In October 2017, during a church gathering, a young entrepreneur shared her journey of establishing her gift shop, “By Faith, Designs”. She concluded her talk by distributing picture postcards featuring nature scenes and flowers, all of which she had personally photographed. She urged everyone to appreciate the beauty of nature. Volunteers distributed sets of postcards down the aisles to individuals at the start of each row. They were free to select one and pass the rest along. Seated at the far end of the row, I waited somewhat impatiently as the cards were examined and the ‘best’ ones chosen. Finally, my turn arrived and from the few remaining, I selected a picture of Lake Bled.

The postmark on the reverse side read, ‘With Love “Creator” Heaven, Earth & You’.

I was captivated by the stunning blue lake, its central island, and the encircling hills. A thought briefly crossed my mind, ‘Should this be my next travel destination?’

The following year, in May 2018, my solo adventure was set in motion!

My travel agent, Sabita, meticulously planned the trip, and I read the Lonely Planet book on Slovenia end to end! I practically crisscrossed Slovenia, spending two to four nights in each city.

Vienna was an added bonus as Austria shares a border with Slovenia. Hence, my journey began with a flight to Vienna to explore this historical city, followed by a train ride to Maribor, the northernmost part of Slovenia. From there, I took a bus to Ptuj, and then a train to Lake Bled. After spending three days there, I boarded a train to Ljubljana, the capital city, from where I would fly back home.

On May 30th, after a frantic rush to catch my connecting flight at CDG airport in Paris, which involved two bus rides, two security checks, and climbing countless stairs, I was relieved to hear the strains of the Blue Danube playing on the Austrian airplane! I landed in Vienna after a relaxing flight. I purchased a public transport pass for 8 Euros, which allowed me unlimited access to the train, bus, or tram for the entire day! It was a convenient way to explore the city. With nearly every other building in Vienna being a museum of some sort, there was plenty to see and absorb. St Stephen’s Cathedral, Austria’s most prominent national symbol, is renowned for its intricately tiled roof and its nearly 500-foot-tall South Tower. Schönbrunn Palace, a former imperial summer residence, boasts 1441 rooms! This Baroque palace is one of the most significant architectural, cultural, and historical landmarks in the country.

The following day, I spent half a day at the Blue Danube River and the next day, I took the train to Maribor, my entry point into Slovenia. Slovenia is a charming, green, and beautiful country where I had an incredible adventure.

Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia. Andrej, my walking tour guide in Maribor, made the tour enjoyable as we visited various tourist points. The city is home to the oldest grape plant (400 years old) and the oldest wine house.

Below the Trg Svobode Square in Maribor, there is a two-kilometer-long underground tunnel that has been converted into a wine cellar, the Vinag Wine Cellar. It is one of the largest and oldest classic wine cellars in Europe located within a city.

The Judgement Tower is a fortified tower that was originally built in the early 14th century to secure the southwestern corner of the city walls. It was rebuilt in 1540, with the addition of a conical roof which burned down in the 17th century.

I trekked to the Kalvarija Hill in Maribor, where a small chapel stands in memory of the plague victims. On one side of each of the 400 steps leading to the chapel are names of people who succumbed to the plague.

I spent a pleasant afternoon walking along the Drava river.

On June 3rd, I took a bus to Ptuj, which is just 30 kms from Maribor. Ptuj is the oldest city in Slovenia, with a history dating back 2000 years to the Stone Age. Dominating the cityscape is the mighty Ptuj Castle, a historical treasure. Strolling through the streets of this ancient city was a truly delightful experience. I found myself staying in a charming, quaint house that boasted a history of 500 years.

After two nights, I finally embarked on a 130 Km train journey to Lake Bled, the centerpiece of my travel! Arriving late in the afternoon, I could only explore a portion of the lake, but the sight was absolutely thrilling. Lake Bled, with its stunning views and quaint picturesque ambiance, instantly captivates you! Nestled in a scenic locale, the lake is encircled by mountains and forests.

Overlooking the lake, perched on the edge of a cliff, is Bled Castle, one of the oldest castles in Slovenia.

The lake is home to a small island, Bled Island, which houses several buildings, the main one being the pilgrimage church. Constructed towards the end of the 17th century, the church is a tourist hotspot. Boats ferry visitors to the island, which is also a popular venue for weddings. A trip to the island on Lake Bled was an experience in itself.

Lake Bled, just as it appears in pictures, did not disappoint. I managed to click a very similar picture too.

I trekked to a gorge in the forest and captured a rainbow over the waters.

The next day, I took a bus ride to a nearby city, Radovljica. I visited Lake Bohinj, Triglav National Park, and Vogel, a ski center.

On my way back to the hotel on the last evening, cutting through the Lake Bled pathway, I couldn’t resist capturing the scene in a picture.

After immersing myself in the beauty of Lake Bled, I boarded a train to Ljubljana, the capital city and my final stop. I stayed here for four nights before flying back home.

The Ljubljana castle, is a medieval fortress, was probably built in the 11th century, and was rebuilt in the 12th and 15th centuries.

I explored every bit of Ljubljana, Piran, a beautiful town on the Slovenian coast, and visited two caves,

Postojna Cave: There’s a train ride of 2 km through the caves, a walk of 1.5 km, and another 2 km return train ride. This special train takes you deep underground where you can see unusual rock formations, magical stalactites and stalagmites, and huge halls. It’s an unforgettable experience!

Nearby in a rocky wall stands Predjama Castle, the largest cave castle in the world. Predjama Castle is situated in the middle of a 123-metre cliff and has been standing for more than 800 years. It’s listed among the Guinness World Records as the largest cave castle in the world.

Škocjan Caves: The caves are 180 metres below the surface and span 6 kms. I walked through the entire pathway laid out for visitors. It’s a UNESCO protected site. The Reka River flows in one part of the cave and its murmuring sound just reverberates. There is a bridge to cross over the river. The height in one of the chambers is 30 feet.

On June 12th, I flew back to Bangalore.

From a captivating look of a picture postcard to walking around the iconic Lake Bled for 3 days and experiencing the rest of Slovenia, the entire journey was truly mesmerizing!

But the experience does not end here!

Due to an unusual turn of events, in August 2022 I find myself living in an apartment on the 6th floor facing a lake, almost like Lake Bled minus the mountains and forest, but beautiful all the same. I get to see stunning sunrises, moonrises, watch and hear the birds, observe the changing sky, admire the cloud patterns, and walk around the lake.

From a picture postcard of Lake Bled—to a fleeting experience,
I’m now living in the picture!