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  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 13

    Heading to Croatia

    June 8, 2018 in Croatia ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    Today we say farewell to Ben as he is heading home. I drop Ben and Suzie at the bus station while I return the car. The walk back is a lazy 30 minutes to Suzie. Ben has already left when I return.

    There are not many people waiting for the bus to Zagreb so we reckon we will get a seat to ourselves on the upper deck of the bus. How wrong we were, the bus had come from Germany and most were staying on the bus, the bus was full. We headed towards Croatia and much to our joy we had to go through immigration. A stamp leaving Slovenia and 1 to enter Croatia, yay I was like a kid in the chocolate factory.

    Kreso, our air bnb host, had given us instructions on how to get to his place from the bus stop. Catch the no. 6 tram . heading toward the mountains and disembark at town square, then ring him. Catching the tram was easy, great directions, we even got off at the right stop. But ringing was a different thing, I tried several options all said the phone number did not exist. Using good old google maps we worked out how to get to the air bnb -3 minutes walk and we reach Kreso. Wow is all I can say, what a lovely host, a great space and such an awesome location.

    Kreso quickly realised he missed a number when he told me his phone number, lol, no biggie we made it. He is just lovely - we enjoyed a home made liquor shot which his dad produces.Oh it’s a bit strong, cannot describe the taste. Kreso then shows us where to eat, drink etc. We head to a little delicatessen for a Croatian red and some cold meats, cheese and olives. What lovely afternoon with Kreso, so much so we are now coming back for 2 nights at the end of our trip.

    Kreso is a graffiti artist, the air bnb is decked out with a lot of his art, I’m really looking forward to doing his tour when we return. Kreso and Suzie are kindred souls, talking music, actually we are booked into a concert (rap I think) when we return. He finally has to say good bye and leave us to explore the city before retiring for the night.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 12

    Tolmin

    June 7, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ 🌫 18 °C

    Another trip in the car. This time to Tolmin Gorge in the North West. Once again we start on the highway but soon move to the smaller roads. The road is narrow with many twists and turns. My driving has certainly improved since yesterday. It takes about 2 hours to get to the town of Tolmin. Time for a break for lunch, a lovely fresh trout and salad - yay something healthy at last.

    We head onto Tolmin Gorge. The roads just keep getting smaller, until we are down to one lane. Then there are roadworks, where half the road is cut out, I need to navigate this, if only the guys who were directing me had any idea about my lack of driving skills :)

    We finally make it to the gorge, but when you see Ben or Suzie ask about the naked guy operating the bob cat.

    As it is in the National Park the entry fee Is €5. It has started to rain but only a light so we should be good. Onward we go, following the map to see all the highlights. We follow the trail, the colour of the river is an emerald blue. The rain adds a mystic foggy atmosphere to the scenery. The walk all up takes about an hour. There are stairs, it nothing too strenuous and in the harder spots there is a hand rail. There are not many people around at all. Well worth a visit.

     It wanting to follow the same road home we head east towards Skofja Loka. It sure if this was a good idea, it’s very very windy, mountainous not enough for 2 cars, luckily there is not much traffic but certainly had to be very focused.

    Finally back to town to find a park for the car and time to have a couple of calming vodkas.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 11

    Postojna Caves

    June 6, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Car hire pick-up day. Here we go, been awhile since I have driven a manual car on the right hand side of road. We picked the car from Avant, very quick and efficient. They are close to the outer ring road which makes it easy to get out of town and head south west to Postojna.

    The Postojna Caves are very touristy but well worth the visit. The caves have been open to the public for 200 years this year - incredible. There are over 24k’s of passages within the cave system, visitors get to see approx 5k’s.

