I’ve lived in Skofja Loka for 2 years now, still speaking basically no Slovenian. The question I get frequently is “do you speak any Slovenian?” The language (if you can call it that), is difficult, to say the least, I think that’s why they keep asking me. It’s split about 50/50 the young people tell me, “don’t bother.” The older folks say I should learn some, easier said than done. 80-90% of the people I come in contact speak English with me and are fine with it. I need to speak when there is a group of people, they may speak English, but there not going to just for me, so maybe learn some huh? Most of the shows on TV are in English, not like in Italy where maybe 1 or 2 channels are in English.
Skofja Loka’s is changing, it’s become bike friendlier, tourist are discovering our town and many coming for return visits. Continue reading “SKOFJA LOKA IS A HAPPENING PLACE, NOW WITH CREATIVE TOURISM”
Category: BIKING
LJUBLJANA & OTHER TALES
I love Skofja Loka, but sometimes I get a case of small town fever. So I’ve been riding my bike weekly and sometimes twice weekly to Ljubljana, round trip about 52 km. The new spring leaves were on most of the trees, then it snowed 10 centimeters on April 27th. Well the heavy snow broke tree branches on nearly every tree I saw. Continue reading “LJUBLJANA & OTHER TALES”
U.S.A. & Portland vs EU & SLOVENIA? (vote Bernie Sanders)
I have lived & worked in America for 57 years. I had a few jobs as a teenager, but mostly I’ve been self-employed running several different business’s. I feel my experience in business and life in America, gives me some insights to the opportunities & struggles of living in America. I’m asked all the time if I miss America. So I thought it could make an interesting post, both for me & you. 3 years of living in Europe has given me a first hand experience of living a more social agenda.
The
EU USA
SIZE 4,422,733 SQ. KM. 9, 857,306 SQ. KM
POPULATION 508,191,116 320,000,000
GDP $19 trillion $18 trillion
GDP per person $32,000 $53,000
America exports to the EU totaled $262 billion & imports from EU totaled $387 billion
The imbalance is, America consuming more than it produces. (equals larger carbon-footprint & more)
Trade with Slovenia is similar: Slovenia imported $305 million in goods & exported $700 million worth of goods, to America.
Continue reading “U.S.A. & Portland vs EU & SLOVENIA? (vote Bernie Sanders)”
PARIS: COP21,CRITICAL MASS, CLIMATE JUSTICE MARCH
The security is very tight here in Paris. I’ve been on about 20 airplanes in the last couple years, I’ve never had my luggage inspected like I did after landing in Paris. There’s a no gathering or protesting restriction in place in Paris. I’m here for the march, marking the final day of COP21 meetings.
I decided to go visit the COP21 meeting location on my first day in Paris. I was surprised how little security there was compared to other places I’d visited. Continue reading “PARIS: COP21,CRITICAL MASS, CLIMATE JUSTICE MARCH”
BRISTOL, UK “GREEN CAPTIAL” OF EUROPE and MORE ADVENTURES
We have busy lives here in Skofja Loka, I was in Bristol Dec. 3-7, 2015, I’m just now getting this blog post together. Saturday I took a felting workshop in Ljubljana. This time I made a wool felt hat. it was 4.5 hours of standing and working the wool, (felting!). It killed me!
BRISTOL
At first I was just coming to Bristol to see Courtney Barnett. When I started doing some research I discovered Bristol was similar to Portland in many ways. They have approximately the same populations, Bristol 440,000 Portland 610,000. Bike lanes, great healthy restaurants, mass transit and an active political scene.
I made my hostel reservations 6 weeks before I arrived. I requested a 6 share room, they said no problem. When I arrived I ended up in a 14 share room. I was the only traveler at the hostel, everyone else was living here. When I was in Spain the official government policy was for the young people to leave and go work in another country. Many took the advice, the hostel was filled with people mostly from Spain and France. I met a Spanish kid, 26 years old (I’m 60), who had a dish washing job and was super happy about it. I hope people appreciate what they have. The European youth unemployment is high, that makes the U.K. an attractive destination, for young people trying to find their way. The UK set a limit of 120,00 immigrants a year, instead 330,000 moved in.
