Adventures for Anyone

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

She's Called Alice!

It's shopping season, and I've been a bit busy getting "Alice" out there.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMSKP2K8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMWG8M7P

This is a story of a woman with a midlife crisis. Her husband isn't what she thought. Her kids are leaving for college.

When she meets her newest neighbor in the countryside outside the small town of Hebron, Indiana; she discovers a whole new world. Josephine Dusante, her almost instant bestie, is world famous French artist getting away from it all in the farmland of northern Indiana.

Alice has to make some changes, and gets a chance to become the artist she'd always dreamed she could be. How will Alice balance her current life with the future she desires and is within her reach?

It's a dramatic comedy of loves found and lost and a woman trying to define her future. There's a lot of laughter, because sometimes if you don't laugh; you cry.

"Alice" is full of vibrant characters, funny anecdotes about life, dream lost, dreams found, and justice where it belongs.

Come read and laugh through hardships and life changes with "Alice" on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Amazon!

Monday, October 3, 2022

Merle is Inspiring Us to Sweden! Hurrah!

We've all seen the quintessential photos of the Nordic world. The colorful houses along the sea. The fishing boats for their culture. We've all heard some of the history, with Vikings and so on. The north is a mystery to so many people who grew up visiting Disney every year and their parents dreaming of retiring in Florida or Arizona. Is it any wonder that when those of us who like to be a bit adventurous dream of going to an exotic place, we don't dream of the South? Our parents and their parents all dreamed of the warm. Our generation has been there done that and done it about to death. So, like Merle, I too have always been drawn to the north and all the exotic wilderness and culture it has to offer. This is why I've taken some time, once again, to discuss Sweden.

Previously, I've discussed Stockholm for Miss Jen and the Royal Castle at Drottingholm. I would love to spend some time in Stockholm at the Viking Museum and Fotografiska. But, then I realized that another one of my friends, Merle, had requested that I discuss the country. Well, if you thought there was nothing beyond Stockholm, let me tell you. Not true. There's so much that's amazing about all the countries that we call Nordic and all the countries that we call Baltic. And Sweden, which we call both.

Sweden is one of those countries. It has ports. It has access to the Baltic Sea and the North Sea and the Arctic Ocean. It has a large portion of its land above the arctic circle. They are a leader in design and innovation, much like Finland. They have a broad world community and global industry. We've all heard of IKEA. Well, another thing that Sweden is known for is its innovative architecture. There are tours of some of the most amazing modern architecture in the world available from numerous companies. They are famous for their saunas, ice hotels, ships, music, and so much more. There's no end to the surprises you'll find in Sweden.

The Nobel Prize is one of the first things that I always think of when I think of Sweden and particularly Stockholm. This world renowned prize is given each year to a select group of scientists and social scientists for their advancements in medicine, peace, sciences. The country is proud of their forward thinking and it shows everywhere you go.

They've had an interesting history from Vikings to Germans to Russians and beyond. They've battled and surrendered and battled again. Drottingholm Castle is home to the Royal Family who still is the icon of the country today. They now have a democratic parliament running the country, but like England, the royal family is of the utmost importance to the country's identity.

There's a lot more to Sweden than Stockholm and Malmo. A full 15% of the country lies above the Arctic Circle. This is the land where reindeer herders or Sami live. This is where the world famous Ice Hotel is located every year. This is where you can see the Northern Lights on a regular basis most of the year. This is where people take their snow machines to the drive through at McDonald's. The DMV in Sweden gives a driving test on ice, and if you can't handle it, you can't drive. That's life in Sweden. They do things their own way because they need to. There's a reason Volvo's are so safe. There's a reason for everything.

Northern Sweden is home to one of the northernmost national parks, Abisko. Wildlife is abundant in Sweden and Moose, Elk, Reindeer and Even Brown Bears are common. They have one of the largest Iron ore mines in Europe in their arctic lands. And let's not forget the Sami.

The Sami people are indigenous to the laplands and have been around for thousands of years. Their life is traditional. Their ways are something unusual in today's world. The Sami have been granted many freedoms by Sweden. They have their own regional government. They have their own lands and their own way of life. They have towns and farms and whatever they need for their lifestyles. They love to have visitors from the outside world, and there are a ton of tours to choose from if you decide to go and visit them to learn about their world. It's an amazing opportunity to see inside a whole different life, and I would love to do it.