    Entering the caves is on a schedule, we were lucky we did not have to wait to get onto the train. (I’m sure in high season this could be a problem, so it may be advisable to book ahead online). It is quite expensive, we paid €37 for the caves and Predjama Castle. The tour group is split up into language groups first, then you board a small open air train to travel 4k’s into the cave. This trip is quite spectacular and quite chilly. The temperature is approx 10C. On completion of the train ride you disembark for a guided tour of the cave system. It is spectacular, I have never been is such a huge huge cave system previously. The walking tour is approx 1 hour, all up it takes 1.5hours. The group is quite large so it can be hard to hear the guide at times. There is no flash photography or touching allowed. Unfortunately photos do not show the enormity of the actual caves.

    We headed to the Predjama Castle 9k down the road next. This castle is build on the side of a cliff, using both the inside cave and outside. An audio guide is provided for use as you make your way through the structure. It was quite busy, not the most impressive castle I’ve seen, but still worth a short detour.

    We head back to town only to find a park is not that easy. Our streets are closed with bollards, every spot we find is full. Eventually we ring Viktor, our host, who meets us and helps to find a legal park about 5 mins away from the house.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 10

    Ljubljana

    June 5, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    A quick 60 minute bus ride from Bled to Ljubljana, for a measly €6, we arrived. A taxi fare to our next Air bnb lands us right on the river next to the old town centre. Viktor our host is not around so we quickly settle into the restaurant next door. Viktor arrives around midday, so we drop our bags and let him continue with his day. ( Poor Viktor, the bnb was his ex wife’s idea, and his thoughts on refugees well let’s say he would be happy to kick them out alongside all the current political parties).

    We enjoy a late lunch at Pri Skofja, €9 for 3 courses - best deal we have had. It starts to rain and then even hail, so we shelter in the bnb and all have a snooze.

    Time to venture out, we wander around the old town, finally finding a bar with a few locals. Beers are cheap, the red wine is drinkable, so we settle in. We met a few of the locals, firstly Cyrus the mad Irishman from Belfast who enjoys cracking his long whip. Then Anton the Russian who runs a hotel. Well that’s where we end up drinking for free. I head home, while Ben gets a free room for the night and Suzie goes on to enjoy some of the local bars. Another down, another local spot, gotta love it.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 9

    Bled

    June 4, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Suzie cooks some great eggs for breakfast, we can even make toast today which is scrumptious. Today’s plan is to hire bikes and head around the lake. Bike are €6 for 6 hours, so of we head. Stopping around the lake to take pictures. About half way round we find the start to Mala Osojnica , a view point located 645 metres above Lake Bled.

    The sign says 20mins so off we head. It is a gradual climb upwards, sometimes quite steep, but every onwards and up. Whoever said this was 20 minutes playing a nasty joke. You’ll have to work hard for this view: it’s a tough 45 to 60 minute hike from the lake shore but it is 100% worth the work. There is a very step set of stairs (ladder) with 100 steps. This is not the top, it is another 5 minutes from here. The view is certainly worth it, but I do believe the signs should be more accurate.

    Most of the path is in shade, but where exposed it was very hot. Coming down is no mean feat either. Ben struggled a bit with the heights, but overcame the fear to come back down those stairs.

    Back on the bikes, time for a cold drink and some food. We stop at a small beach area. Everyone is swimming, beach chairs are out for hire, just like I imagined beach life in Europe. Suzie and I share a pizza, fresh garlic, chilli, pepperoni and cheese -delicious and certainly enough for 2. It was only cut in half which I found odd. Ben enjoyed gnocchi with truffles, a local favourite.

    A thunderstorm looked like it was coming in so jumped back on those bikes to finish our circumnavigation of the lake. They say it takes 90minutes to walk around, again I think this is a little short in timing.

    Suzie and Ben head home while I head back to the lake. I take a penta across the lake to visit Bled Island. The fare is €14 for the return trip and 40minutes to explore the island. The penta is rowed by a lone rowman using 2 paddles standing up,- quite a slow smooth quiet trip.
    You can hire your own rowboat for €10, which would be lots of fun and far cheaper for a small group. You can explore the church for €6, instead I choose to have the largest ice cream ever for €4.

