge in the distance?

we stopped by a major road bridge to eat some packed food. from there we had good view of the gorge & the railway bridge (napolean bridge?_

and we arrived at postojna cave about 2.40pm.

c.h.e.f andy

wife & son made breakfast

wife & son made excellent breakfast this morning.

grilled thick bacon 

we bought more thick cut smoked bacon from a supermart on the way to bovec.

this was the best.

iberico ham, chorizo & rock melon

we had some rock melon as well, very sweet.

tomatoes 

and really sweet tomatoes also.

croissant & grilled mushrooms 

excellent mushrooms.

brussels sprouts & grilled thick bacon

and son cooked the brussels sprouts. 🙂

a really shiok, satisfying breakfast before we set out for tolmin gorge, the caves and ending in ljubljana.

c.h.e.f andy

slap verje

after chilling out at apartment wallace, we drove 15mins drive to take a look at slap verje.

parked by the road side near the entrance path to slap verje. 🙂

slap verje

a very short 5mins walk to slap verje. 🙂

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

it was a pretty nice waterfall.

nothing that we haven’t seen before, but still very pleasing.

couldn’t get people to move off for us to take photos ourselves…lol!

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

slap verje

it was a very pleasing moment to be at a place of natural beauty, to feel the freshness and tranquility if the waterfall.

we stayed a short while & then headed back to our apartment and went with son for dinner.

c.h.e.f andy

amazing lepena

as we were reaching bovec, there was what looked like a picnic area along the banks of river soca, so we turned our car in to explore.

our last drive stop before checking into apartment wallas at bovec was the beautiful lepena.

as it turned out, this was a MUST visit places in the soca valley.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

a place  where the soča gorge ends and turbulent rapids caught between rock walls suddenly slow down in pools offering a stunning view.

this was the amazing lepena. 🙂

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

indeed there was the occasional soul sunbathing on the rocks.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena 

we parked further downstream.

so we followed the oath upstream, to look at the gorge.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

the amazing colours.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena

amazing lepena 

and the stunningly beautiful gorge.

amazing lepena

amazing lepena 

deep, narrow and amazing colours from turquoise to emerald green water and reflections. 🙂

amazing lepena

the amazing lepena, truly a place of exceptional natural beauty…

c.h.e.f andy

soca valley & beautiful gorges

next we stopped at a stone bridge & a most beautiful gorge.^^

this was more impressive than vintgar gorge.

and as picturesque as ryuokyo gorge nikko japan & the one we went to at snowdonia national park in wales.

perhaps not as magical as the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon in Iceland.

stone bridge and beautiful gorge

stone bridge and beautiful gorge 

stone bridge and beautiful gorge

stone bridge and beautiful gorge

a medieval stone bridge over the great soca gorge.

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges

soca valley & beautiful gorges 

the stone bridge casting a shadow over the great soca gorge in the evening sun, a mesmerizing scenery.

signage describing the river troughs

we drove further towards direction of bovec and stopped at the next suspension bridge.

there was a sign describing the river troughs – where the river is squeezed into 750m long & 10-15m deep gorges.

another suspension bridge & view of the picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

another view of the great soca gorge, w/o the shados of the stone bridge. 🙂

suspension bridge & view of the picturesque gorge

soca trail on the other bank of river soca

soca trail on the other bank of river soca 

there was the soca trail on the other bank of the river.

another day, we would certainly walk some parts of the trail. 🙂

suspension bridge & view of the picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

soca valley picturesque gorge

the picturesque scoa gorge, etched in memory.

c.h.e.f andy

soca valley & suspension bridge

we came to the first small suspension bridge along soca river.

soca valley & suspension bridge

good break stop for our driver. 🙂

the lure of nature, freedom, fresh air…

soca valley & suspension bridge

soca valley & suspension bridge

nice streams of the soca river…

soca valley & suspension bridge

soca valley & suspension bridge

soca valley & suspension bridge 

this but a small part introduction to the beautiful gorge of the soca valley.

c.h.e.f andy

soca valley

after vrsic pass, the road follows soca river along soca valley & the gorges & stone & suspension bridges

we made a turn into a branch road to look for the source of soca but did not find it.

looking for the source of soca but did not find it.

soca valley

we parked our car & walked down a path to the river soca.

didn’t find the source,

but this should be part of the 25km soca trail from soca spring to bovec.

soca valley

it says “soska pot” or soca trail on the signpost..

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

soca valley

we drove to another place slightly further up the branch road.

soca valley

too bad we missed the soca spring, source of soca.

looking at other’s blog write-ups –  “crystal clear emerald waters burst out into daylight out of a small underground lake at the end of a narrow gorge in Zadnja Trenta valley“..

we could certainly have make the 1hr hike even on a day journey from bohinj to bovec…well another day or another destination la..

c.h.e.f andy

vrsic pass turn 24

we parked out car at turn #24, and trekked up the road.

vrsic pass turn 24

vrsic pass turn 24

there were various hiking trails.

we were doing a day drive to bovec so only taking a short hike. 🙂

vrsic pass turn 24

vrsic pass turn 24

vrsic pass turn 24

weather was good, glorious sunshine, not hot myabe 24degC and no need warm clothing when we were trekking so we just wore Ts and jeans or shorts.

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

we took a 20-25mins walk up the the mountain hut.

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

vrsic pass short hike – going up postarki dom 1688m

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

just above the hut, there was a clear view of the giantess.

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

and some background.

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

very nice view!

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

postarki dom 1688m – view of petrified giantess

vrsic pass short hike -postarki dom 1688m

we stopped at the hut.

ordered 2 soup & beer and coffee.

vrsic pass short hike -postarki dom 1688m

son didn’t walk to walk. so he stayed at the hut to chill.

& the 2 old folks went walking up by ourselves. 🙂

vrsic pass short hike -postarki dom 1688m

looking back at the rest stop.

vrsic pass short hike -10mins to peak

another 10mins to a small peak.

vrsic pass short hike -10mins to peak

vrsic pass short hike -10mins to peak

took some photos here. 🙂

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

then back the same route.

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

vrsic pass short hike 1688m

and back to the hut.

vrsic pass turn 24

then we walked back down to turn #24, and drove to trenta and scoa valley on the way to bovec.

c.h.e.f andy