Slovenia / Bled

SLOVENIA

Slovenia is the only country in Europe that combines the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the Karst. The changing landscape is constantly surprising time and time again. You can have one eye on the sea, then look in the other direction and be surrounded by high mountains. Heading up into the forest, you can see the green plains below you. From the meadows your view stretches into river gorges. This proximity of opposites and contrast is a hallmark of the country.

In Slovenia you can still walk through the forest or watch the grapes ripen on the oldest vine in the world. You can hear the bears and eat forest fruits that you have picked yourself on a brief walk out of town. Here you can uncover the secrets of the land and what lies beneath it. Here you are part of nature.

FACTS ABOUT SLOVENIA:

• There are over 10,000 caves in Slovenia. The best known, Postojna runs for around 20km.
• They love their wine and more than 200 square kilometres are covered by vineyards.
• The capital is Ljubljana and the symbol of the city is the Dragon.
• The famous veduta of Piran, this medieval pearl, give the memorable seaside view.
• Slovenia has one of the largest brown bear populations in Europe. It is believed there are between 500 and 700 bears.
• Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city is home to the oldest vine in the world. Although it is over four hundred years old, its Zametna Crnina grapes still produce 25 litres of wine every year.
• Over 60 world records in ski jumping and ski flying have been set in Planica.
• Numerous thermal-water springs reaching the surface at 32-73 degrees celsius are one of the greatest Slovenian treasures.
• Fascinating Lake Bled with its island, where you can ring the bell at the church and make a wish.

BLED

Not far from the capital city of Ljubljana, approximately 54km, is the stunning Lake Bled, the most tranquil spot I have ever come across. It’s not just a lake, it’s a remarkably deep blue lake, with the medieval Bled Castle perched over a limestone cliff near the shore and the small Bled Island sitting ever so majestically in the middle of the glistening water, with pastel pink color of its Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary elegantly glowing against the backdrop of strikingly green forest-covered mountains.

We took the Pletna boat across to the island, which was a great experience. The young man that rowed us was very friendly and entertained us with stories about past generations and how the Pletna boat was handed down by his family.

The island itself is enchanting with picturesque views in all directions. We walked up the 99 stairs and headed towards the church. If couples marry at the church on Bled Island, it is tradition for the groom to carry the bride up the 99 steps leading to the island, in order to ensure a long and happy marriage. We were fortunate to meet a bridal party from Australia which was very exciting for us all being fellow Aussies.

As we entered the Church of the Virgil Mary’s Assumption we were mesmerised by its beauty and wealth. A fairytale and dream all in one. Of special interest is the “wishing bell” from 1534 in the upper roof beam above the church nave. It is said that if one can get the bell to ring three times on one pull it give honor to the Virgin Mary and they get their wish come true. We all had a go of ringing the wishing bell but unfortunately did not succeed with the three rings. However I can say we are blessed with a beautiful family and were given the chance to experience this rare beauty.

We finished our day with some great food and a glass of fine wine. If you have the opportunity to visit Slovenia this is an absolute must. I am privileged to say I was born in beautiful Ljubljana and hope to visit again soon.

THINGS TO SEE & DO:

• Pletna boat ride to Bled Island. Bled's answer to Venice’s gondolas.
• Make the trek up the 130 meter summit to Bled Summit to Bled castle and enjoy the breathtaking views over the lake and nearby Alps.
• Hire a rowboat and wonder around the island at your own leisure.
• Take a horse and carriage ride, perfect for a magical wedding.
• Visit Vintgar Gorge.
• Tobogganing on the Straza in summer and ski in winter.
• Cool down on a warm summer’s day with a swim in Lake Bled
• Ice skating in winter over Lake Bled.
• Eat famous “Kremsnita”, a cream cake that dares you to stop at one.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" - 2000

"Fashion Trends through the decades" - 2000

This decade is strong evidence that fashion is cyclical. A major trait of new millennium fashion has been recycled trends with futuristic twists. The dreaded eighties shoulder pad has been reworked as the “architectural” shoulder. Current boot-cut and flared jeans are toned-down versions of bell-bottoms. Both real vintage and vintage-inspired clothes have become popular. The boho hippie look has come back in fashion thanks to celebrities like the Olsen twins.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" - 1990's