    Jump back on board to head to land. I quickly head back to the bus station, if I miss the bus I have another hour to wait. Luckily I’m there with a minute to spare. This bus is not direct, instead of the normal 5 mins it take 18. The bus heads into a different village first, then backtracks to finally take me home.

    We head to the local bar for a few drinks. As you can imagine we are the source of amusement . Ben, using his basic German skills, becomes translator between a local and Suzie. Very amusing, he is a widow, finds Suzie very attractive. We all have a fun night, lots of laughs and too many drinks.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 8

    Slovenia Here We Come

    June 3, 2018 in Slovenia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Another day another train trip. Today we are heading to Slovenia, in fact a small village outside of Bled. We always have some sort of drama when we travel so it will be interesting to see what today brings. The trip starts at Salzburg Central Station to Villach, where we swap lines to Lecse Bled.

    The scenery along the way is spectacular, travelling along side the Alps, stopping at many small villages along the way.

    Once me made it to Lesce Bled train station our Air bnb host picked us up. Matzik, Matthew in English, drove us to Bled, stopping at the local supermarket so we could get some staples. It’s tough shopping, we had just got used to German words for items, now it’s Slovenian. Even choosing butter, full cream milk etc is a challenge. Matzik tells us it is cutting the grass season, they only cut the grass 3times a year, now, in a month and then another month. This is made into hay bales for the animals over winter. Wish we only cut the grass 3times.

    We also find out today is an Election Day so not much is open. We reach our accomodation, an old family home. I imagine this was Mum and dads home, they died, everything has been left in place and now rented as air bnb. The cupboards and drawers are full to the brim. Some have batteries, candles, lots of crockery and china. I’m surprised it is all still here. The 4 bed rooms are large as well as 3 bathrooms, even a bath.

    We are in the village of Spondje Gorge, there are no eating places here but there is a local bar. The bus is across the road, Bled in 5mins down the road.

    After unpacking we head to Bled for our first glimpse of the lake. It is beautiful, the castle over looks the lake, right in the middle is an island with a church perched on top.

    We find a restaurant it enjoy a cold beverage and a Mexican inspired platter. A small pub crawl back to the bus stop to head home. We were heading to the local but it closes at 8pm on Sundays.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 7

    Sound of Music

    June 2, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    The original Sound of Music Tour, I don’t do many tours but this seems a mandatory in Salzburg. The tour takes you to several locations around Salzburg where the film was shot. We travel through the city of Salzburg to the lake where the Von Trapp children capsized learning that Gretal nearly drowned during the taking of this scene. The film is based on the broad way show which was based on the book by Maria Von Trapp but several facts were changed along they way. For instance Maria was originally employed to look after only 1 child, between Maria and the Captain they had 10 children and escaped the Nazis by train not escaping over the mountain.

    We saw the rotunda where “16 going on 17” was filmed and the “Do Re Me” steps. Along the way the soundtrack is playing and a sing along is mandatory. We visit the town of Mondsee, here the church that was in the wedding scene is found. Except for the balcony where the nuns watched from it is exactly as it was in the film. It was a great opportunity for us to also see the lakes district outside of Salzburg.

    We finish the tour in the Mirabelle Gardens, many of the scenes were filmed from here. If is Salzburg I would recommend this tour.

    Once the tour was over we ventured into the old town. This was quite an eye opener, the buildings were amazing but all filled with very expensive shops, Louis Vuitton etc.

    Time for a couple of quiet beverages, a Prosecco was €4 approx $7 so pretty good I thought. At the hostel a large bottle of Prosecco €11, I’m not complaining.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 6

    Destination Salzburg

    June 1, 2018 in Austria ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Another train trip this time to Salzburg. As we are now accustomed with the operation of the U this should be pretty easy. We quickly arrive at the correct train station. Our problem this time is finding where to purchase tickets. After going to 2 different ticket offices we are told to purchase off the train. At the train they tell us to go to the tobacconist as it is €8 cheaper. That’s not very intuitive, we make it on board with about 5 mins to go. Little to close for my liking.

