Day 5 - Super Slovenia!

We left our very comfortable accommodation this morning feeling deeply refreshed and very clean! Almost immediately we crossed the border to Slovenia, where the cycle paths don't just end and the drivers and very aware of the cycle crossings! The wind however, after three days of blasting tailwinds, switched into a vicious gusting headwind so we had a fight on our hands to the first major climb of the trip. The climb itself flew by - a lovely route up a wooded valley with great tarmac.

We diverted from the route for a quick bit of tourism around Ljubljana, a cool and compact city. We passed a ceramics shop with some beautiful pieces and got chatting to the friendly owners. Emma is on a side quest to get a small patch or badge from each country, and also collects masks so the fantastic array of fun ceramic face badges was as perfect as it could get!

We asked about where to get traditional food and as one of the potters was leaving on her bike, she offered to show us directly to a restaurant near the centre, with a whistle stop cycling tour on the way. The Slovenians are so friendly and helpful!

We set off again a little behind but very happy and shortly passed Rok cycling back home from work. We chatted as we rode along and he invited us back to his terrace for a quick drink. We weren't sure if we should keep making distance or enjoy the offer - but are very glad we did! We ended up spending a wonderful evening chatting to Rok and his family who made us feel very welcome at their beautiful home.

After raiding the grapevines and considerable vegetable garden we sat around the fire pit and cooked up a feast fresh from the garden while covering topics from Yugoslavia to Strava (Rok's dog walks are significantly affecting the local heatmap 😅)! Rok also loaded us up with as many super sweet grapes and veggies as we could carry for tomorrow which made two vegetable-based cyclists very happy indeed!

Food spend today: 64 euros