Head for the Border

After a pleasant few days in Rovinj, Ive made the leap across the border to Slovenia and am spending one night in the coastal town of Piran. It is a pleasant place. Though possessing slightly less charm than Istria, this is easily countered by the lack of commercialism for which there was little respite in Rovinj. Here, the back streets remain vacant, perfect for me to meander along with little fear of being run over by anxious tourists hoping to find the next tourist trap restaurant or store to step into. The coast is also more majestic, with a more rapid ascent into the mountains, terraced with homes and grape fields for wine. From the church atop the city one can look left and see Croatia, look right to see Italy. It is really quite the spectacle, knowing that right around the next bay is a new city - trieste - which serves as a major transportation hub for Italy. There is far more development, givent he dearth of coast, than in Istria where once leaving a town center, one could expect a brief ring of suburban homes and then nothing for long distances. Here, with such limited coastline, the Slovenes have been forced to build, though have done so in a way which remains not so obtrusive. In the morning, I leave for Postonja, a small, relatively forgetful - or so i read - city half way between the coast and the capital ljubliana. It is famous for having one of the country's most famous caves as well as being quite near to the Predjama castle which, if you find the time, is worth a google image, its really cool.

Yesterday was spent away from Rovinj, mostly in Pazin which is the seat of the Istrian government - slap in the face to Pula, too Italian. Not the prettiest of towns I might add, though it is positioned deep in a valley which was a quite impressive descent via bus. I had hoped to trek 6km to the next hill town but unfortunately there were few signs to ensure I was going in the right direction, and too infrequent of bus links to ensure my ever returning to Rovinj that day. I did headoff in one direction for forty minutes in hopes of reaching Beram, but given my uncertainty of direction, I returned to Pazin, exploring its castle and a gorge below - quite cool, said to have inspired both Dante, the gate to hell, and Jules Verne, some underground river. The bus home was a mess, having to switch once in Zminj, with little direction from my bus driver who spoke only a few words in English.

As to not use up my goodwill on the free internet, people are waiting, I am going to head out now. And one more thing, I am promising now no more determinstic quips about losing my readership, whoever you are - I am no longer preoccupied with your degree of interest. Keep reading at your own pace.