Other things that you can do above the Arctic Circle. Hiking is amazingly popular and the St. Olavsleden Trail is the northernmost pilgrim trail in the world. There's mountains and hiking trails all over the laplands. Any town you visit will be able to help you with hiking.

There's a lot of life above the Arctic Circle in Sweden. There's a lot to see and do and enjoy. They have a unique lifestyle that merely adapts to the forces of nature. I witnessed the attitude when I visited Iceland, and I must say, the Nordic folks truly are happy. I'm still figuring out how to have that mindset, but I'm getting closer. The weather simply doesn't hamper them. They just go about their lives in winters that would have most of us crying in our beer.

One of the things that Sweden is most famous for is their saunas. It's a national tradition to sauna and then jump in snow or cold natural water. This can be extremely foreign to foreigners. I learned recently that there's an etiquette when it comes to saunaing. First, everyone brings beer. Did not know that. It creates a relaxed atmosphere. Second, bring that towel. Some places and some people are nude in saunas, but you don't have to. Some saunas are towel favorable and some are more hit and miss. It's best to always have one with you just in case. Birch leaves and the smacking are also optional. Not everyone chooses to have the birch leaf thrashing that we've all seen on TV. Swedes are social and not overly judgemental so just go to sauna prepared, and take it from there. It's meant to relax you, so don't overthink it.

Sweden is one of those long countries. Like the state of Florida without a panhandle. The east coast seems to be where the most notable things for tourists are located. This is the land of decorated farm houses, beaches (yes beaches), a lot of notable architecture, and a theme park with a water park included called Furuviksparken. The Gulf Stream feeds into the east side of the country and makes the climate milder. This is where a lot of fishing, swimming and boating in general takes place. Not far from the coast you'll find some unique spots like the treehouse hotel. There's the Sauna in Frihamnen. There's colleges, mostly revolving around science and design. There's an assortment of castles to visit throughout the country, but a lot of them are along the east coast and in the larger cities of Malmo and Stockholm.

In Halsingland, notorious for the decorated farm houses, you'll find what they call the Orbaden or the area's Riviera. They have giant flea markets or Loppis and it's a very quiet and laid back region to visit. It's scenic, the shopping is good, the entertainment it good, the food it good.

Realistically, there's a lot of contrasts and ingenuity in Sweden. They are a unique people living in a unique country with unique challenges. During the pandemic, they decided not to quarantine, sending the world's media into a tailspin. However, they now boast one of the lowest covid rates in the world. Should they do things their own way and not listen to the hype? Maybe so. Some of the greatest scholars in history have been honored by Sweden through the Nobel Prizes. The entire country is known for its innovation. The people deal with a lot of natural obstacles just to get through the day. And still, they're some of the happiest and most productive people in the world.

They have a royal family, and yet the Sami run their own lives and the rest of the country is run by an elected parliament. They have to drive on ice to get a license. They still eat largely seafood and traditional Swedish dishes. They're an unusual concoction of cutting edge and tradition living together in harmony. And 15% of it is above the Arctic Circle. They swim in Baltic Water, they roast in saunas. They love photography, spatial design and ABBA. There is no pasta with their meatballs, and Herring is king. Sweden is one of the most unique countries in the world.

They're also versatile when it comes to tourism. Many cruise lines stop there. You can see the country largely by rail. There are well maintained roads up into the Arctic Circle, so driving around the country isn't difficult. They are visitor friendly. A lot of folks in the cities even speak English.

So, if you want to take a look at the Northern Lights, sleep in an ice hotel, try Herring, visit a castle or several, learn about forward thinking architecture, swim in the Baltic Sea, or even go to an amusement park or ABBA Museum; Sweden could be for you. I would love to visit, just to meet the people. The rest is just meatball gravy. Enjoy!

