Caves and a Castle

After another scrumptious breakfast, at which the topic of conversation between all four couples was the battles fought the night before over sharing the narrow doona, we set forth on a short walking tour of Ljubljana. Tatjana, our tour guide regaled us with stories of how the Romans, Turks, Venetians and the Austrians all contributed to the development of the Slovenian psyche. Situated where it is, between Italy and Austria and within sight of the invading Turkish armies, the people here have had a long and suffering history of invasion and domination. Even the Nazis in WW ll were fiercely resisted - no wonder their recent independence has meant so much to them.



So, it was no coincidence that the ladies in our party soon became entangled in a demonstration of Slovenian politics when we came across a group of people in national costume, surrounded by TV cameras. After posing for the obligatory pictures, the ladies were given a red carnation (apparently a symbol of rebellion!) by the women in national costume and, Jill being Jill, asked what the event was about. We were told that there was some dissent about the border and economic relationship with neighbouring Croatia and that these protesters were simply trying to make their point about upcoming changes. On the first day of the tour and straight into the thick of things!

After leaving Ljubljana we headed north to the Karst region where we stopped at the Postojna Caves. This was a mind-blowing experience. Those of you who have been to Jenolan Caves and think that they are grand, should see the caves here in Postojna. The first surprise is the train ride that takes you almost two kilometres inside the cave before you disembark for the kilometre or so walk through the caves, guided by a local expert. After about an hour of walking through gallery after gallery, the mind becomes numb to the infinite variety of formations and colours. Unfortunately, no photography allowed inside, so you’ll have to take my word for it. We were offered the opportunity to sing in the Concert Hall cave. Jill was encouraged by our group to sing, so she sang and enjoyed the experience.

Leaving the caves, we headed towards the Slovenian coast, stopping at Predjama Castle. This is a fascinating structure, built into a sheer cliff face right outside another huge cave complex. Occupied until just after WW ll, the castle is a reminder of the horrors of medieval life - complete with execution and torture chambers!



The legend of Erasmus, a knight and original owner of the castle was explained to us. Apparently, after falling foul of the king, Erasmus fled to his cave where he was besieged by the king’s soldiers for a year and a day. Unknown to the soldiers, Erasmus was able to come and go as he pleased by leaving and returning through the cave network immediately behind the castle. In desperation, the soldiers bribed a castle servant who told them the weakest part of the castle defences was the toilet and poor Erasmus suffered the indignity of being killed while on his other throne!

Our final stop for the day was Piran - a picturesque town on the Adriatic Sea and a holiday mecca for the rich and famous from surrounding countries. Our hotel is three metres from the water’s edge and we have a glorious view looking across the bay to the Croatian coast. Another great evening meal -

all delicious seafood - was had in a nearby restaurant and we now rest and prepare for another fascinating day ahead.