BRISTOL PHOTOS FROM MY FIRST COUPLE DAYS
After making all my reservations, plane, hotel, trains I needed a ticket for Courtney Barnett, sold out! I had to buy an online scalper ticket, I hate those guys, but thanks. The British Parliament was debating bombing Syria while I was in the U.K. The first night in Bristol there was a demonstration against the war.
I prefer to travel using my bicycle, but not in the winter. I think winter travel is some of the best travel when using public transportation to get around. There are no lines anywhere: restaurants, museums, tourist attractions and most accommodation is discounted too. I just bring my warm clothes and rent a bike as the weather permits. The Bristol bike rentals weren’t operating, (a bad thing about winter travel) so my only option was an E-Bike-I was in Heaven. I love the E-bike.
I first rode to the CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE which opened in 1864. It was straight up hill, no problem, I gotta E-Bike. Then to the train station and the start of the bike path to Bath, (the city!). At the train station was a mobile bike repair van/shop, drop off your bike on the way to work and pick it up on the way home, great business model.
BRISTOL to BATH BIKE PATH
FUN E-BIKE FACTS IN THE WINDOW OF THE E-BIKE STORE
MORE FUN E-BIKE FACTS
BRISTOL SUSPENSION BRIDGE
ENGLISH IVY IS EVERYWHERE, GO FIGURE RIGHT?
ON A BRIDGE I RODE OVER
THIS WOULD MAKE A GREAT PORTLAND LOGO
20 MINUTES IN BATH WAS MUCH TOO SHORT
THIS IS WHAT CYCLING IS LIKE WITH AN E-BIKE
The 11 mile path to Bath was great, no cars, none. There were bridges whenever there was a road crossing. The English Ivy is winning, it’s everywhere. I needed more time in Bath, I tried to get the bike rental shop guy to open sooner than 10, nope.
I walked around Bristol too, shock. I read where the best fish and chips were, so I walked there. It took me about 45 minutes, I couldn’t wait to sit down and eat, it was only takeaway-no seats. I ate in on a brick wall in front of someones house, it was good and greasy.
I THINK THEY WANT PEOPLE TO WALK THEIR BIKES
CORNER MARKET
ABOUT THE SOLAR TREE
SOLAR TREE
I FOUND SOME MEXICAN FOOD, THEY’RE TRYING-STILL GOOD
MORE PETRIFIED WOOD FROM INDONESIA
PETRIFIED WOOD SINK
RATED BEST FISH & CHIPS IN BRISTOL
TURKEY PIZZA WITH CRANBERRY
I STILL ATE MY PIZZA
There was some good bike stuff going on. There was ROLL FOR THE SOUL CAFE 2 blocks from the Hostel.
BRADLEY WIGGINS FROM THE UK WON THE 2012 TOUR DE FRANCE
Walking around my first night I ran into TEMPLE CYCLE’S Pop-up shop. He had beautifully handcrafted bicycles and accessories. The accessories is what really caught my attention. In Europe you find yourself carrying your bike up stairs to your apartment or at the train station. Be sure to check his website for some cool accessories for your bike.
MEANWHILE BACK IN SLOVENIA
LJUBLJANA is the European Green Capital for 2016. From being a city which was previously dominated by car transport the focus is now on public transport and on pedestrian and cycling networks. Three quarters of the entire territory of Ljubljana are green areas. These areas include contiguous aquatic, forest and agricultural areas.
Ljubljana has implemented numerous urban green measures over the past decade including the planting of more than 2,000 trees, the building of five new parks and revitalization of the embankments of the River Sava. In addition, in 2010 the Slovenian city declared 1,400 ha of the territory as forest of special purpose in being valuable as a CO2 sink. (cut and pasted ;))
Hey America did you see that? Ljubljana recognizes trees are worth more than just money, they help the planet breathe.
Some things here in Slovenia seem bureaucratic, compared to America, but the environmental foresight is something I really respect. We need America to start adopting some things that are done here in Slovenia. No clear-cutting forest only selective harvest. Better for wildlife and water quality. They mow the trees down in America, replant them like corn and spray chemicals to prevent anything else from growing. It poisons nearby streams and people, enough said.