https://sweden.nordicvisitor.com/?utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=sweden%20travel&utm_content=sweden+travel+38&utm_campaign=SE+m11+sweden+travel&msclkid=23a0af560d031e6b912fcc6d13fdee27

https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/destinations/europe/sweden/?msclkid=6e7dfe8a78c6158dc5189db1663840ff&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Europe%20-%20Sweden&utm_term=trips%20in%20sweden&utm_content=Trips%20To%20Sweden

https://discoverscandinaviatours.com/express-tour-scandinavia-denmark-norway-sweden?sid=go&cid=_-_scandinavia&aid=travel&kid=scandinavia_travel&mt=exact&msclkid=5e994895cff01110e1ea2baed10e1ebf&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=-%20Scandinavia&utm_term=scandinavia%20travel&utm_content=Travel

https://www.vrbo.com/search/keywords:sweden/page:4?k_clickid=&ds_cid=71700000081827126&ds_kids=p62629457660&ds_kid=39700062629457660&ksprof_id=700000002196404&ksdevice=c&ktarget=dat-2324367581350301:loc-190&kloct=174&klocf=44736&ds_aid=58700006953731364&ha_t=:o:&&msclkid=b7b09230834817e91c7df10b9db67f67&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ASEO%3A1%3A-G12344012627&utm_term=vrbo.com%2Fsearch%2Fkeywords%3A&utm_content=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ASEO%3A&gclid=b7b09230834817e91c7df10b9db67f67&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://visitsweden.com/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/sweden-travel-advisory.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sweden

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sweden

https://hejsweden.com/en/sweden-travel-guide/

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-destinations/northern-europe-

https://www.roughguides.com/sweden/travel-advice/

https://www.ncl.com/cruise-destinations/northern-europe-cruises?cid=PS_DIG_NA_NA_BIN_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA_NA&&msclkid=73928358828014b7e469e063a6b6702c&gclid=73928358828014b7e469e063a6b6702c&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/sweden-travel-and-tourism

https://www.trafalgar.com/en-us/destinations/europe/sweden

https://www.tourradar.com/d/sweden

https://www.expedia.com/Sweden.d173.Destination-Travel-Guides

https://explorenordic.com/traveling-to-sweden-guide/

https://www.kayak.com/flight-routes/United-States-US0/Malmoe-MMA?r9ck=iq&enc_bmt=bb&enc_oiid=2330346175840534&enc_adid=78546550469249&enc_cmpid=396757307&msclkid=c72f57e415f41e3b40a534df30fbfb60&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=A%20-%20US%20-%20Air%20-%20All%20URLs%20Feed&utm_term=flight%20static-flight-route&utm_content=Flights%20All%20URLs

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g189839-zfg11873-a_contentId.1178676632288582+268262231-Malmo_Skane_County.html

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l2647/?cmp=bing&campaign_id=434111532&adgroup_id=1251244854682616&target_id=dat-2330002578451843%3Aloc-190&match_type=b&ad_id=78202963710337&msclkid=e55afaf3a32314fe7b3599c8860fd832&loc_physical_ms=44736&feed_item_id=&keyword=getyourguide.com&partner_id=CD951&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=ct%3Ddsa%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_term=getyourguide.com&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://visitskane.com/cities-locations/malmo

https://www.tripsavvy.com/top-attractions-in-malmo-sweden-1626080

https://www.wandererscompass.com/destinations/malmo-sweden-visitor-guide/

https://www.firebirdtours.com/welcome/sweden-tours?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FT_Scandinavia_MISK_EN_US&utm_term=sweden%20tours&msclkid=d267d31898691f8e50c7b023bd457bc9&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FT%20%7C%20Scandinavia%20%7C%20MISC%20%7C%20EN%20%7C%20US&utm_term=sweden%20tours&utm_content=Sweden%20Tours%20%7C%20MT%3ABMM

https://www.booking.com/city/se/sundsvall.html?aid=346685&label=msn-DxadKQW9yom92DS5OevYqg-79852134624907:tikwd-79852179593952:loc-190:neo:mte:lp44736:dec:qssundsvall%20sweden%20tourism&utm_campaign=Sweden&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=DxadKQW9yom92DS5OevYqg&msclkid=aef4b058c6af14b33420d363e30da6d8

https://www.omio.com/travel/sundsvall/stockholm-gvdgh?id=Y29ubmVjdGlvbl9wYWdlX250LmNvbS40MDYwNTkuNDA2MDU3&h=bHBzLmguc2VtLmkucm91Li4u&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=SEM_IN_EN_WV_ALL_ALL_I.III_%5BNOMK_ROU%7CPRO_0%5D_P%3ANOMK_NOPRO_3&utm_term=sundsvall+stockholm&adgroup=SEM_IN_EN_WV_ALL_ALL_I.III_%5BNOMK_ROU%7CPRO_0%5D_P%3ANOMK_NOPRO_%28SUNDSVALL_406059_SE%29_%28STOCKHOLM_406057_SE%29&content=basic&msclkid=f756f7a16328197f4799949a468a0379&utm_content=SEM_IN_EN_WV_ALL_ALL_I.III_%5BNOMK_ROU%7CPRO_0%5D_P%3ANOMK_NOPRO_(SUNDSVALL_406059_SE)_(STOCKHOLM_406057_SE)

