Lake Bled by Plenta Boat and the Vintar Gorge

We choose the day with the nicest weather forecast to visit Lake Bled. Lots to do around the lake so we ended up coming back two more days to take it all in. On the first visit, we rode a characteristic Plenta boat to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria on Bled Island. We learned a lot from our oarsman, who completes the trip as many as 5 times a day in the high season. Talk about being in shape! 

Aboard the Plenta boat. No life jackets in sight. Hold on to those kids! 

Boats with Bled Castle in the background.

Approaching the island

Looking back to the castle

Fall colors across the lake

It is not allowed to build along the lake anymore. This gorgeous home is owned by the government and used to host dignitaries and visitors.

We had 40 minutes to spend on the island. A visit to the gift shop for Jude and I, a climb up the church tower for the adults and a visit to the church for Nana, Pops and Pete. And picking up pebbles for Maeve. We approached the back side of the island, but for those who dock in the front, 99 stairs await. For weddings held in the church, it is tradition for the groom to try to carry his bride up all of the steps as a sign that he is fit for marriage (apparently 4 out of 5 are able to complete the feat). 

Back staircase

Front 99 stairs

Back on shore, we walked to a lakeside restaurant beneath Bled castle. Slovenia is a parent's dream destination. Almost all of the restaurants that we visited had playgrounds on site. 

We had to try the local Bled desserts, kremna rezina, a cream cake and grmada, day-old cake with rum, milk, custard and raisins. 

Playground at the restaurant

Feeling sufficiently fueled, we drove north through a valley to the Vintgar Gorge, an easy mile-long hike on boardwalks crossing over the picturesque gorge. We took turns again with Nana and Pops while the kids slept in the car. The end of the hike is a waterfall beneath a train bridge, but the hike itself was more memorable. 

   

Anniversary in Piran

With a late October wedding date, after Pete and I were married, I realized we would never get to take any big anniversary trips. In addition to Pete not getting any time off during that part of the year, the timing always seemed to line up with parent teacher conferences. Then we moved to the Netherlands and ISA's fall break keeps lining up with our anniversary! So we've celebrated in Scotland, Greece and now Slovenia! 

We were lucky enough to get away for a day and a night while Nana and Pops stayed back with the kids. We choose the romantic coastal town of Piran. A wealthy Venetian merchant fell in love with a local girl in Piran and built her a mansion on the main square. With the towns people all a buzz, the merchant had "let them talk" inscribed on the building (in Italian of course). Swoon. 

I was as excited about the journey as the destination. We took the very long, scenic way up and down mountains and through villages. For lunch, we stopped in the Primorska wine region. We did two private tastings on the fly, the second of which was an elaborate affair with platters of meats and cheeses. The last leg of the trip was a dizzy blur, but the short walk into downtown Piran from the parking garage revived me in time for a stroll around town and dinner. And the sunset from our hotel balcony!! So beautiful! The next morning we did some shopping and climbed to the top of the bell tower for the views before heading back to see our kiddos. They had a great time while we were gone at the playgrounds and water park with Nana and Pops.

Happy 8 years to the best partner and friend!

With Lake Bohijn and the Julian Alps in the background

This valley made us giddy

Wine in the distance! 

Someone was happy about doing a wine tasting and leaving for 3 liters of wine for 10 euros!

This one did me in

Walking into Piran

Mansion on the right with the famous inscription. Tower in the background. 

And our updates while we were gone:

And reunited again the following day!