Slovenia

After crossing through a huge tunnel in the Julian Alps, we were out of Austria and into Slovenia.  Robert, our friendly guide and Pletna captain in Lake Bled, met us at the bus and walked us down to the lake.  He even paid for Mrs. Talbot to use the public washroom there as she long ago surpassed her public washroom budget for the trip. 
Pletnas are beautiful hand made flat bottom boats that were designed to take pilgrims to Slovenia's only island in the middle of Lake Bled.  On the island there is a baroque chapel dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.  We got to go in and ring the wishing bell and explore the tiny island.  Some of the kids tried out the challenge that many Slovenian men must face when they first get married - carrying their brides up the 99 steps to the top of the island.
Robert took us to the Bled Castle as well, where we met a wine-making monk, and a Gutenberg printing press operator.  Many souvenirs were purchased.
This year we did not get moved to the five star Grand Hotel Toplice as we have the other two years we stayed here - but the three star Hotel Savica was fancy enough for our group - and it had a swimming pool!  The buffet dinner was huge!

The next day we ventured south towards Italy, stopping in the Karst region to go deep under ground in the Skocjan Caves.  The caves are enormous, and beautiful - another world.

Robert gets us started across the lake.  Jocelyn is SUPER excited.

The island in the distance

The other two pletnas disembark

Robert explains some of the history of the island

St. Magdalena beside the Church of the Assumption of Mary

Robert is an excellent tour guide

Mrs. Rempel taking copious notes

Robert explains how to use the wishing bell

Josh only needs to use one arm

The girls need three

An interesting mural depicting the circumcision of baby Jesus

Up the 99 stairs

Looking out from the castle high on the cliff

Kirk makes friends with locals

?

Robert and I on the castle wall

The town of Bled from the castle

My friend the monk

Rens admires the monks' selection of wines

Josh is shown how to use the Gutenburg printing press.  It's a lot harder than photocopying, but a lot easier than hand writing.

Caleb does the seal on his document perfectly

One hand!

The view from our hotel - castle on the left.

Inside the silent caves

A scary crowd blocks the exit to the cave

OK, not so scary now