https://www.arrivalguides.com/en/Travelguides/Europe/Sweden/Sundsvall

https://www.trip.com/travel-guide/destination/sundsvall-49543/

https://trek.zone/en/sweden/places/42084/sundsvall

https://www.triphobo.com/places/sundsvall-v-sternorrland-county-sweden

https://www.traveltill.com/destination/Sweden/Sundsvall/

https://www.expeditions.com/itineraries/circumnavigating-the-baltic-sea?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=B-US-ACQ-Search-NB_Sweden&utm_term=%2Bsweden%20%2Btravel&utm_content=Tours%20%26%20Travel&msclkid=2cb67344e4111095a994107fc2218cff

https://www.lastdodo.com/en/items/3966803-tourism-halsingland

https://gastrikland.se/en/stilleben-sweden

https://www.reservations.com/hotels/gastrikland-sweden/class/luxury

https://www.visitgavle.se/en

https://travelplanner.app/destinations/sweden/norrbotten/harads/

https://www.icehotel.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bb-search-brand-us-bmm&utm_term=%2Bicehotel%20%2Bjukkasjarvi%20%2Bsweden&utm_content=icehotel%20jukkasjarvi%20sweden%20-%20bmm

https://www.goteborg.com/en/

https://www.goteborg.com/en/places/the-sauna-in-frihamnen/

https://www.viator.com/tours/Kiruna/Kiruna-KRN-to-City-Center-to-Airport-Private-Transfer/d50546-231546P52?m=33953&supag=1240249278274158&supsc=dat-2329315383530665:loc-190&supai=77515662215904&supdv=c&supnt=nt:o&suplp=44736&supli=153486&supti=dat-2329315383530665:loc-190&tsem=true&supci=dat-2329315383530665:loc-190&supkw=kiruna%20sweden%20tourism&msclkid=306cf0536b931eda904b93684c25ad10

https://kirunalapland.se/en/

https://www.tourstolapland.com/cities/kiruna

https://trip101.com/article/things-to-do-in-kiruna-sweden

https://www.joysoftraveling.com/sweden/tourists-guide-to-kiruna-swedens-northernmost-city/

https://visitumea.se/en

https://www.thecrazytourist.com/15-best-things-umea-sweden/

https://www.visitacity.com/en/stockholm?campaginid=428243018&adgroupid=1290827070619372&targetid=kwd-80676928418467:loc-190&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Stockholm%20Attractions%20G-US-In-EUR&utm_term=things%20to%20do%20in%20stockholm%20sweden&utm_content=do%20-%20things%204

https://www.visitstockholm.com/o/ikea-of-sweden/

https://abbathemuseum.com/en/

https://www.nobelprize.org/about/the-swedish-academy/

https://www.agoda.com/?device=c&network=o&site_id=1744576&tag=3bd01317-e36b-47af-85c2-8d91be4ee288&msclkid=4c0d2fcadd991041efcc4cf1f54d6fd7&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AC:en-usca%7CGT-DS_AGs%7Ctargetandbid_Test&utm_term=+resort&utm_content=at:+resort%7Cgt:broad

https://sweden.se/life/people/sami-in-sweden

https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/culture-history-and-art/culture/discover-swedens-traditional-sami-culture-and-way-life/

https://nordregio.org/maps/sami-reindeer-herding-villages-and-herding-areas-in-sweden/

https://kirunalapland.se/en/sapmi/

https://spacetourismguide.com/northern-lights-sweden/

https://capturetheatlas.com/see-the-northern-lights-in-sweden/

https://www.sverigesnationalparker.se/en/choose-park---list/abisko-national-park/

https://www.visitabisko.com/

https://www.visitgavle.se/en/furuviksparken

https://www.furuvik.se/en

https://www.manawa.com/en-GB/search-by-sport-and-spot/snow/dog-sledding/ostersund/124-1505-2455?a=1&utm_campaign=SportSpot_ENG_dog_sledding&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&_cid=33&msclkid=ed1ede6c140c113043edbd573e6c3f9d&utm_term=%2Bdog%20%2Bsledding%20%2Bsweden&utm_content=SportSpot_ENG_dog_sledding_SWE_%C3%96stersund

