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: JEFFSBIKETOUR
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)”
MISC. FUN STUFF IN SLOVENIA-PHOTOS: documentary film festival
It’s so weird having so much free time, called retirement. I’m able to pick things that interest me, whether it’s visiting museums, biking, or proposing new ideas for active tourism here in Skofja Loka. When I was working, I was lucky to go to one movie during Film Festivals in Portland. Ljubljana had a documentary film festival, I picked 10 movies, 2 alternates to see, Natasa could only find 2 (different ones). Some things are frustrating. Continue reading “MISC. FUN STUFF IN SLOVENIA-PHOTOS: documentary film festival”
RANDOM THOUGHTS: USA, BIKE TRAVEL, PORTLAND, COP21
I get some of my international news from the BBC. They did a feature story of a U.K. doctor who just spent 6 years bicycling around the world. I thought I accomplished something biking 7 months across the Mediterranean, 6 years– holy shit! My blog is the simplest of Blog formats. CYCLINGTHE6.COM was so professional, easy to navigate and very interesting , so I sent the link to nearly everyone I know. I had one friend write back and asked:
Hey, Jeff,
Do you miss America yet?
I thought about it for a few minutes, then started typing away. I wanted to share this with the blog. Continue reading “RANDOM THOUGHTS: USA, BIKE TRAVEL, PORTLAND, COP21”
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
CALIFORNIA FRIENDS VISIT SKOFJA LOKA and MORE EVENTS
I met Russ when he married my high school sweetheart, Jody. Jody passed away from cancer over 10 years ago. We still kept in touch over the years. Russ & Jill still live in California and over the years I stopped by on my many bicycle trips down the California coast. He suggested I meet them on his annual Italian vacation. I suggested they try something new, come visit us in Slovenia. So they came to visit us here in little Skofja Loka. So this is that visit.
The best traditional Slovenian food in Skofja Loka is Starman’s, I try to take all my guest here.
RUSS FIT’S RIGHT IN, ENJOYING LOCAL SLOVENIAN WINE
Natasa had to work so I agreed to be the tour guide to Lake Bled, Vintgar and the Bee museum (I’ve been wanting to go here). I’ve been in Slovenia 2 years now and there’s still so much that I haven’t seen.
We start early with a breakfast buffet overlooking Lake Bled & the Castle, visit the local crafts fair, walked up to the castle and then hike the gorge at Vintgar.
Beehive painting, which was most prolific between 1820 and 1880, started to die away with transition into 20th century. Painting on the frontal panels of bee hives is a particularity of Slovenian Alpine region and is an indispensable part of Slovenian folk art. The host took us on a private guided tour of the museum, I love Slovenia!
MUSEUM WEBSITE AND MORE IMAGES OF BEE DOORS HERE
Natasa got a few days off, so the four of us went to Ljubljana one day and the next day we drove around Mt. Triglav, through the Soca Valley.
I checked about getting a tour guide to take us around, $50 hr. So I bought the $2 book and biked the tour of the Art Nouveau buildings in Ljubljana. Jill wanted to visit the Joze Plecnik museum, it had been closed for 2 years for remodeling and had only been open a week. Joze Plecnik designed many of the buildings, markets, and bridges all around Ljubljana. It was cool to go through his house. His life was very similar to that of architect Gaudi: single, religious and lived a simple life. Joze Plecnik use to use his drawing pencils until they were so small he could no longer hold them.
JOSE PLECNIK’S STUDIO
HIS HOT SHOWER
PLECNIK CHAIR DESIGN
DOWNTOWN LJUBLJANA
THERE WAS SOME RAINY WEATHER
Doing the pre-tour of the Art Nouveau was somewhat empowering. I knew where to go and what features to point out to my guests.
BEST COFFEE AND VIEWS IN LJUBLJANA
DINNER BACK IN SKOFJA LOKA
I met the head of Tourism for Slovenia, she told me the Soca Valley is the most beautiful part of Slovenia. I’m not sure which is my favorite part of Slovenia, but having biked the Soca Valley I can tell you, it is very beautiful.
