Day 36 – Saturday 13 June

We had a restful night and after breakfasting pulled our 20kg bags along the street to the railway station, and then realised that Vern had somehow miss-read the map and we had walked an extra 1.5km than need be…. The car rental place was in fact only 350m from our hotel.

Once again, I shrugged it off and Vern was annoyed with himself. I figured it would help counteract the anticipated cream cake at Lake Bled. As it transpired we did close to 7km today, plus a gentle swim so alls well that ends well.

The weather was already a warm 26 degrees and by the time we got to the car rental we were both glowing. Our compact car was a nice up spec model Renault 1.8 sport, and with ease we exited the city towards Lake Bled. As soon as we got out of the small city we saw the pleasant countryside reviews rave over.

Lots of woodland areas and rivers with high mountains marking the horizon. There is signage at off ramps with photos of points of interest of the towns – for example a castle, chateaux, church etc. The speed limit on the nice motorways is 130 km ph, and Vern is zooming along like a teenager.

Despite reviews about how difficult parking is at Lake Bled, we found a paid parking for 17euro right on the central lake front. The cheerful attendant’s cousin lives in the South island, and works as an environmental analyst engineer – the connections you make when taking the time to talk to people.

The lake – wow – yes is it very beautiful, especially today reflecting the sunny blue sky. The water is clear and you can see the lake weed and fish of various sizes from sprat to one about 350mm long. Being very spoilt with the South Island glacial lakes, I would not say it is the most beautiful we have seen, but certainly up there and comparable to say Annecy in France or some of the Swiss and German lakes. The castle on the rocky outcrop – hill adds to the charm.

We were both so pleased to have made the detour given the weather forecast. Having said that it could well be wrong, however we are glad we did it regardless. Even if it is raining we aim to swim there on Monday/Tuesday as the temperature is not too bad and we cannot resist a swim. Today, there was no time for swimming if we did not want to get into Izola too late. We wandered for a while along the lakeside before having a lunch break at the Restaurant that created the famous cream cake.

The cake was another highlight. Crispy thin pastry, light custard and cream. Perfection. It is like a cross between a custard square and mille-feuille. Not too sweet, fatty, or egg rich. We also had their signature chicken club which was very interesting. It included bacon, egg, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, and a curry mayo pickle with cabbage.

We took our time over lunch to really enjoy the experience and the view. We savoured each element and the elegant lakeside view. For the risk of repeating myself, again we are in our happy, grateful and content place. This is our travel, our dreams, our life.

Reluctantly we returned to the car and a speedy and easy 154km in 1.5hrs later we arrived at beautiful Izola on the Adriatic sea. Another happy delight at this little splurge spot. The sea is on our door stop, and outside our balcony. A picture perfect marina fringes the historic small town with the clear ocean stretching to the horizon and Italy beyond to the west.

The pressing thought on our minds was to get into that water. A very pleasant check-in, a quick coffee in our room, then downstairs as the sun got lower shining a silver trail to the colouring horizon. Nirvana twice in a day.

Then there was our evening meal in the 6 x annual in a row Michelin rated hotel restaurant. This is the first such rated restaurant that has lived up to the rating that we have tried. Specialising in seafood, I enjoyed a mainly ‘raw’ entree selection, and a polenta, cod, truffle and crab cream main. Complimented by local ‘orange wine’.

Orange wine is grape based, but they leave the white grape skins on whilst the wine ferments (maceration process) resulting in a 4th colour of wine – golden orange. The portions were for 100ml glass, however, the waiter on me tasting it and not being sure, insisted on another variety for me to try and then refilled my first glass way past the 100ml line and left the 60ml taster of the other. I think I actually got 200 ml all up….. My verdict was it was more like a red in flavour. It certainly complimented the rich main course and I felt quite happy with it by the end.

The main course was standout. The entree was delicate and super fresh. The raw scampi were so creamy and complimented by a smooth olive oil and citrus flavour. Crab creme, fresh wasabi, lightly marinated fresh tuna in soy, and a ceviche of local sea bass. The polenta dish was like a soufflé. Creamy and whipped light polenta topped with cod and a hint of sheep cheese. A salty sweet crab sauce with grated fresh truffle. Oh my word, the saying “it was a party on my tastebuds’ is a very apt description. Just YUM!

Vern had a very nice steak and vegetable meal and local Lasko beer. It was just as well we only had to go upstairs to bed.

In-between the delicious mouthfuls we saw the sun set. What a simply perfect day.