https://www.heyhusky.com/en/dogsledding-sweden

https://www.routesnorth.com/sweden/things-to-do-in-sweden/dog-sledding-sweden/

https://adventures.com/sweden/tours/activities/dog-sledding/

http://thewanderlustrose.com/dog-sledding-in-sweden-where-to-go-how-to-get-there/

https://www.routesnorth.com/sweden/planning-your-trip/sauna-etiquette-in-sweden/

https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/design-architecture/architecture/top-9-swedish-architecture-must-sees/

https://sweden.se/culture/arts-design/swedish-architecture

https://www.hisour.com/architecture-of-sweden-33967/

https://www.e-architect.com/swedish-architecture

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/sweden/

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans?cid=SEM|BNG|999|c_72333090_kwd-26447078784:loc-4086_77378303902185&utm_id=sem:NB-Search-Oceans-Sweden&utm_content=VOC-US-BNG-NB-Core-Sweden-Exact&gclid=5d00123bfec114a7ccb57100d5009fd8&gclsrc=3p.ds&&msclkid=5d00123bfec114a7ccb57100d5009fd8&gclid=5d00123bfec114a7ccb57100d5009fd8&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-to/stockholm-sweden?ecid=sm_int_pntrst_pnt_8887

https://www.celebritycruises.com/destinations/european-cruises/sweden-cruises

https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/countries/sweden.html

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/sweden?c3api=bing,1304020935367928,81501365698561&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81501405248034_k_81501365698561_w_kwd-81501365698561:loc-4086_g_1304020935367928_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_174_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81501405248034%7Cpkw%7Csweden%20tours%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1304020935367928%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81501365698561:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Sweden-August%202018&utm_term=sweden%20tours&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81501405248034%7Cpkw%7Csweden%20tours%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1304020935367928%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81501365698561:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1304020935367928&ptaid=kwd-81501365698561:loc-4086&msclkid=24eb57cb08be1351961734f024b3983a

https://www.bookmundi.com/sweden

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/sweden

https://www.affordabletours.com/d/date/sweden/all

https://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/sweden

https://www.getyourguide.com/stockholm-l50/castle-palace-tours-tc12/?cmp=bing&campaign_id=434111532&adgroup_id=1251244854682616&target_id=dat-2330002578451843%3Aloc-190&match_type=b&ad_id=78202963710336&msclkid=5d8fcb721fe8122ad749a849339299a1&loc_physical_ms=44736&feed_item_id=&keyword=getyourguide.com&partner_id=CD951&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=ct%3Ddsa%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_term=getyourguide.com&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189806-Activities-c47-t6-Sweden.html

https://www.swedishnomad.com/beautiful-castles-in-sweden/

https://historiceuropeancastles.com/sweden/

https://www.getyourguide.com/drottningholm-palace-l3728/?cmp=bing&campaign_id=434111532&adgroup_id=1251244854682616&target_id=dat-2330002578451843%3Aloc-190&match_type=b&ad_id=78202963710337&msclkid=29c01a89cebf137db08f79b2e3b81813&loc_physical_ms=44736&feed_item_id=&keyword=getyourguide.com&partner_id=CD951&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=ct%3Ddsa%7Cln%3D29%3Aen%7Ctc%3Dus&utm_term=getyourguide.com&gclsrc=3p.ds&fromCollection=123

https://www.takemetosweden.be/en/drottningholm-castle/

https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/nature-outdoors/winter-activities/skiing-sweden/

https://www.skiresort.info/ski-resorts/sweden/

https://swedishnomad.com/traditional-swedish-food

https://travelfoodatlas.com/swedish-foods

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-sweden

https://hejsweden.com/en/the-swedes-and-alcohol-about-drinking-in-sweden/

https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-alcoholic-beverages-in-sweden

https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/nature-outdoors/hiking/top-hiking-routes-sweden/

https://sweden.se/culture/history/history-of-sweden

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

My Newest Bucket List Spot...Slovenia!

I've traveled a lot in my time, and once in a while, during a study of places to go, I find something that I can't believe I missed. So, today we're discussing something that has been placed on my bucket list. Something that I can't believe I missed. Something for everyone. Something that checks a lot of boxes. We're talking about Slovenia.

