What a pleasant time we have been having in Postojna. Yesterday was such a short ride as we knew that we needed the day here to sightsee at the caves and the castle. By the time we finished at the castle yesterday, it was after 6pm , so we happily stayed at the highly rated Guesthouse Mira G.in the village. The owners excel at hospitality. As fellow cyclists, they understand our needs and even brought us a large bowl of fresh grapes to enjoy.
We have been increasingly concerned about our brakes. They have had a real workout here in Slovenia as the descents match the ascents. We are so grateful that the front rotor for the disc brake was replaced in Austria, but we can feel that the brake pads for the discs and the 3rd rim brake are wearing down. We will stop in at the local bike shop for help and perhaps even get haircuts. After all it has been over 3 months!
The owner of the guesthouse, who is also a fellow cyclist, is receiving our business card so that he can follow our journey. He and his wife have provided a wonderful home for travellers with many thoughtful touches.
This is part of the spread for breakfast that has been prepared just for us. They set up a time for breakfast for each room so that the guests get their food prepared fresh and they have privacy. As much of the breakfast as possible is homemade or locally sourced, including the veggies (from their garden), jams, a special tea made from flowers and honey (also from their garden) and olives (from his brother's farm in Slovenia).
We have enjoyed our stay here - thanks for your warm hospitality. Last fall, they visited friends in Calgary (former guests) and Victoria. Perhaps they'll visit Saltspring Island one day as well.
We were also entertaining for this family who walked by. The little guy on his scooter really wanted to stop and try our bike. How does the small stroller hold 3 kids?
It was pure luck to have chosen the right hair salon to walk in to. Barry and I both got haircuts from this stylist and we really enjoyed talking to her. She speaks 4 languages: Slovene, English, Bosnian and Serbian. Her parents were from Bosnia and some of her family emigrated to Canada (Hamilton Ontario) after the war. It is a reminder for us of what the people of this region have been through in their lifetime.
Lunch from the local bakery - Bureks - one with meat and one with cheese. They are very inexpensive and so good, made with a flaky pastry. We also had a sweet one for dessert, filled with chocolate and vanilla.
After spending much time in the excellent Tourist Info and the adjoining Library, we came out to find this family riding by. Barry loved the little dog who was enjoying a ride in the carrier and he asked for a photo. They happily obliged with the small fee of our business card.
I wish I knew the name of this most helpful and amusing Tourist Info woman in Postojna. We really had fun talking with her and she gave us great tips for our remaining time in Slovenia.
More and more, we are choosing to ride on the main (secondary) roads as we find that the route winds too much with more ups and downs. Today we had a great ride with a steady climb for some km and then a delightful descent. Along the way, we were able to appreciate the spectacular scenery and farms.