I’m so happy here with Natasa and living in Skofja Loka, Slovenia. I feel like I’ve been re-born.
Thanks for Reading (& commenting)
Jeff
NEXT: PARIS CRITICAL MASS CLIMATE RIDE, FINALLY WENT TO THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER, COP21, MADONNA CONCERT, CLIMATE MARCH/PROTEST
BIKING AROUND MARIBOR, SLOVENIA. BETTER THAN DISNEYLAND
We’ve gone to different craft events around Slovenia and it seemed a lot of artist came from Maribor. So I wanted to go check out the artist scene. I was hoping to visit by bus this winter. Natasa gave Sara a long weekend visit to Vienna for her birthday. The problem is the train ride takes 2 of the 4 days they had. I found a bus from Maribor, I suggested I drive them to Maribor then they can take the bus to Vienna, it’s a plan. Now they got 4 FULL days in Vienna and I got a biking weekend in Maribor, perfect.
Before we can leave the cat needs to go to Grandma and Grandpa’s.
We were early for their bus, so I dropped my stuff off in my hostel room. The UNI-Hostel had an excellent breakfast buffet, that helped make up for the room, which was actually pretty good.
I visit the tourist office after walking them to the bus station. The women working there said she remembers me from a visit to the Ljubljana tourist office, Slovenia is small. I gather information and maps for the next day.
TRADITIONAL DANCE IN THE TOWN SQUARE
I LOVE SLOVENIAN CAR-FREE OLD TOWNS, I THINK EVERY CITY HAS ONE. IT’S REALLY AWESOME.
BRIDGE TO THE ISLAND
OFF SEASON TOURISTING IS GREAT
I HAD THE ISLAND TO MYSELF
RIDING ON THE CARPET OF FRESHLY FALLEN LEAVES WAS HEAVEN
THE TOURIST OFFICE TOLD ME TO VISIT HERE
I HAD A SUPER LUNCH ON THE OUTDOOR PATIO
TRADITIONAL WOOD RAFT
AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION
The tourist office told me about the Gondola ride at Pohorje’s mountain. I ride my bike out there and take the Gondola to the top. I look around and see some cars and realize there’s a way to bike up. I go back to the tourist office with my map and see there’s 2 roads to the top. I like loop roads so I decide to take one up and the other down.
FROM GONDOLA
FROM GONDOLA
20 EURO TO RIDE ALL DAY
BIKE & PEDESTRIAN CAR-FREE INTERCHANGE, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
I LOVE BIKE LANES THAT AREN’T ON THE ROAD WITH CARS
THIS IS THE FRONT YARD
HE’S THERE MAKING MORE
AS AN X-LANDSCAPER I LOVE THIS!
I ALWAYS LOVE SEEING FOOD
CLIMBING UP
IT TAKES NEARLY 3 HOURS AND I’M NOT QUITE AT THE TOP
STARTING THE DOWNHILL
LUNCH STOP-BUS STOP
YEA, IT’S FALL
MY FAVORITE PICTURE
BIKE PATH BACK TO MARIBOR
Just as I was about to head downhill a local on a bike decided he would shadow me all the way down. It was fun to bike with someone, we were flying down. He’s riding with no hands and right next to and behind me. One false move and were both toast. You can get going maybe 50-60 km an hour. I tapped my brakes just a couple times, you can almost ride the whole thing without brakes. They have really smoothed the road out. It takes maybe 45 minutes (with a few photo stops) to get to the bottom. The weather is so nice and warm, I decide the next day to take the gondola up with my bike and ride down, again. It cost 8 euro for a one way ticket up with bike. This was probably one of the best “tourist” experiences I’ve had in Slovenia, better than Disneyland for sure. I timed the ride 2 hours to ride from the old town of Maribor, ride the gondola and bike back to Maribor.
Maribor has the oldest wine grape plant, over 400 years old, according to Guinness Book of World Records. I visited the largest and oldest underground winery in Europe. It took 11 years to build and has 2 km of tunnels, lined with wine barrels. The barrels were allowed to dry out and are no longer functional. The new “automated” winery is just out of town now.
