Hotel Nanut Gorizia

... of Santa Cecilia, sixty performers in the choir and orchestra which have belonged to Grado for well over a century. They keep alive not only the authentic tradition of popular songs but also the church music which accompanies the main religious festivities including the traditional St Stephen’s Day concert on 26 December at 6pm in the Basilica.

Music and exhibitions throughout Grado also accompany New Year’s ...

... ran over my foot!!! Anyway, we got Sam and did a couple of things, shopping etc. Then headed back to Merate as we had dinner with Alda and Alessandro again, but without the kids, and we were going into Milano. And what a hectic drive was around the city!! Even at the odd time of 8.30pm! We ate at a really cute little German restaurant which seemed a little bit like Oktoberfest. So that was cool.

The next day we left Merate, said our goodbyes and left for Trieste to see ...

So we decided to splurge with the hotel in Verona and Trieste a bit and boy is it nice......its like a vacation on our extended vacation......we got to this hotel here in Trieste, beautiful and right on the water. Jason sweet talked the receptionist (though he thought she said small king instead of smoking - his Italian is improving ...

... I wandered back along towards the main square on the route along the water, then headed up the hill to the bell tower and churches. This area does afford beautiful views in both directions – one of the harbor, main square and town and the other of the hilly coastline that extends across the bay. I wandered around for a little while and then decided it was time for me to be on my way – I did have quite a drive ahead of me, and a couple of more ...

... placed beside the road. They will lead you to a farm or winery where you will taste (and buy if you wish!) self-produced wine and food.

Last tip: if you ever heard someone say that Trieste is too quiet, I dare you to visit it during the Barcolana, the world-famous sailing race open to everyone, professionals and amateurs, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. It will be an experience you will never forget.

See you in Trieste!

... and patient and helpful. No one is in a huige impatient rush.

The Istrian drive took us to Grosyhan and Motovun and Hum and happilz for Bill along many very windy mountain roads where I shut my eyes a lot. More town walking and incredible food at Motovun. Hum bills itself as the smallest town in the world, but Bill wonders if it has ever met Arco, Idaho. We have now had white mistoletoe grappa from oak and from applewood, apple is ...

Italian is not a common 2nd language in the countries we've visited, but Koper Slovenia had clearly been conquered by the Italians and left with evidence of their rule. The city was settled in Roman times, then influenced by the Byzantine Empire around 600-800 AD, and ruled by Venice from 1300-1800.

Street signs were in Italian and Slovenian, and the lion emblem of Venice was posted on several important buildings. The familiar locking window ...

This is a great small town, where they actually choose to not speak english. We went from the restaurant to bar to wedding to bar to restaurant to bar (the Black Stuff) etc. Eat, Drink, Sleep repeat for a few days. It was a beautiful wedding and a great town.

... out there was a fold on the map and it covered part of the name of the town we had to turn at. Had a laugh and then headed back to Postjona for dinner. This might be better, instead of a two hour walk underground, we got to play some pool and have a pint. Had way too much sausage for supper and then played some pool and air hockey for a bit. Drove back to Ljubljana and, without too much drama, found home. Gave our little Elf a pat for being ...

... Evidently, it burned for several days, leaving a thick smoke and ash layer on all of the rocks in the area, which is still easily seen. Predjama Castle (pred-ya'-ma) is the coolest- literally built into a cave in the side of a cliff! Just 10 km up the road from the Postojna Caves, you end the zig-zag mountain road with the sight of this castle built into the wall! We walked through the 700 year old castle with ...