We re-visited camp Kamne where Natasa and I met. We drive over the Julian alps on our way through the Soca Valley. We visit the World War I museum in Kobarid.
VISIITING ANNA OF CAMP KAMNE
NEW SKI JUMP
HAY RACK TERRORIST, YES WE BROKE IT.
ITALIAN BORDER
WORLD WAR I PHOTOS
WORLD WAR I PHOTOS
JULIAN ALPS WITH ROCK ART RUSS
Russ and Jill stayed several days in Skofja Loka and said they can’t wait to come back. When Jill got back she wrote about her trip that was published in the San Francisco Chronicle.
Often-overlooked Slovenia worth a trip
Updated 7:08 pm, Thursday, October 15, 2015
Russ and Jill Sartori, of Tomales, in Skofja Loka, Slovenia
Why we went: We have an American friend who recently moved to Slovenia. This often overlooked country has much to offer, with abundant natural beauty and a lovely capital city, Ljubljana.
Don’t miss: The Skocjan Caves in Slovenia’s Karst region are absolutely incredible. The caves, on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, comprise one of the world’s largest underground river canyons.
Don’t bother: Touring the museums in Ljubljana. Your time is better spent strolling the town center and exploring the interesting squares and architectural highlights, including the Art Nouveau buildings and Joze Plecnik’s many contributions to the city.
Coolest souvenir: Hand-painted replicas of beehive front boards that reflect an important part of Slovenia’s tradition of beekeeping and that are the visual, cultural equivalent of folk songs, poetry and fairy tales.
Worth a splurge: A day or overnight trip to Piran, a picturesque town situated on the southern tip of Slovenia on the Adriatic coast.
Wish we’d packed: More waterproof hiking clothes. Slovenia gets lots of rain throughout the year, as evidenced by its lush landscape and abundant rivers and lakes.
PIRAN
LONDON CALLS FOR CLIMATE ACTION
Live music is a difficult find here in Slovenia. So while re-searching the internet about Courtney Barnett, I saw she was playing 6 shows around the U.K. I checked Easy-Jet, 47€ to London, Natasa OK’d it. When investigating what was going on in London, I came across the November 29 Climate March in London. My whole trip changed knowing that.
For me the Climate Change issue is far bigger than any live music event and it should be for all of us. There was a same day march in Paris. I discovered that Paris, being home of the World Climate Change Summit (COP21), had many other events planned too. So, my plans were set 5 days London, 5 days Bristol (to see Courtney Barnett) and 1 week Paris. Before I left, the terrorist attacks happened in Paris. I was still going, you know, “we can’t let the terrorist win.”
I contacted several hostels in London, They said I couldn’t be over 40 or 45 years old to stay at either hostel. I got a hotel, $100 per night with breakfast (& lunch, I made sandwiches). I’ve been reading about London’s Bike Share, called “BORIS BIKES” and couldn’t wait to ride some. Boris is the pro-bike mayor of London.
I’ve never been a big fan of Bike Share, but I really wanted to give it a try. I get the App, and can now find and rent bikes all around town. I head to the beginning of the Climate March. The best thing about the Bike Share is that I was able to drop off the bike and walk in the March. I didn’t have to worry about having my bike stolen. I marched with 50,000 people, it was inspiring and gave me hope for the future.
GLAD TO BE BIKING
BIKE LANES WENT ALL DIRECTIONS ON A ROAD,
NICE MATCHING OUTFIT
TESTING IT OUT FOR THE MARCH
VEGAN ISM WAS A BIG THEME.
I’M GOING VEGAN
SWIM MASK FOR A RISING OCEAN
SEE NEXT PHOTO
YEP
FILL IN YOUR CONCERNS
IT’S ALL OF US TOGETHER CAUSING CLIMATE CHANGE, BUT MOSTLY THE RICH.