"Fashion Trends through the decades" - 1990's

As technology made working from home more feasible and offices instituted “Casual Fridays,” fashion became more laidback and comfortable. In contrast to the excessive consumerism and gaudy color palette of the eighties, 1990s style veered toward a more minimalist aesthetic with lots of black and neutral colors. The fashion industry blossomed the most in the United States, where Calvin Klein used overtly sexual advertisements to shock a supposedly "unshockable" nation. Grunge was an alternative rock subculture that began in Seattle and spawned a style of unkempt dressing.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1980's

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1980's

Materialism defined this decade, as the western world experienced an economic boom. The power suit became a symbol of the eighties, especially after John Molloy argued in his book Women’s Dress for Success that women would need such a suit to climb the corporate ladder. People flaunted designer brands as symbols of wealth. Increased use of credit cards encouraged spending. The creation of MTV revolutionized the music industry by turning musicians into television stars who had the power to influence through fashion and visuals in addition to music.

PHUKET - Thailand

“The Pearl of Thailand”

Phuket is an amazing place and so much to do and see or to simply unwind and relax. No trip to Phuket is complete without a visit to the famous Bang-la Road. It is closed from 6pm each evening to traffic and becomes a walk through street. Bars, Clubs, Girls and the Lady Boys everywhere.

Also recommend the night markets in Patong or the weekend markets in Phuket Town.

Juncelyon is a huge shopping centre in Patong, air conditioned and a great escape from the heat. Or to relax many choices of massages and pampering yourself.

No shortage of restaurants and eating out every night is so affordable. Seafood, Thai, European and just about anything you can think of. Though also definitely try the street stalls, great food and very cheap.

Phuket offers something for everyone!

“Phang Nga Bay”

When planning our time in Phuket, I read about exploring Thailand’s karsts in Phang Nga Bay by kayak, which sounded like an adventure right up our alley.

Our day started by being picked up at our hotel in a minivan, followed by a speed boat ride to Phang Nga Bay.

When we arrived in Phang Nga Bay we were given safety instructions, including directions to lie down completely flat in the kayak when in low caves, and then we set out with our paddle guide who paddled us through the blue water of the bay to the looming karst and then we entered our first cave.  We marvelled at the dark stretches, stalactite formations, and colonies of bats.  Then we saw a wide sliver of light gleaming ahead of us.  We laid back to pass under the low hanging rock and then entered the sunny center of the karst, the hong which is a roofless chamber in the interior of a karst.  We silently glided into the hong, a beautiful little world separate from everything else.  The limestone sides climbed high into the air, covered in flora, and there was a lone mangrove tree growing in the center.  

Our day of kayaking in Phang Nga Bay was breathtaking.  We were blown away by the beauty and tranquility of the hongs. 

“Phi Phi Island”

No trip to southern Thailand is complete without a trip out to the beautiful Phi Phi Islands. Made famous as the location used for filming in the 2008 movie "The Beach", staring my daughter’s future husband Leonardo DiCaprio (haha). The island holds a certain charm, with crystal clear water, white sand and amazing sea life! 

The downside is that there were far too many people on the island at the time. There were quite a number of tour groups on the island at the one time and with the amount of people that were on the island, it felt like we were on a busy city beach, trying to find a quiet spot on the sand. 

“ATV”

This 2 hour tour is on Phuket Island, it was my first time on an ATV (and I was terrified.

We were fitted with helmets, gloves & groovy crocs for our shoes and then an introduction to ATV tours. This covered safety, how to ride the bikes etc;

This tour ended up being such fun, after about 15 minutes (and crashing twice), I started thinking, this is OK and I can do this. For 2 hours we burned up gravel trails, mud and water trails, (loved that section) jungle trails, up hills, down hills and beach trails. Then it’s back to the start for icy cold drinks with a little first aid. 

“Flying Hanuman”

If you're adventures and don't mind heights, do not miss this.

Flying Hanuman is an adventure like no other on Phuket. It shows that the island’s beauty goes far beyond the sea, sun and sand that it is famous for. The hillsides of Phuket overflow with thick forest that is great for exploration and outdoor activities.

The organisation is fantastic and the level of safety is brilliant. You were in a harness at all times and are attached to a fixed line at all times.

We had a wonderful experience! I was from screaming, scared to laughing. In the end, felt not enough! 

