Ljubljana and Lake Bled



On our second day in Ljubljana, Slovenia, we started the day by wandering through some of the shops and exploring the town.We always love the European outdoor restaurants. Ljubljana is no different. Although it is chilly here, the restaurants have outdoor heaters and blankets for everyone!
  

We then drove about 45 minutes to visit the beautiful Lake Bled. We sat down, had a picnic of breads and meats and cheeses and just gazed at the beautiful scenery. 



Lake Bled is an Alpine lake with an island that has a church in the middle of it.  It is one of the most recognizable places in Slovenia.  Pletnas, (traditional wooden boats) are operated by pletnars who rowed us to and from the island. 




Once we got to the island, we climbed the 99 stone steps to reach the Assumption of Mary Church and its famous bell.  Legend has it that if you ring the bell yourself, all your wishes will come true. All four of us rang the bell!


The church bell, made in the early 16th century, is said to have come from the pope himself. Legend has it that he gave it to the church after the original bell, sent to the island by an inconsolable widow in remembrance of her late husband, ended up sinking to the bottom of the lake in a storm.

After returning to our hotel, we went to dinner at Julija’s, a short walk away.  Delicious!


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