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”
Category: SLOVENIA
BIKING LJUBLJANA & BEING CRAFTY IN SKOFJA LOKA
It’s been winter and a little cabin fever is setting in. We had some great sunny but it was also very cold. I would rather ride my bike when it’s cold than when it’s raining.. There’s a walking tour called THE TRAIL OF REMEMBRANCE that encircles Ljubljana. It’s where the Italian fascist during World War II erected a barbed wire fence around the city. I contacted WATERMELON BIKE TOURS of Ljubljana to arrange a guided tour, that was a good decision.
After weeks of emailing back and forth he finally finds a day when he’s available. I text back “it’s -2”! He’s convinces me it will be OK, so I ride into Ljubljana to meet him. Continue reading “BIKING LJUBLJANA & BEING CRAFTY IN SKOFJA LOKA”
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
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
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
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
“TILL DEATH DO US PART” WE GOT MARRIED
It took travelling the world to find my life partner, Natasa and i made the commitment to be together, “TILL DEATH DO US PART”. We had the ceremony, here in Skofja Loka with family and friends.
For the foreseeable future we will be living here in Skofja Loka. I love Natasa and Skofja Loka and have no problem, what so ever about being buried here.
OUR SUPER HERO RINGS
WE ARE SUPER HAPPY!
JANEZ (Natasa’s brother) and FAMILY: SPELA, ELA and MAKS
I’M OFFICIALLY THE KING OF SKOFJA LOKA
NATASA IS PRACTICING SIGNING HER NEW LAST NAME, SIFRAR-BERNARDS
IS THE WORLD READY FOR US?
I’M THE LUCKIEST GUY IN THE WORLD! AND I SHOULD KNOW I’VE BEEN AROUND THE WORLD 3 TIMES. FINALLY!
ANDREJA, ROMAN, NATASA, JEFF, BREDA
THANKS EVERYONE FOR THE SUPER GIFTS: TREE OF LOVE FROM ANDREJA & THAI MASSAGE FROM ROMAN AND BREDA. ROMANTIC GETAWAY WEEKEND FROM JANEZ’S & SPELA’S FAMILY.
A TOAST FOR A LONG LOVING LIFE (I’m on it). BOUQUET ORANOMENT
WE HAD DINNER AT STARMANS, OUR FAVORITE l “TRADITIONAL SLOVENIAN” RESTAURANT IN SKOFJA LOKA . MY FAVORITE IS TURKEY AND THEY SERVE IT 3 DIFFERENT WAYS. NATASA’S PARENTS MIRJANA & FRANC PAID FOR THE DINNER, THEY MADE IS SO EASY COMPARED TO MY FIRST MARRIAGE.
CHOCOLATE PUDDING WITH ICE CREAM AND CUSTARD WITH FRUIT TOPPING
THANKS TO SARA FOR TAKING ALL THESE GREAT PHOTOS, (we were busy;-)
ENJOY THE RIDE, WE KNOW WE WILL FOR SURE.
JEFF & NATASA
If your interested in attending our summer celebration, send me an email and keep up on the dates. Sometime in July or Aug.
PORTLAND?– SKOFJA LOKA? What’s the difference? PART I
I’m from Portland Oregon, USA and I’m now living in Skofja Loka, Slovenia. I’ve been asked if I miss America? the answer has been, not as much as you might think I should. I never really bought into America’s values of bigger & bigger: grocery stores, Gigantic Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV), blatant corporate welfare, disregards for science (climate change), It’s insistence on living an unsustainable life while impoverishing the rest of the world. The view of endless consumption, with no consequences. Ok, I’m done, but I think you understand where I’m coming from.
The little village of Skofja Loka, is similar to Portland in many ways. Both have two rivers that join at the city. Skoja Loka has the Poljane Sora and the Selca Sora rivers,
Portland’s 2 rivers are the mighty Columbia River and the Willamette River, and they meet at Kelly Point Park.
What’s the difference? I bike by the rivers in Skofja Loka every time I go to the grocery store. The two big rivers in Portland? I’ve biked out there once in 20 years. Portland is currently studying the feasibility of putting a bike bath to Kelly Point Park. I’ve already got a great bike/pedestrian path over the river.
CONNECTED WITH NATURE? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA
With 2 rivers running through both towns, bridges are a must. This is where, again, America is big. Portland has 8 major bridges crossing the Willamette River, most designed for cars only. Several bridges have been retrofitted for bicycles and the new Tillikum Crossing is a train/bike/pedestrian only bridge.
Skofja Loka has more pedestrian only bridges than car bridges, and all the auto bridges are pedestrian friendly. i’m able to walk everywhere: post office,stores, galleries, restaurants, movie theater..
PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA
Farmers Markets are a big deal in Portland and Skofja Loka. In Portland my neighborhood farmers market , Montavilla, is about a 20 minute walk from my house. In the winter it’s only open every couple weeks. The year round market is a 20 minute bike ride from my house. The Skofja Loka Farmers market is a 4 minute walk from our apartment and is open 3 days a week, year round, Tuesday’s, Thursday;s and Saturday’s-which is the BIG market day.
I’m able to buy organic pears, apples, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and more 3 days a week-YEAR ROUND!
ANOTHER PLUS? 2 DAYS A WEEK WE GET FRESH FISH FROM THE COAST, 1 1/2 HRS AWAY. Notice the name? HAPPYDAY!