CAPITALISM IS SO BROKEN
THERE WERE LOTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES
VOLUNTEERS GIVING OUT FREE APPLES
London, UK. 29/11/15. Tens of thousands march through central London ahead of the Paris Climate Conference. (© Rob Pinney / Avaaz)
THE ESTIMATES WERE 50,000 CONCERNED CITIZENS
END OF MARCH-SIGN CEMETERY
There were so many solutions to address the impending Climate Crisis: GO VEGAN, POPULATION CONTROL, FOOD WASTE, EATING LESS OR NO MEAT, BIKES, FRACKING, COAL & OIL LEAVE IT IN THE GROUND, END CAPITALISM (this is my favorite), SOLAR POWER, OWLS, DOGS, NO NEW RUNWAY, FOOD SECURITY, CLIMATE JUSTICE AND JOBS. It is great to participate in a protest when it’s something you really believe in. I can’t wait to see how Paris accepts the protesters?
Now that I’ve got the Boris Bikes figured out, I want to explore London by bike. I want to use the new bike infrastructure that I’ve read so much about and other sights (of course).
The bikes are pretty popular with residents and tourist. There are 4 stations within a 5 minute walk of my hotel. There are 10,00 bikes and over 700 docking stations. The app tells you how many bikes each station has and how many empty spots if you want to drop off your bike. The London bike scheme cost taxpayers about $15 million, Paris and New York’s are self-sustaining.
LONDON BY BIKE
THERE WERE SOME PRETTY COOL BIKE ROUTES
BIKE ON RESTAURANT
CARS PARKED IN EVERY DIRECTION, AND THEY DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, I NEVER KNEW IF I WAS ON A ONE WAY STREET OR WHAT?
LONDON IS VERY MULTICULTURAL
ANIMAL OF WAR MEMORIAL
MARKETING WITH BIKES–GENIUS!
I SAW THIS GUY IN THE BATHROOM, THERE’S A DEFINITE BIKE CULTURE HERE. MATCHED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF HIS FACE.
U.S. EMBASSY
LINE OUTSIDE U.S. EMBASSY TO GET A VISA
They say English food is somewhat boring, but I found the food simple, healthy and very satisfying.
VENISON PIE, CARROTS, CABBAGE SALAD, MASHED POTATOES AND A GUINNESS.
The best thing about the Boris Bikes is the ability to drop the bike off and go explore London on foot.
There was a Christmas Carnival in Hyde park, so I dropped off my bike and walked around “WinterWonderland”
CORN ON THE COB 4 POUNDS THAT’S OVER $6 OR 6 EURO–ONE COBB!
Speaking English has never been a problem in the 22 countries I’ve traveled to in the past couple years. The one thing I do miss though, is being able to read the local newspaper. So here in the UK, I bought a paper and read it through and through.
This story about 007 & his wife selling their property in Spain and not paying the $8 million in taxes. They interviewed Connery and said he was basically in failing health so they weren’t going to pursue him. They’re going after his 86 year old wife instead. She’s facing 2 1/2 years in jail and a $24 million in fines.
A couple of random photos from London. I also went to see Thee Oh Sees. I was talking to the people next to me at dinner and they were going too. They recommended I sit in the balcony, I’m glad I did the mosh pit was crazy, but fun to watch!
THIS IS A GREAT CONCERT MOVIE WATCH IT!
I hope I didn’t bore you with this looong post, but that’s my 5 days in London, Enjoy.
NEXT: BRISTOL, UK, EUROPE’S 2015 GREEN CAPITAL AWARD WINNER, HANDMADE BIKES, E-BIKE ADVENTURE, YOUNG PEOPLE FROM AROUND EUROPE COME TO THE UK TO WORK.
Thanks for reading
Jeff
WORKSHOPS AT THE ART & CRAFT CENTER OF SKOFJA LOKA
I started a crafts business when I was just 18 years old. After I moved to Portland in 1974, I became one of the founding craftsman of the Portland Saturday Market. At first I sold handmade items made from deer antlers, then my wife and I switched to wood & leather game boards. I toured Oregon and Washington selling my handmade goods. I’ve always had a love affair with creative handmade products and their creators.
Skofja Loka has a rich history of Arts and Crafts in Slovenia.
Today the local crafts shop here ARTS & CRAFT CENTRE DUO SKOFJA LOKA, has monthly local artist exhibitions and best of all, workshops in over 20 different types of crafts.
