The drive from Zagreb to Ljubljana yesterday was the most scenic to date. We were treated to an array of different coloured fields creating a patchwork blanket of soft greens, browns and yellows. Now and again out of the blue would appear beautiful authentic farmhouses, old historical castles and Roman Catholic Churches with high steeples and clock towers. Although Slovenia was also part of the former Yugoslavia, it managed to untangle itself from the mess of war and hence suffered little violence and destruction compared to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Even though the tour was short and sweet we managed to create some nice friendships, particularly with Melanie and Mary. They were great company to travel with and we shared many wonderful travel stories and giggles. It's a real pity we had to say goodbye to them so early in our travels, but I hope that our paths will cross again in the future. Of course there is always Facebook and Hotmail if this doesn't happen! Technology is a splendid thing...sometimes!

I wish I had learnt a little more about our travel options to Lake Bled this morning that way I would have been better prepared. I made the executive decision of forgoing the train option and taking the local bus instead which after a hiccup or two worked out quite well. Thankfully I made Lucy get up at the crack of dawn and we got to the station with ample time to learn how to use the blasted self service ticket machine to purchase our pass for the day. We had earlier asked for some assistance from a 'could not care less you're a tourist' sort of a clerk but she just waved her arms around, shouted something in the local language and pointed towards the exit. We knew we were on our own after that so I guess it was a case of learn to read the local language in a matter of seconds or close your eyes, press a button and pray that it's the one you wanted. We were both happy when the machine eventually spat out a number of tickets; even happier when the bus we got on safely deposited us at the Lake Bled Bus Station an hour later!

Seeing the Lake was well worth the frustration experienced this morning! It was absolutely gorgeous and in such a serene setting, surrounded by glorious mountains and forests. On the north shore and looking down upon the lake from amidst the Julian Alps was the Bled Castle. We or should I say I had come prepared to climb the 15 minute steep incline to the top but soon discovered that it had been closed for maintenance. Although Lucy will try and deny it if asked, I saw the smile on her face at the news! The 17th Century white and red castle is said to be enclosed by Romanesque walls with parapets, ramparts and towers. The upper courtyard includes a 16th Century chapel decorated with frescoes from the 1700 and a painting of Henry II conferring Bled to Bishop Albuin. While there is a museum full of the Castles history and the usual array of pageantry and weaponry, the fun thing to do if visiting is to learn how to perform Sabrage - the art of cutting the top of a bottle off with a blade! Seriously, could you imagine me doing this? I dare say that the views of the lake and island below would have been spectacular from the terrace, but unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. Sure we could have taken a taxi to the castle but in the end we decided to just walk around the emerald coloured lake and enjoy its beauty.

We admired the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary which dates back to the 15th Century from the edge of the Lake while feeding pretzels to the ducks and fish...don't worry we made sure no-one was looking before feeding them!! We had considered taking one of the Plenta boats across the lake to the island but after we were told that we had to wait for other tourists to board we reconsidered. Coming so early in the morning obviously has its advantages but as we discovered this turned out to be a disadvantage to us in that there were no other tourists around wanting to share a ride. I guess it doesn't pay the rowers to take only 2 passengers when they can take up to 10 for €13 each! Regardless I still managed to take photos of the island from every angle imaginable so not all was lost! According to local tradition a husband who can carry his newly married bride the 99 steps up from the dock into the Church will be ensured a happy marriage, and by ringing the bell in the Church will fulfil one of their wishes.

After leisurely walking around the lake for more than 2 hours we treated ourselves to a light lunch at the Villa Preseren Cafe. Here we tasted Kremna Rezina, a slice made of vanilla custard, cream and pastry which is just as famous, if not more famous than the lake itself. It wasn't the best tasting cake I have ever had, but it was one of the local specialities which apparently is a 'must try' when visiting Lake Bled. The calories we had earlier burnt walking around the lake were soon replenished by just a mouthful of this pastry!

As we headed towards the city aboard the local bus, I was somewhat thankful that we didn't run into any of the other tour members who had extended their stay in Ljubljana. With the exception of this morning the day had been so relaxed and effortless, something I am sure it wouldn't have been if someone else had joined us. God, how did I become so selfish in such a short amount of time? Isn't it funny how some things just turn out? If it hadn't been for all the unrest in Libya and Syria I would never have included Slovenia and Croatia in our itinerary, yet tomorrow I leave with so many memories of the short time spent here.