I sampled a couple glasses and was in bed at 8:30, reminded me of why I don’t drink.
Some women (girl) was handing out flyers to some event. I asked where it was and decided to go. I forgot to a ask them what the event was, it was in Slovenian (go figure).
IT WAS A SNAKE AND REPTILE SHOW AND SALE.
If I had known I probably wouldn’t have paid 7 euro to get in, oh well. Maybe it’s time to learn a little Slovenian?
THESE ARE SOME FUN PHOTOS I TOOK
I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO BUY THIS
I WANNA SHOP HERE
BIKE BOOK ENDS
JUST LIKE AMERICA
SIGN IN RESTAURANT I ATE AT
I SAW THIS COW BELL AND BOUGHT IT
Hope you can visit Maribor soon, I had a great time and bring your bike.
I’m still going to Paris in a few weeks.
NEXT: TRADITIONAL CRAFTS OF SLOVENIA
THANKS FOR READING THE BLOG,
Jeff
WHERE THE HELL IS AIRVAULT FRANCE? DON’T ASK THE FRENCH CAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW EITHER.
I’m came to Airvault because that’s where Vincent of Albania and Greece bike touring fame lives. We also exchanged many corresondences after we parted ways 
Vincent moved out of his parents basement, so I moved into the basement, super great place. Both of his parents are interesting, gardening, cooking and some travelling too. I had a gardening business in Portland for 25 years, so I know how much work their yard is to maintain.
THIS IS FRANCOIS (VINCET’S DAD) WINTER GARDEN OF LETTUCE, HE USES THOSE PLASTIC COVERS TO SUCCEED
THIS IS MARIE-JEANNE (VINCET’S MOM) PICKING SPRING DAFFODILS.
The next day, Vincent and I biked around the forgotten villages of the French countryside. We passed through one village and Vincent said “this is where my Dad grew up”,
HE ONLY GREW SO FAR!
Marie-Francois spoke a little english, Dad? nearly none. Vincent said it was killing his Dad because he loves to talk. They asked me to help Vincent quit smoking, Dad ran marathons, so go figure.
Vincent got us a couple bikes so off we go. We explored places you couldn’t find on your own without a local guide like Vincent.
I’M GETTING FAT-HOLY SHIT
THIS LOCAL GENTLEMAN GOT US THE PHONE NUMBER FOR SOMEONE TO LET US INTO A HISTORICAL BUILDING.
WE CROSSED THE RIVER MANY TIMES ON A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BRIDGE EVERYTIME
I TOOK THIS PHOTO FROM THE “NEW” BRIDGE
I ASKED VINCENT IF WE COULD RIDE OVER IT, EASIER SAID THAN DONE,, I WALKED THE BIKE , IT WAS ROUGH..
VINCENT IS A GREAT TOUR GUIDE, EVERYTIME WE FELT A LITTLE LOST, HE GOT OUT THE MAP AND SORTED IT OUT.
THIS IS THE WALK FROM VINCENTS HOUSE BACK TO HIS PARENTS HOUSE.
THIS CASTLE HAD THE MOET COMPLETELY AROUND IT, JUST LIKE A REAL CASTLE!
WE WERE GOING TO TAKE A GET HIGH BREAK, THEN CROSS THIS STONE BRIDGE AFTER, I DECIDED TO TAKE MY BIKE OVER BEFORE,THEN VINCENT CHANGED OUR ROUTE. HE VOLUNTEERED TO RETRIEVE MY BIKE.
GETTING VINCENT TO QUIT SMOKING WON’T BE EASY.. NATASA TOLD HIM HE WAS A PERFECT GUY, BUT JUST NEEDED TO QUIT SMOKING. I HOPE HE DECIDES TO!
TYPICAL FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE STONE BUILDING
VINCENT TOOK 10 PICTURES OF THIS SHEEP IN THE FIELD, SO TO MAKE HIM FEEL BETTER, I’M POSTING IT.