Slovenia is one of those countries. It sits in pretty much the middle of Europe. It's been ruled by everyone. It's been part of every war. It's been part of Yugoslavia. It's been part of the Soviet Union. There are artifacts that have been recovered dated to 55,000 years ago. Slovenia has been around for a long time. They knew Napoleon, they were ruled by Tito. They were part of the Reformation. They were part of the Holy Roman Empire. They've been lorded over by Huns, Nazis, Austro-Hungarians, and so many more. They were dead center in WWI and WWII. They've seen it all, and still wanted to be an independent nation. In the 1990's they got their wish. And now, they're part of the European Union.

What truly boggles my mind is that they have it all in Slovenia. They have around 500 castles and palaces. They have the largest cave system in Europe. They have Alps. They have Lake Bled. They have scenic waterfalls and gorges to hike, and peaks to climb, and slopes to ski. They have numerous cable cars to get a view in. They have medieval towns and monasteries. They have Venetian ports, salt flats, ridiculous driving roads, and Lippizans. There's simply no end to the things that they have. You can even take a boat tour on the river in Ljubljana. Things that you can do in Croatia, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, and France; you can do in Slovenia. They have it all from history to architecture, to wilderness, to sports, to the macabre and beyond. They have everything I look for in all those other countries in one place. They have mountains, shore, beaches, villages, and some truly unique things to see and do.

I love the outdoors. Slovenia has that. Known as Europe's land of waterfalls, there are amazing hikes you can take. You can go with or without a guide, as you can find maps to and through the hikes easily. Are you concerned about your safety? Well, Slovenia is one of the safest countries to travel in the world. The place is a success story. In touristy areas, which from what I can see is most of the country, a lot of people speak English. That reduces the language barrier and helps with independent travel. Their currency is the Euro, so if you're traveling in more than one country, you don't have to worry about more money exchanging.

However, if you don't want to try it alone, there are dozens of tours and cruises and guides that you can use to make your trip more comfortable. They range from groups and cruises to individual, personalized tours. There are a lot of options, so choose one that's right for you. Take your time, because this could be one of the best trips of your life.

Slovenia is a rare gem with a variety of places to go and things to see. They have a specific culture and their own place in Europe. They have a 13 story building in Ljubljana that's famous. It was the highest building in that part of the continent for years. Now, it's a great place to have lunch and get a great view of the city.

Ljubljana also has the three bridges. I thought it was some complicated story with a crazy reasoning that made those bridges. It turns out that they were all just built to help with pedestrian traffic in the early 1900's. But the city also comes with medieval streets, old town, beautiful cathedrals, a fortress and so much more. They have the robust food that Slovenia is known for. And, if you're so hungry you could eat a horse, they have that too. If that doesn't thrill you, make sure you read the menu carefully.

The country has a castle that is in a cave. Predjama Castle sticks right out of a cliff. Quite a sight. The whole place is a national park and you can tour the castle and the cave. They also have a cave with a train in it. Postojna Cave is one of the largest on the continent. The other main cave is Skocjan and they are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. They have one of the premiere pass roads in the Alps. The road through Vrsic Pass. It's about a 50 km drive and takes about two hours. Don't try it in the winter. It's closed. They have beaches, and you can go sailing. Piran is the ancient city by the sea where you can do all the shore activities and visit the salt flats and walk the walls of the medieval town. It's bizarre the variety of things you can do in Slovenia.

Lake Bled is the most famous lake in the country with its island holding a palace sitting in the middle of it, but Lake Bohinj is the largest. Both are gorgeous, both have villages around, both have castles to look at. Take your pick, or if you have time, visit both. The Soca River is probably the largest in the country and goes through some gorges and to some waterfalls. You can't beat the scenery. Vintgar Gorge is probably the best known gorge hike in Slovenia ending at a Slap. That's the Slovenian word for waterfall. There's medieval farming villages on the slopes of the Alps. There's so much to wonder at that you'll never be bored.

Slovenia is full of museums and artistic spaces. There are history, art, modern art, Soviet and more for the museums, but in Ljubljana they have something different. It's an artistic colony called Metelkova City which used to be a Soviet military barracks. Nowadays, the whole neighborhood's become an outdoor art display of graffiti. Some of the sculptures seem a bit macabre, but it's something you won't see anywhere else. It's worth a look. Promise.