FARMERS MARKETS? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA
The car is king in America and here in Slovenia too. We have one car that Natasa uses to go to work at 5:30 in the morning, about 16km (10 miles). Natasa use to put her bike away for the winter, no longer, we ride every week to somewhere.
We’ve had some snowy weather here in Skofja Loka lately. It might snow in Portland but it only last a couple of days.
One thing I don’t miss is the congested highways in Portland. Portland prides itself as a transportation hub for the import and export of goods. The only problem with that is that the roads are crowded with big diesel pollution spewing semi-trucks.
Don’t be mistaken, even with great bus and train service to and from Skofja Loka, there are still huge traffic problems. But here in Skofja Loka, we only have 2 lane roads, so it can only get so bad.
At the top of the road right before the one way, is where the locals hitchhike home from school & work.. This is one way to cut down on traffic and reduce C02 emissions from cars, “car-pooling”
It’s obvious that there’s going to be less traffic in a village of 12,000 people. I feel It’s more manageable with only 12,000 people than with a million people like in Portland.
TOLERABLE TRAFFIC? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA
I never thought I could survive in a small town. I always thought I needed multiple opportunities to have enough things to do: stores, museums, music,friends, comedy, nature, but I’m finding it easier than I thought to get use to, small town life. We road our bikes into Ljubljana a couple weeks ago, to see the “Painting in Normandy” art exhibit. When artist would escape industrialized society and seek refuge in nature, on the French coast of Normandy. It was called the “Dawn of Impressionism.” it was during the later half of the 19 century & the beginning of the 20th century.
Everyday I’m finding it easier to enjoy small town life, I really never thought I could. Here, I feel more connected by walking to the farmers market, grocery store, bakery, coffee shops, Natasa’s parents. I never liked to walk much, it was always faster by bike. But here everything is so close it’s faster to walk than to get out the bike. Use a car? never even crosses my mind as an option.
SIZE OF LIFESTYLE? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA (BIG TIME)
I’ve never really ridin my bike where there’s snow all around. Kranj was having a celebration event, PRESERNOV SMENJ and Natasa suggested we ride there. I was like heck ya, let’s go. On Sunday morning it was -4c (24 fahrenheit), cold but sunny. I would rather ride in cold sunny weather, than warm rainy weather, any day.
IT SEEMS COLDER IN THE SHADOWS, BUT THE SUN SHINES ON THE FARMERS FIELDS
We were meeting some friends at the event, they were inside a restaurant, but first I wanted to walk around and look at everything.
Events that happen around Slovenia are mostly based on history and this part of Europe is old.
Portland was founded in 1851 with only 800 inhabitants, so it’s 164 years old. Skofja Loka was founded in 973 and is 1,042 years old. There’s lots of stories to be told with that much time gone by.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA (by 878 years)
I’m concerned with food security, so in Portland I took my yard and planted an edible landscape, all fruit trees and garden beds. In America the average meal travels 2414 km (1500 miles), to reach your plate. America burns 10 calories of energy (oil etc) to produce 1 calorie of food, basically unsustainable. Here in Skofja Loka the Cheese plant is 2 blocks from our apartment, the local butcher is just 2 blocks away too (FYI no smell at all). There are small dairy farmers right in most towns with just a few cows. They grow the cow feed literally in their own backyards, so no transportation costs or carbon footprint.
Some of the farmers that provide produce at Portland’s Farmers markets drive 120 km (75 miles) each way to supply “local produce”. Olga brings her produce 11 km (7 miles),to Skofja Loka’s Farmers Market, now that’s local produce.
A new grocery store just opened in Skofja Loka that sells all Organic Slovenian Products.
FOOD SECURITY? WINNER SKOFJA LOKA (by kms/miles)
WHAT ABOUT BIKES?
The blog is called Jeffsbiketour for a reason, I try to focus most of my insights towards the role bicycles can play in everyone’s daily life. Portland has invested in lots of different biking opportunities and safety projects. Currently there is a huge pushback from auto owners to stop spending money on bike infrastructure and make bikers pay. Yet cars don’t even come close covering their cost of roads, bridges and safety projects. Skofja Loka curently doesn’t have any money to do any major bike infrastructure spending. I asked the Mayor of Skofja Loka to finish the last 50 meters of bike path to the local hardware store, his response? no money. There are numerous farmers roads and gravel paths that help you avoid riding on the major roads.
BIKING OPPORTUNITIES? TIE both have safe biking options (FYI it rains alot in Portland)
I hope you enjoyed reading Jeffsbiketour, it’s like my (our) journal. I’m 59 years old and trying to stay as active as I can till the end. I’m doing a mini-european tour starting March 5th.I’m traveling to Berlin, Paris,(Royan, Airvault, Poitiers), visiting past bike touring friends met on various travel adventures. Then I’m meeting Natasa in Lisbon for a 2 week tour of the Portugal and Spain. You can buy $50 airline tickets to nearly anywhere around Europe. I will be bringing my bike helmet for touring and then writing about it. So Jeffsbiketour will live on with the bike theme in mind.
A Portland newspaper did an article on Portland 27 REASON TO LOVE PORTLAND RIGHT NOW
RIDE ON
JEFF
NEXT? TILL DEATH DO US PART?
AFTER DIGGING OUT NATASA’S CAR, I MAY NEED TO RE-THINK ALL OF THIS?
Portland is still a very popular place to move to, I haven’t sold my house yet, you never know. This video is part of a new culture to keep Portland from becoming big like Seattle or San Francisco. It’s called
STOP TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT PORTLAND