THIS IS A SPECIAL BREED OF DONKEY THAT IS NATIVE TO THIS REGION
SOME OF THEM WERE SUPER HAIRY
THIS IS THE NOW CLOSED AND FORGOTTEN AIRVAULT TRAIN STATION
ALL OF THESE TREES ARE COVERED WITH ENGLISH IVY. ENGLISH IVY, AN INVASIVE PLANT, IS EVERWHERE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO STOP IT FROM SPREADING. YOU CANNOT BUY IVY IN OREGON.
Vincent bought us some tickets to see Portland’s band, THE DANDY WARHOLS, in La Rochell.. There’s an island outside of La Rochell, called Ile de Re. We pack up the bikes and head to the island, for several days of cycling.
WE’RE KILLING IT ON THE ISLAND
I SPRAWLED OUT AND JUST WATCHED THE CLOUDS FLOAT BY AND REALIZED I LUCKY I AM TO BE ALIVE.
THIS IS A WALKING PATH, NO BIKES ALLOWED!! BUT “OFF” SEASON TRAVEL HAS IT’S PERKS, WE HAD THE ISLAND TO OURSELVES. YOU CAN SEE THERE’S NOBODY HERE, JUST DRESS WARM!
THIS IS THE SCENE OF THE CRIME, VINCENT WAS TURNING THE CAR AROUND AND CRUNCHED THE REAR FENDER, BAD. I TOLD VINCENT TO TELL HIS PARENTS HE QUIT SMOKING SO THEY WOULDN’T CARE ABOUT THE CAR.
WE SAW THE DANDY’S IN LA ROCHELL, I’VE SEEN THEM MAYBE 12 TIMES,, I KNOW ALL THEIR MUSIC INSIDE AND OUT. THERE WERE TIMES I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT SONG THEY WERE PLAYING, THE SOUND WAS BAD.
THE BIKE PATH MEANDERED THROUGH THE SALT MARSHES THAT WERE FULL OF WILDLIFE
THE BIKE PATH AROUND THE ISLAND WAS OFF ROAD AND ALWAYS NEARLY CAR-FREE WHEN WE HAD TO USE A ROAD.
BICYCLE DOOR MAT, I WANTED TO BUY IT. BUT FLYING EASY JET THEY DONT LIKE EXTRA STUFF. I PAID $500 EXTRA TO SEND MY BICYCLE & CAMPING GEAR A COUPLE YEARS AGO. MAYBE THEY LIKE EXTRA STUFF?
HANGING OUT OCEANSIDE WITH MY GOOD FRIEND AND BIKING BUDDY, VINCENT. IT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS.
EVERY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LOOKED LIKE THIS, ONLY MAYBE WITH DIFFERENT COLORED SHUTTERS, THAT’S IT.
II SWEAR 1/2 THE FRENCH AT ANYONE TIME ARE WALKING AROUND WITH A BAUGETTE IN HAND, IN A BIKE BASKET TOO!
HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF THE ISLAND FROM A LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER.. We never actually visit La Rochell, maybe next time. Were back in Airvault
THIS IS VINCENT’S NEW UPSTAIRS BEDROOM, FROM THE PARENTS BASEMENT TO THE SECOND FLOOR, MOVING ON UP!
It’s our last day in Airvault,, Vincent’s asking biking? hiking? I’m beat, I tell him I just want to wash his parents cars,, they were dirty. I like showing my appreciation for them hosting me. HIs parents served us Foie Gras, cheese fondue with baugette!! with homegrown lettuce salad, which was super cool.
After finishing the cars, we start an hour walk, as were walking he mentions fixing the greenhouse. As were walking I suggest we go back and fix the greenhouse. I love to do that kind of handy stuff, while I still can.
IT TOOK SEVERAL HOURS JUST TO TAKE OFF ALL THE NAILS AND TRIM WOOD
WE WEREN’T VERY GOOD AT GETTING THE PLASTIC TIGHT BEFORE STAPLING, IN CASE YOU COULDN’T TELL.
THE BRITISH RETIRES HAVE FOUND AIRVAULT, THIS IS WHERE THEY STORE THEIR TRAILERS IN THE WINTER.
