Day 18 - Zagreb to Tyrol
- manicmondeo
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A hand burst out of the toll booth. No words, just a sign saying €1. That’s all it took to leave Croatia. The border facilities were still there due to its recent admission into the EU, but we drove through without any further stops.
If you’ve ever read a children’s book about some small, fictional European principality or nation, it’s probably based on parts of Slovenia. Rolling hills, dense forests, ornately carved hay sheds and clustered villages of borderline alpine architecture huddled round a fairytale church. You could imagine being in Genovia or Silvania.
Speaking of fairytales, Slovenia’s small capital, Ljubljana has an absolutely charming old centre. Overlooked by a hilltop fortress, its cobbled streets and baroque buildings hone in on the heavily photographed dragon bridge.
Three separate walkways cross the tiny river. It’s overkill for sure.
We nearly didn’t make it to the centre as there was some sort of children’s activity in a park with cow and boink sounds. We were engrossed. But if we hadn’t gone in, Craig wouldn’t have used the yoghurt vending machine. Nor would we have eaten at an egg restaurant with cheeky birds - sparrows hovered near forks to try and pinch bits of food. With his alleged egg allergy and phobia of birds, it’s a shame Jim wasn’t here.
After yesterday’s surfeit of lakes, you might be surprised to hear we went to another one.
Lake Bled is one of Europe’s most famous and lots of people will have at least seen images of it. There’s a castle perched on a vertical cliff rising from its shore, and a pretty island with a fairytale church.
It’s a popular destination but still utterly beautiful, even with descending clouds.
The road to the Austrian border was lined by mountains, including Triglav. This sharp peak is a symbol of Slovenia and appears on their football shirts.
We’d booked lodgings in an Austrian village so Italy would have to wait. An added bonus was crossing the Wurzenpass and stopping to view the old panzer tank at the top.
Another plus point was the good food. Ian has beef with Italy, but more on that tomorrow, unless he’s chilled out by then!
After checking in to our idyllic chalet apartment overlooking the valley and Obertilliach’s collection of chocolate box wooden chalets, we headed out for food. Schnitzels, Tyrolean meats and cheeses were savoured before retiring.
With Belgium v Egypt due to start, Jase and Ian went search of a shop for some beers. Everywhere was closed except a bar. Ian has been learning a bit of German on Duolingo but hasn’t had much chance to use it. However, in this emergency situation, he conjured up the German for “can we buy six beers to take home?” The bartender understood perfectly. Ian’s rarely been prouder.
Songs of the day
Jase: Vatican Broadside by HMHB
Craig: Monte Carlo or Bust by Jimmy Durante
Ian: Get Better by Frank Turner
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