Ljubljana
It starts. After I had to enjoy the "Adventure of Slovenian Railways" yesterday, I can finally step into my pedals again today. And all this after two days journey.
From the Avtocamp Lezica I start crosswise through the small capital of Slovenia: Ljubljana.
In the beautiful spring weather today I can see the snow-covered Alps directly from the city. A fascinating sight.
Within shortest time I come from the hectic city into rural regions that are shaped by small villages with farms. Over dirt roads I drive through the valley of the Ljubljanica until Vrhnika.
Spring seems to be full under way. The sun shines, a school class on their trip is examining flowers and the farmers are on the way to their fields.
Between Vrhnika after Logatec a rise of approximately 300 elevator meters expects me. On the map that is set up in Vrhnika I can find a way through the wood. The way steeply uphill through the woods is more difficult than expected. It's hardly to keep the orientation, anyway the beautiful views from some clearings compensate for everything of course.
Already today I get a flat tire after I have driven over rubble. On the next free area, at a partisan's monument from the Second World War I stop and begin to repair my bicycle. Another cyclist, an old nice man, enjoys his rest here and speaks to me. With my real low knowledge in Serb-Croatian (quite similar to the Slovenian language). I mention that I cannot understand him. Immediately he speaks to me in German. After a short conversation he wishes me a good continuation of my journey and drives on.
On me whole journey in Slovenia and also in Croatia a get a, for me at the first time, astonishing observation. Depending to my habit at first I ask the people if they speak English if I want to speak with them. Nearly nobody is able to speak English to my surprise almost. But nearly everybody is able to speak some words in German. English doesn't seem to be the "world language" as we in Germany are always assuming.
At one time while I ask for the way I get to hear one of these funny letter-combinations like Martinj Hrib in original. I try to repeat the pronunciation of this name but this seems to be very funny for the person in front of me. From now I try the pronunciation any place that I pass ambitiously. A senseless venture. I even couldn't imagine that phonetic spelling would be capable of something like that.
My day aim for today is Postonja. I already have visited this place two summers ago at a five-week cycle from Hamburg. There I found one of the most beautiful camping sites I know.
After some increases I arrive Postonja completely invalidated and hardly capable of standing on my own legs. After a short purchase I cycle to the camping site that is about 4 km away from the village and which is located in the centre is the woods.
Close to the camping site there is the famous castle Predjamski Grad which was built into the rocks of a mountain. Because it is hanging in the rock, it was regarded as impregnable for a long time. There are even stories about besiegers who had given up besiege after months because the residents of the castle threw fresh cherries on their heads all time long. Secret corridors through the rock made it possible for the residents to leave the castle at this time and to provide themselves with fresh food.
Arrived at the camping site all my hopes are taken away. Excepting a family that seems to belong the restaurant the camping site is deserted. And then get told that there isn't any to stay here this night because this camping site is closed. For a few minutes I stand furiously on this beautiful camping, knowing that I cannot stay here and where to go to now. Finally I force back myself to drive anyway. I am totally bathed in sweat and don't now what to do now. My desire for a fresh shower is so big that I don't want to camp wildly.
Back in the village I visit the tourist information. At first I get said doubtingly that the camping site actually is open. So there would only be the possibility that I look around for private accommodation. I drive on and finally I find a nice house with the label "Room free". The owner is able to speak some German and I may park my bicycle in the garage. The house is established better than a lot of German houses. Furthermore it remains inexplicable to me that Slovenia is considered as one of "these Eastern bloc countries". I get a beautiful, clean room and enjoy my shower ...