II had a super time with Vincent and his parents. The thing that impressed me the most were all the birds we saw and heard while on our bike ride around Airvault, WOW! I didn’t hear that many different birds in the jungles of SE Asia. If birding and biking is something you enjoy, you must visit Airvault, put it on your list, NOW.
Vincent spent 6 months living on Crete and was going to return. But upon his return to Airvault I think he realizes how compareable they reallly are. He has a great project going on with his dad. Vincent seems to have the decsion to live Airvault, awesome choice. Now it will be easier to visit Airvault sooner, with Natasa. Thanks for staying Vincent, hope to see you sooner than later.
VINCENT GIVES ME A RIDE TO POITIERS FOR THE HAND-OFF TO CAROLE
IT’S A BAR PICTURE OK?
THANKS FOR READING
JEFF
NEXT? POITIERS, FRANCE WITH CAROLE
VIENNA, BERLIN by BIKE AND DITCH PARIS
I’m on a 5 week tour around Europe, by train, plane, automobile and eventually by bike. I’m visiting fellow bike touring friends I’ve meet on my journeys. I’ll be biking with them mostly, but some walking too (my favorite).
Direct flights from Ljubljana tend to be neither direct nor cheap. So I’m taking the bus from Ljubljana to Vienna and staying at the “SUPER CLEAN” VIENNA CITY HOSTEL. They had bed and breakfast for $20 and $10 a day bicycles. So my $61 Germanwings airline ticket to Berlin, wasn’t until 7:30 at night. So I rented a bike and rode around Vienna, I’ve been here before. I don’t know what I was thinking? Vienna in a Day!? No Way, it’s a big city. The City Center was designated a UNESCO World heritage site in 2001. In 2014 Vienna was recognized as the most liveable city in the world. There’s almost 2 million peple living here.
I did some homework on Vienna and discovered they had an island on the river, like Prauge.
So I rented my bike and headed in that direction.
I knew when I saw this sign it was a good city. Eating meat has a high C02 emmissions footprint they say 51% of C02 is from raising animals to eat.
I love taking sign photos, more than taking nature pictures
ENJOY YOUR LIFE IT’S AWESOME
I rode by a huge theme park, they must have 4 big roller coasters. I finally found the island, no commercial buildings, just one wind turbine. Traveling in the off season has it’s benefits, it was almost my own island.
I LOVE ALL THE HISTORY & BUILDINGS OF EUROPE
THIS IS A METRO TRAIN BRIDGE, NO CARS
I still think in balance, the bicycle takes you more places than walking could
I THINK I FOUND THE HEADSTONE FOR MY GRAVE. AS I WAS TAKING THE PICTURE THE SALESMAN CAME RUNNING OUT TO “”HELP” ME.. I TOLD HIM I WASNT READY YET.
I refused to use my Iphone data, to find my way back to the hostel.. I knew I was close, but I’ve been riding a lot and I was beat.. I finally gave in and turned on the data roaming ($), I was only 1kkm from the hostel, close. Back at the hostel I get a message from Mark,, has to leave Berlin, but can leave his apartment keys with a nieghbor.
I figure out how to get to his apt. His widows are dirty, so I clean them all insde and out. All good travellers should show their appreciation for being hosted.
I make plans to visit the Tourism Trade Show that’s happening in Berlin.. I really wanted to go so it worked good, I had something fun to do.
THE BEAURIFUL WOMEN OF SRI LANKA
The tourism show had representatives from every country: Iran, Cuba, Russia & America (set up next to each other). I sstopped by the New Zealand booth and told them I’ve visited there country and loved it. II told her she had an easy job “”trying” to sell New Zealand. Then I walked a little further and there was the Pakistan booth. He was trying to tell my that I should visit Pakistan. I could hardly keep a straight face,, OK tell me. We have K2, 3 glaciers, ahh? NO. First that sounds cold and second? I disapprove of the way they treat women and restrict girls education. He said his village had a 94% literacy rate,, but he agreed with my general analysis of the situation in Pakistan. I won’t be going to Pakistan any time soon..
