I met Vincent in Albania in 2013, we hit it off great. He said if you see something cool in Greece to let him know. We split up, I went to Meteora, Greece. There are six amazing monasteries perched on top of spectacular rock formations, which I thought he would like. I contacted Vincent, and we met up there. We biked off together and stayed at someones house. It was too crowded and I got a cheap hotel. We exchanged contact information and went our separate ways.
I have visited Vincent several times in France. I posted a blog story about my first visit. I’ve been back several times since.
Vincent suggested he wanted to do a bike tour in Slovenia. I tried to get him to come in July 2025. He said he couldn’t come till October 2025. I was headed to the USA, so I had to make adjustments to my travel plans. The weather can be unpredictable at that time of the year. At the time, I highly recommended he get some rain pants, and he agreed. After we finalized the plans, I told Vincent how much it meant to me that he would take his valuable family time to visit, he replied, “It means a lot to me too” I just wish it turned out to be.
As the departure date approached, the weather deteriorated. I suggested we not camp and instead, stay in hostels, glamping, and hotels. I made all the last minute reservations. Had he come in July, we could have camped and saved a lot of money, but it is what it is. 3 days before the trip I took the bike in for a quick tune-up. They discovered the frame was broken. I was in panic mode, so I paid 200 euros + 50 euros tip for doing the job in less than 24 hours.
I provided everything: routes, bicycle, panniers, helmet, gloves, even toothpaste and sunscreen.
Our first stay was at Mozirje Forest Camp. I’ve known the owner, for over 10 years. It’s their last day of operation for the season. We got a 70% discount on our glamping cabin. I went to bed and Vincent stayed up., later said he had a great time hanging out.
It rained all night, and Vincent didn’t buy any rain pants. We spent the morning trying to figure out how to proceed. We fashioned a giant plastic garbage bag into a rain suit. Thankfully, it only rained on the one day.
I asked him multiple times to bring some rain pants, this was the solution.
It was still raining as we finally got going. My bike chain broke, but luckily I had an emergency repair chain link. We stopped in Luce and had the local specialty of Dumplings at Gostilna Pr’Lampi. It was cold, but we were staying at another friend’s place in Logarska Valley, Dom Planincev Logarska dolina. It snowed overnight and the mountains along the roads were beautiful.
LAGARSKA VALLEY
We hiked up to the waterfalls, unfortunately the coffee shop at the top was closed. One advantage to off season travel is that there are no other tourists around & sometimes places are closed ;( .
We’re going to another friend’s place along the Croatian border, Hotel Kovac. We have to hop the train for parts. There’s snow along the road here too. We had a super dinner & dessert, accommodations, and a buffet breakfast, all for 50 euros! Sometimes it’s who you know that helps make travel more affordable.
We’re heading to Gostišče Mašun, for lunch. This place is a famous place for wild game: deer, boar, and bear. They also have the best vegetarian plate in Slovenia, which is what I order every time I visit. We’re heading to Farm stay Peternelj, it was the only place I could find between where we were and where we’re going. It was SUPER NICE, a great buffet breakfast, considering we were the only guests.
I BROUGHT THESE BEERS FROM CANADA
The ride from the Farm stay was amazing, no traffic and paved most of the way. Vincent insisted on stopping. Found an amazing STONE(R) BENCH AND STONE(R) STOOLS!
We’re heading to the coast today for a one-night stay in Piran. We went to my favorite restaurant, Fritolin Pri Cantini. They have an awesome mix seafood plate for 2, which we shared. I knew the owners, and they gave us 1/3 off the regular price. After living in Slovenia for 12 years, I know a lot of people & places that make travel fun, easy, and very affordable!
We had to catch the train in Koper to Bled. And when in Koper the Restaurants NORA SUSHI AND AVOKADO are must visits. Nori Sushi has both sushi and vegan options. Avokado is 100% vegan, with the best desserts EVER.
Vincent went swimming in the ocean, thanks to climate change, the water is warm.
The next day, we take the train to Bled. In the summer time Bled tourism is off the charts, off-season? Not so much. We’re planning on going to Lake Bohinj the next day. Taking the route through Triglav National Park. Thanks to the electric bikes, it’s easily doable.
We stayed at Hostel Pod Voglom & Pac Sports. I’ve visited here, but I’ve never stayed the night. They have nice, affordable rooms with bathroom. I usually stay at the campground at Lake Bohinj, but this is a great winter option.
I’d been traveling for 2 months and was just done. I wanted to take the train back to Ljubljana. Vincent really wanted to ride. I told him, “I’ll take one for the team.” I really didn’t want to, but. Again, thank god for the e-bikes, we have to climb to where the ski resort is, and it’s up, up, up.
Slovenian infrastructure is in awesome condition, or is being worked on and upgraded.
This is where the DISS-ASTER unfolds. I offered my e-bike and support equipment at no cost to Vincent. The pedal broke on his bike, and it needed new pedals. I paid for them and said nothing. If someone was loaning me a bike that rents for 450 euros for the 10 days, I would have paid for the pedals to show my appreciation. We also needed 3 breakfasts on our own. I brought the breakfast and coffee supplies. I just needed some fruit and bought some along the way. Vincent never offered once to pay for it. It’s not the money, it’s the thought. Bringing breakfast saved us money, yet he never chipped in. I showed Vincent the back roads of Slovenia, found us affordable accommodation, and took him to super restaurants. I asked him several times if he was having fun? He barely acknowledged the efforts I put in to make this trip happen.