“Siam Safari”

Really enjoyed our half day with Siam Safari in natural surroundings whilst admiring the spectacular views over Chalong Bay. The elephants were amazing and so well looked after. The baby elephants really cute with their tricks - football, harmonica playing and painting. The staff and tour guides very helpful and entertaining.

Without a doubt the best elephant trek in Phuket. Would recommend to anyone!

“Wat Chalong”

Scenic, serene and beautiful!

Loved it here, the attention to detail is incredible. You can go into numerous different buildings, all different. There are even some very good waxwork monks. Very spiritual place. There is a chimney outside where firecrackers are let off - exceptionally loud! The gardens are beautifully manicured. There are various stalls in the car park selling food/drinks/souvenirs. Well worth a visit.

Wildflower Wonders

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1970's

"Fashion Trends through the decades"

1970s fashion, which began with a continuation of the miniskirts, bell-bottoms and the hippie look from the late 1960s, was soon sharply characterized by several distinct fashion trends that have left an indelible image of the decade commemorated in popular culture. Early 1970s fashion was a fun era. Some of the best clothing produced in the 1970s perfectly blended the mods with the hippies. By the late 1970s the pant suit, leisure suit and track suit was what the average person was sporting. Every woman had a cowl neck sweater in her closet. Tunics, culottes and robes were also very popular. There is one common theme throughout fashion in the 1970s: pants were tight fitting. And it is probably the first full decade in which women could be seen wearing pants in every walk of life.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1960's

"Fashion Trends through the decades"

1960s fashion was bi-polar in just about every way. The early sixties were more reminiscent of the 1950s — conservative and restrained; certainly more classic in style and design. The late 1960s were the exact opposite. Bright, swirling colors psychedelic, tie-dye shirts and long hair and beards were commonplace. Woman wore unbelievably short skirts and men wore tunics and capes. It’s almost like the 1950s bottled everyone up so much that the late 1960s exploded like an old pressure cooker. Women were showing more skin than ever before. For the first time in the 19th Century, London, not Paris, was the center of the fashion world. The British Invasion didn’t stop with The Beatles. It swept into all parts of life, especially clothing.

Festivals during the 60s, 70s' & today:

Festivals during the 60s, 70s' & today:
Festivals today



Festivals during the 60s & 70s...: Festivals today Festivals during the 60s & 70s

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1950's

"Fashion Trends through the decades"

Once World War II ended, newcomer Christian Dior rebelled against the austerity of the time and produced an extravagant design of a fitted jacket with a cinched waist and a full calf-length skirt using ten to eighty yards of fabric. This style, dubbed the "New Look," would prove to be a turning point in the postwar. Dior's designs became extremely popular, as women were longing to dress femininely and frivolously again.
Chanel countered the voluminous look with boxy suits and slim skirts in tweed. A consumer market was born, and for the first time, teenagers became a force in the fashion market as a result of influences such as music and film.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1930's & 1940's

"Fashion Trends through the decades"

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 kicked off the Great Depression, from which the general public escaped through Hollywood. The movies became the new glamorous medium for fashion.
As another war seemed imminent, clothing became more functional.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1920's

"Fashion Trends through the decades"

By the time World War I ended, women were used to their freedom and independence, and their clothing maintained its wartime masculinity with loose, shapeless fits and flattened busts. Corsets became a thing of the past. Designer Gabrielle"Coco" Chanel rose to prominence during this decade.

The consummate image of the 1920s, the flapper, did not fully emerge until 1926. This style epitomized modernity and reckless rebellion. Flappers wore daringly short hair and short shift dresses that exposed their limbs, and they applied makeup, smoked with long cigarette holders, and drank in public. Since the straight shift dresses were simple to make at home, flapper style was more attainable for the masses.

"Fashion Trends through the decades" 1900s & 1910s

"Fashion Trends through the decades"

The early 1900s marked the rise of the haute couture movement in Paris. Women of the upper classes coveted the Parisian designs, which set the tone for the rest of the Western fashion world. These designs debuted at horse races, and Vogue took on the role of informing the public about what was going on, who was going where, and what was being worn. Corsets and full skirts enhanced unnatural curves, and hats grew out of control.

Festivals today

Festivals during the 60s & 70s