THE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN OF THE MALDIVES
AFTER TODAY I FEEL LIKE THE KING (of travel) I went to nearly every country ((booth) around the world.
Marc was still out of town so I get his bike and ride around Berlin.. It has a great network of bike lanes, except in the core of the tourist destinations.
IF YOU USE A BIKE TO HOLD YOUR SIGN IS IT FREE?
In Portland they have a pedal beer tour, you drink while you pedal. But I saw these in Berlin and had never seen them anywhere before.
IT’S GREAT SEEING PEOPLE TRY ALTERNATIVE TYPES OF TOURING
Marc and I bike toured together 20 years ago in New Zealand.. I have visited him and his parents in the former East Germany several times over the years. Marc is back Sunday night,, so on Monday we decide to bike the “WALL TOUR” 
THE FAMOUS CHECK POINT CHARLIE THAT SEPARATED EAST AND WEST GERMANY
THE UNTOUCHED WALL
WE PUT TOGETHER MARCS FIRST TV,, EVER!! LET’S JUST SAY IT’S BIG!
Back at the Berlin airport and your phone is low.
THESE ARE SELF-CHARGING PHONE STATIONS, KEEP PEDALING IF YOU WANT TO SURF!?
When travelling I ssometimes look for music and art events that are going on. Paris had David Bowies touring collection off outfits and other memorablia. I saw David Bowie in 1973 and really wanted to go. So I bought a ticket oonline and thought I would go since I was in Paris early. The train ticket to the exhibit was nearly $50 roundtrip, I threw the David Bowie ticket away.
I spent 2 weeks in France, that is why there hasn’t been a blog post in awhile. FRANCES’S INTERNET IS THE WORST IN THE WORLD!! EVEN BURMA’S WAS BETTER.
I’m in Lisbon now, picking up Natasa Saturday, at the airport. I visited 3 friends in France and biked and hiked a lot.
THANKS FOR READING
JEFF
NEXT? A REAL FRENCH COUNNTRYSIDE VILLAGE, WITH BARELY A CAR IN SIGHT.
THE WEDDING CELEBRATION CONTINUES AND WE VISIT PTUJ (Slovenia’s oldest village)
Jeffs Bike Tour Blog Site blew up with the wedding news and photos. I asked Natasa what we were going to follow up with? But as the days roll on so do the opportunities to celebrate. Natasa organized some food, drinks and desserts for an at work celebration of our wedding.
4 TRAYS OF “BEAUTIFUL & DELICIOUS ” SANDWICHES. BY “DELI-LADY”, MARTINA
Natasa, the pharmacist, is a super hard worker, I can’t keep up with her and I’ve been self-employed nearly my entire life.
The room quickly field up with doctors, nurses, dentist and all the support staff. I was brought to tears, as they read us poems and congratulations (in Slovenian & English!)
EVERYONE ONE WAS SUPER EXCITED FOR NATASA AND FOR US TOO!
We met Nadja, a doctor at the clinic, at the farmers market and I gave her this blog address. Well she read it and gave us this amazing handmade gift.
THESE ARE THE RIVERS OF PORTLAND AND SKOFJA LOKA. THANKS SO MUCH NADJA, IT’S HANGING RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME, WHILE SITTING AT MY DESK.
Janez (Natasa’s brother) went to school to be a photographer and he captured some great moments.
We had an awesome wedding dinner, so I asked Natasa if we could walk home to help digest all the food? She loves walking so that part was easy, except we get outside and her Dad wants us to walk in the opposite direction. I insist we walk a certain direction, why? I made reservations at the TURIZEM LOKA B & B that was only 1 block from the restaurant As we walked i turned her left and directed her up the driveway to our honeymoon suite. Sara was waving to her mom, “goodnight Mom, have a nice night”, I was crying, she had no idea. Everyone in the wedding party knew, except Natasa. I had her favorite flowers delivered to the room with a card and framed sign that read:
The B & B’s hot tub and sauna, was a nice way to relax after a hectic week and day.
WE VISIT PTUJ: SLOVENIA’S OLDEST VILLAGE
Skofja Loka is the 2nd oldest village in Slovenia and Ptuj is the oldest. They have a 2 week celebration every year and the parade is the final event. It was about an hour drive from our house.