Getting to and from Slovenia is also easy. You can drive. You can take a train. You can fly. You can sail there on a cruise. All the options are available. What you'll be surprised about is the modernity. Slovenia is with the times. They're tech savvy and ready for the 21st century. The people are reportedly outgoing and proud to be independent and members of the European Union. They welcome visitors and try to show them a very good time while in their country.

Just remember that Slovenia has something for everyone and a lot of things that you have to go to several other countries to do all in one place. Whether you want to wander a city market, celebrate the holidays, go skiing, go on a cruise, experience art, hike, bike, visit castles or caves; Slovenia has something for you. Whether it's the Alps, the gorges, the medieval villages, the cathedrals, the waterfalls, the beaches, the gondolas or the food; Slovenia has something for you. It's one of the most diverse, richly historical, beautiful, fascinating countries I've heard of in a while.

All I can say for myself is that I intend to visit this one. I can't believe I missed it. But, if you're like me and love to have a lot of options of things to do with your travel time, then Slovenia is worth checking out. I found options there I'd never dreamed of, so look into it, plan a vacay and enjoy!

https://www.rearviewmirror.tv/slovenia-page/

https://www.wandering-bird.com/driving-the-vrsic-pass/

https://jaywaytravel.com/trip-ideas/croatia-slovenia?kwd=https%3A%2F%2Fjaywaytravel.com%2Ftrip-ideas%2Fcroatia-slovenia&msclkid=6391176f3a341328ffea74440cb2ea55&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=COMBO%20-%20Croatia%20%26%20Slovenia&utm_term=https%3A%2F%2Fjaywaytravel.com%2Ftrip-ideas%2Fcroatia-slovenia&utm_content=Dynamic

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/slovenia?c3api=bing,1306219967898074,81638814235800&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81638775852288_k_81638814235800_w_kwd-81638814235800:loc-4086_g_1306219967898074_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_167_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81638775852288%7Cpkw%7Cslovenia%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1306219967898074%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81638814235800:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Slovenia-October%202018&utm_term=slovenia%20travel&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81638775852288%7Cpkw%7Cslovenia%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1306219967898074%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81638814235800:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1306219967898074&ptaid=kwd-81638814235800:loc-4086&msclkid=284ef6d94c6e1315895795f27ae81427

https://www.expedia.com/Vacation-Packages?semcid=US.UB.BING.GT-c-EN.PACKAGE&SEMDTL=a1361531955.b11287528469155849.r1.g1kwd-80470772109439:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1167.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&msclkid=55a70f37547f107ecaf16c1c62f9b2fa&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BEX%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AX%3AX%3AVacation%7CPackages%3A-G10650897092&utm_term=vacations&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AVacation%7CPackages%3A

https://www.hotels.com/re1643825/hotels-in-slovenia-adriatic-coast-slovenia/?rffrid=sem.hcom.US.bing.003.00.04.s.kwrd=c.82463700381983.1319415430575670.369334503.0.dat-2334263185865961:loc-4086.44736.167.www.hotels.com%20D%3AINT%3A1.msclkid=9b80df7f586e10b01d45bc546ee8869a&semcid=HCOM-US.UB.BING.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a1369334503.b11319415430575670.g1dat-2334263185865961:loc-4086.l1.e1c.m19b80df7f586e10b01d45bc546ee8869a.r1.c1.j144736.k1167.d182463700381983.h1b.i1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&msclkid=9b80df7f586e10b01d45bc546ee8869a&gclid=9b80df7f586e10b01d45bc546ee8869a&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/europe/slovenia?ds_kids=p65305615081&ds_kid=43700065305615081&ksdevice=c&ktarget=kwd-72156055832269:loc-190&k_clickid=&ds_cid=71700000081827126&ds_kids=p62629457663&ds_kid=39700062629457663&ksprof_id=700000002196404&ksdevice=c&ktarget=dat-2324367581350302:loc-190&kloct=167&klocf=44736&ds_aid=58700006953731364&ha_t=:o:&&msclkid=36c3fb0fad5615e8ba5598249bd0703c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ASEO%3A1%3A-G12344012627&utm_term=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vrbo.com%2Fvacation-rentals&utm_content=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ASEO%3A&gclid=36c3fb0fad5615e8ba5598249bd0703c&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.slovenia.info/en

https://travelslovenia.org/

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Slovenia.html

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/slovenia

http://www.govisitslovenia.com/