So, now we’re going out on our last night in Ljubljana for a beer and dinner. First, we stop at a new pub for a beer. Vincent orders and grabs a seat. I ordered and asked the bartender if he paid for my beer? That was a no.
I totally lost it, I just toured Vincent around Slovenia for 10 days, provided basically everything, he never contributed once for anything. Never did he offer to buy a meal, pay for accommodation or even buy a beer, for that matter. I tried to explain to him about travel etiquette, which he obviously doesn’t understand. I told him that either he pays for dinner tonight or I’m going back home. I just spent 2 months traveling and staying with friends. I took everyone out to dinner and worked in their yards to show my appreciation. They didn’t do anything but offer me a bed. When I visited Vincent in France, I paid for lunch for his whole family. They ordered beef, and I said nothing. If you’re climate aware, beef is off all menus. I didn’t say a word.
The next morning, Vincent was standoffish. I was making pancakes and Vincent didn’t want any. I knew he was pissed, but so was I. But I wasn’t so much pissed as I was disappointed. I’ve taken friends on both bike and car tours around Slovenia. They all buy a few meals, maybe some accommodations and drinks out, once an awhile. So when Vincent just took and didn’t give, it was hard to believe.
It’s been 6 weeks since Vincent left. I was going to just forget about it and move on. Then I get an email from him.
THIS IS THE EMAIL VINCENT SENT ME:
| Vincent | Nov 28, 2025, 11:33 PM (13 days ago) | ||
to me | |||
Dear jeff,
It ‘s been several weeks since our path separated at that bus station in ljubjana.
I wanted to thank you for those very nice moments you allow me to live in slovenia.
I’m sorry if i didn’t answer your expectations, especially as money and recognition are concerned.
With the life I have and what taking that time at that precise moment meant for me, it’s been really important for me to keep memories of those days simply touring those beautiful places, more than the end of it. And will always remember.
So thank you.
Wish you the best and hope you find people on your level
Vincent
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I got an email from a friend asking how the trip went? I was in the middle of responding to Vincent. Attempting to repair an obviously broken relationship.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MY RESPONSE TO VINCENTS EMAIL
Dear Vincent:
At first, I wasn’t going to respond because it’s obvious you can’t or won’t consider my feelings. I appreciated that you took time from your precious family and used your valuable vacation time to visit me. It meant a lot to me. I have a socialist view of the world & my part in it. When we all contribute to a goal, we can all benefit. I put everything on the table to make the trip happen. Asking you to buy dinner on the last night isn’t asking that much, considering. If you had done the same for me, I would think that for 20 euros, that was super value. I just spent 2 months in America as a guest. I took all my hosts out to dinner & worked in their yards. I literally saved hundreds of euros. That’s just how I show my appreciation, by giving back. I guess I’m wrong to expect you to act as I do. Everyone I stayed with has contacted me and told me I’m welcome back anytime. I benefit greatly from my travel etiquette. Did you see how we were treated nearly everywhere we went? That didn’t happen by accident. If it were me and you were doing everything I did for a trip? I would have bought you multiple meals, beers, and paid for the pedals. But, you’re not me, I get it, I was just expecting more consideration from you.
I practiced my travel etiquette when I visited you in France. You all left me at the Farmers market lunch counter, so I paid for lunch, and I didn’t say a thing.
“Wish you the best and hope you find people on your level”
I’m not sure what you mean by level, but everyone except you contributed to the trips I’ve hosted. They’ve actually paid for rooms, food, and beers. My expectations were based on past experiences. I assume by this fucked up comment is that were no longer friends? If I don’t hear back from you, I’ll assume so. It’s our loss.
I haven’t had a beer or a toke since you left. I mostly did it because you were here. It’s not a lifestyle of mine. I will be doing a blog post of our trip. at Jeffsbiketour.com
Good Luck with whatever you decide.
Jeff
Hope the kids enjoyed the cookies I made for them.
I sent the friend both emails and let him decide how it went. The following was his response:
Dear Jeff:
I think he is just french.
You know that in Slovenia we have a national saying: Kaj se delaš francoza! Translation: Don’t be a french! Or Don’t make yourself a french! Or just: Don’t be an asshole.
I just finished writing this blog and got another email from Vincent.
| Vincent | Mon, Jan 5, 9:59 PM (19 hours ago) | ||
to me | |||
I’m sorry Jeff about how you feet about all this, and again, I thank you for everything you did for me.
But I’m sorry also I will never feel comfortable with somebody who repeated to at least 3 or 4 different people in the bus station “I just want to make sure he leaves”, as a farewell. It was a bit too much for me. I’m sure you can understand.
And if I take this time to write this down, it is because I’ve really appreciated meeting you in my life. You played an important and very particular role in my trip of 2013/2014.
So let’s say goodbye as travelers who’ve had great times together, and know they probably won’t meet again.
I wish you the best
—
THE NO RESPONSE, RESPONSE
I don’t plan to respond to directly to Vincent, he’s in his own world. No matter what I say, he doesn’t get it. I asked how his kids liked the cookies I baked for them, no response. That’s just who he is. I had my birthday on Jan 1, I’m 70 years old. Life is too short to deal with this nonsense.
At the end of this trip, I had been traveling for 2 1/2 months. I was so done entertaining or even talking to people and especially people who don’t appreciate it or contribute anything. I was somewhat joking when I said, “I want to make sure he gets on the bus”, but looking back? I really didn’t want him to miss his bus or flight. I went straight home and crawled into bed. I was totally beaten and beaten down.
I guess that’s life, some people you can hang with and some people you cannot.
Vincent is a little messed up! But, what fantastic photos, Jeff!!!!