It’s big event so we went early and brought our bikes, so we could do some exploring before the parade.
THE RIVER-MAN MADE LAKE HAS A BIKE-PEDESTRIAN PATH ALL THE WAY AROUND. THAT’S THE OLDEST CASTLE IN SLOVENIA, DATING BACK TO 70 AD.
I didn’t know it, but there are 2 communities of Gypsies (Romas), in Slovenia. I was asked for money more today than I have my whole year in Slovenia. I felt like I had a sign on my forehead, “ask me for money”, they would walk the line, stop and ask me. They train them young too, I had a 3 year old ask me for money, holy shit.
I remember seeing the Kurent (or Korant) costume at the Ethnology Museum in Ljubljana.
According to an ancient belief Kurent is a demon chasing winter away and calling spring to the country.
HERE’S GOOGLE IMAGES OF THIS YEARS PARADE
HERE’S SOME HISTORY OF ALL CHARACTERS OF THE PTUJ CARNAVAL .
HERE’S OUR PHOTOS FROM THE WEDDING AND PTUJ CARNAVAL
Thanks for reading
JEFF AND NATASA
NEXT? PORTLAND?– SKOFJA LOKA? What’s the difference? PART II
LIFE IN SKOFJA LOKA, SLOVENIA (PART I)
Thanks for waiting for this post. I’ve been super busy here in Skofja Loka. I’ve been in Skofja Loka mostly, but still traveling some to Albania, Hungary, Czech, Germany, Montenegro and Croatia. Most of these countries are within the same distances as my entire home state of Oregon.
Slovenian language is VERY difficult, but no worries (so far). With a population of 2 million, 60% speak English. All students are required to take English classes and the fact that 70% of internet content is in English, doesn’t hurt either.
When Natasa and I first got back from America, it was like Christmas in June. Both Natasa and Sara got Apple Iphones. This has turned out (so far) to be a great addition to communicating and socializing.
I love to cook and now that 3 of us are sharing the kitchen we needed more room.
i really enjoy being able to make our lives easier and fun. This is the first time in my life I have the time to work on projects around the house, somewhat stress free. I cook meals, make zucchini bread, cookies, I go shopping at the farmers market. Natasa seems to be enjoying having Mr. Mom here.
People are always asking me how I like it here is Skojfa Loka. I tell them, if you’ve every seen the T.V. series from the 60’s called THE PRISONER, well I feel like the main character. He lives in a village, where life is perfect. The cafes have people sipping coffee, there’s concerts in the park, it sometimes feels unreal.
For a city to be great it must have bicycle events and we had several pass through Skofja Loka this summer.
Every bike race has to have a rest stop to recharge.
Having bike events pass through Skofja Loka is pretty cool. But really the local riding is so awesome too. I can climb a mountain, ride along a river, ride through the cornfields and best of all it’s nearly all car-free.
After my Mr. Mom chores are done, the rest of the day is mine to do as I want and biking is on that list.
I find in the Slovenian people to be quite self-sufficient. The farmers work hard, I’ve seen them using their tractors at night with the headlights on!
I respect the hard working nature of the Slovenians. I’ve had several of my own business’s since I was 16, I’m a hard worker. Natasa? She makes me look lazy, she’s a kick ass worker. It’s hard to get here to sit down sometimes.
Natasa had to go with her job on a weekend retreat.
I stayed in Izola last summer for nearly a week, but this time I wanted to bike to Koper for a full day. I still find visiting museums and historical places interesting and fun.
Billy Idol still looks like the cover of his first album, hasn’t aged a bit. (sunscreen?)
I go for a bathroom break, the world cup soccer was going on and soccer fever was everywhere, even in the bathroom urinal.
Back in Skofja Loka,
I’ve saw this during my first visit to Skofja Loka, first days of school celebration?
Thanks for reading, I have some free time now and will be posting Part II very soon.
Even in winter, biking is awesome. Like skiing, just dress for the weather and you will never have to put your bike away for the winter.
Take Care
Jeff