    The train is very comfortable, food is served on board but it is very full and we find ourselves scattered through the train. Not a bad thing to have some space sometimes.

     A 2.5 hr trip when we find ourselves in beautiful Salzburg. It is not far to our hostel for 2 nights. Salzburg is clearly more expensive than Vienna. A 4 bed private room with ensuite costs €34 /person.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 5

    Vienna International Boylesque Festival

    May 31, 2018 in Austria ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Who could have imagined only 8 weeks ok Trigger Happy got the call up to perform at this amazing festival. This is the 5th year of this event. The MC Ms Sherry Vine was amazing. I will never be able to listen to “Hallelujah” the same way again, let’s just say there was a lot of reference to blow jobs in the new song. It was a pleasure to met her and I hope we catch up again in Brisbane in August.

    Trigger Happy was 4th to perform. Ms Sherry asked the audience to give a little more love as this was Triggers first performance on European soil. The minute he walked on stage he had everyone involved. The clapped, they cheered, he gave it his all. I can honestly say he won them over and I truely believe this will not be the last time he performs on this stage, let alone Europe. Once complete Ms Sherry gave a call out to me, I gave her a wave and our friendship started. At interval many people commented on Triggers performance, they loved it. Well done Trigger, I know how much sweat and tears have gone into making this performance. You have shown everyone, believe in yourself , work hard and dreams can come true. I look forward to seeing you on the next international stage. Stay true to your self.

    The 2 shows had over 30 performers from all over the world. I was lucky enough to met a few of them in person. Alexander the Great from the US, who unlike his name is of small stature but has a dynamic powerful performance. Twinky Boots also from the US who did a wonderful rendition of Singin in the Rain. This festival celebrates diversity and welcomes performers from all walks of life. There are no labels here.    Read more

  • TravelerVienna, Boylesque and beyond
    Day 4

    Bratilava

    May 30, 2018 in Slovakia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Let’s go to Bratislava Suzie says. Ok sounds good, off we head, not knowing anything about it or what to expect. I know it’s in Slovakia, a different country, so passports are gathered and of we go.

    Just getting to the train station was an experience, no bikes were available so we decide to walk. Time was getting short, so jump onto the U then a change to another. Little stressed, I was getting worried we would miss the train, they run every hour. We finally arrive at the central station. Up 2 levels to get to the international train station with 9 mins to go - Still stressed I grab the tickets. We Make it to the train with a few minutes to spare.

    The trip to Bratislava is 1 hour, we travel through the Austrian countryside heading east towards Slovakia. The landscape is predominately farming and wind farms.

    On arrival at the train station I expected to go through immigration but no, nothing. No stamps today -first time I have cross a country border and not due immigration.

    Bratislava is know for the old town area, we pass the Presidential Palace on the way to the old area. This was originally the summer palace, which was built in the 18th century. Today it is the home of the president.

    The Old Town Hall was built in the 15th. century, We certainly were going back in time. The buildings are not in top condition but this adds to the charm. This is certainly a very touristy spot, the place is filled with restaurants and souvenir shops but still quiet charming.

    Wandering up and down small alley ways we make our way through the old city. We have lunch at an authentic Slovakian restaurant. I have cabbage soup which is delicious 2nd course of gnocchi with bacon. Hmm what can I say, the gnocchi is white and the bacon is the bacon fat that has been fried. Not for me, not very nice at all. The 3rd course was apple strudel, it was delicious. Not the best meal I have had But at least we all tried local food.

    Continue on through the narrow laneways and lots of stairs until we come to the castle. We are certainly getting our exercise today. The Bratislava Castle was the coronation seat of the Hungarian empire in the 16th. century. It’s in very good condition and well worth a visit. The view from here overlooks the Danube, the city centre and wind warms for as far as the eye can see. There’s a spot crossing back to the old city where you view the old stone walled city and the new fancy bridges over the Danube. Quite a good comparison of old vs new.

    Time to return to Vienna as the first Boylesque festival is tonight. A full brief of this event will be done after tomorrow nights show.    Read more

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