I’m on their mailing list and saw a workshop on making a felt hat. I wanted to make the hat, but our teacher Anja said I needed to take the basic felting class first. OK, so I signed up, me and 6 women!
TED STOPPED BY TO OFFER A LITTLE ASSISTANCE
AFTER 4 HOURS OF WORKING HERE’S THE THINGS WE MADE
TRYING TO GET A GOOD GRADE FROM THE TEACHER, ANJA
I made a cat toy, 2 hot pads, and a felted bar of soap (which became a popular cat toy) When I told Anja she said “you must have a really clean cat”
Felting is a lot more difficult than it looks. Using simple (non-toxic) soap your able to combine various colors and types of wool into many different products: slippers, purses, scarfs, jewelry, soap & cat toys. When your finished you have something that is 100% natural and lasts longer than me and you.
Honey Bread another Slovenian tradition that was started in Skofja Loka by local nuns in the 17 century. I signed up for the honey bread workshop run by Lila, a local artist. I had seen the wooden molds sold as souvenirs and thought you put them in the oven too, no.
WOODEN HONEY BREAD MOLDS
PRESSING DOUGH INTO MOLD
FINALLY ANOTHER GUY IN THE CLASS!
I SERVED THESE TO SOME FRIENDS, THEY WERE SOFT & CHEWY, PEOPLE WANTED MY RECIPE
It was great to learn a centuries old tradition that’s from our region. I have to admit the cookies were damn good!
The crafts center has 23 local artist who display their work and also teach workshops. When travelling taking a local workshop is a great way to experience true culture and regional traditions.
The many craft workshops available include: CLAY RELIEFS by Lidija Debelak , PILLOW COVERS by Anita Erizen, HAND EMBROIDERY by Tanja Florjancic, WOODEN TOYS by Samo Gaspersic, WOODEN PRODUCTS by Matija Hirsenfelder, HOUSE OF BOBBIN LACE , WOODEN PRODUCTS by Roman Jamnik, BASKETS & WICKER by Janez Kriselj, HANDMADE FORGED STEEL TOOLS by Joze Krmelj, WOOL FELT PRODUCTS by Anja Musek, RECYCLED PAPER & MUCH MORE by Lili Panjtar, NATURALLY DYED LOCAL WOOL PRODUCTS by Ladka Penes, HAND CARVED HONEY BREAD MOLDS by Petra Plestenjak, BOBBIN LACE by Ana Rakovec, MASTER HONEY BREAD CREATIONS by Cirila Smid, CROCHETING WOOL by Jana Suligoj, KNITTING PRODUCTS by Tatjana Svab, WOOL & COTTON LOOM PRODUCTS by Lucija Ticar, LEATHER PRODUCTS by Klemen Urbanija, MASTER OF WET-FELTING & SUPPLIES by Alja Venturini, NEEDLE FELTED ANGELS by Petra Vengar, PATCHWORK PRODUCTS by Zdenka Rakovec Vilfan, GLASS AND GLASS PRODUCTS by Katja Zrimšek
CLAY RELIEFS by Lidija Debelak
LEATHER PRODUCTS by Klemen Urbanija
NATURE IMPRESSIONS ON LEATHER
FELT COVERED SOAP
RECYCLED PAPER & MUCH MORE by Lili Panjtar
BASKETS & WICKER by Janez Kriselj
NEEDLE FELTED ANGELS by Petra Vengar
HAND CARVED HONEY BREAD MOLDS by Petra Plestenjak
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MOLDS
HANDMADE FORGED STEEL TOOLS by Joze Krmelj
The workshops are available for all ages and abilities. If you would like to schedule a workshop for friends, family or a special occasion feel free to contact the ART AND CRAFT CENTER OF DUO SKOFJA LOKA or
Call Kati at 04 511 24 60
Being part of the Arts & Crafts community has brought back many memories of the crafts business I was involved in my youth. Everyone loves handmade souvenirs, making memories that will never be forgotten.
NEXT: LONDON: Bikes, Guiness, protest and missed dates