When I last posted we were on our way to Germany for the weekend. As usual, there was a slight change of plans. We needed to pick a location that was closer to home so that we spent more time relaxing and less time in the car. We ended up choosing Lake Bled in Slovenia… a very bearable two hours from home.
I was a little skeptical about our destination as I don’t actually know anyone on base who has been there. Andy reassured me that he has read reviews and that it was going to be great. He also reassured me that if we got there and the hotel looked horrible and the town lacked charm that we could go home. I love that my husband knows that what I really need in order to do anything in life is to know that I can get out of it.
We arrived at Lake Bled early afternoon on Saturday to the most breathtaking views I have seen in Europe so far. Lake Bled is a tiny little lake with a castle in the middle and mountains in the background. This picture does not come close to capturing how amazing it is.
We walked in to the hotel which happened to be lovely and were greetedby a very jovial english speaking receptionist. The thing about Slovenia is that everyone speaks English. When asked how much the room would cost, he said, “you’ll find out in the morning.” In the morning the room was discounted 10% off what he said he was actually going to charge us! Hooray for a discount!
We were given a room that faced the lake and had a great balcony to sit out on. We sat for a while and then Andy suggested that we go for a walk around the lake.
There is a walking path that encircles the lake and is probably four miles long. I probably should have taken my high heeled boots off before the walk. Ouch!
After our walk we decided to go to the pool area. There were two levels and each level has a pool and a hot tub and a slide that connected the two. It has been a while since either of us have gone down a slide but we found that we enjoyed it just as much as the seven year olds.
We took a break from the pool to get dinner and over dinner decided that we would check out the saunas. Ah, European Saunas. So neither of us has been to a sauna outside of maybe one at a Holiday Inn. We checked in to the spa and were given a sheet and a towel and directed to the changing room. We brought bathing suits as we didn’t know what to expect. So we put on our suits and wrap the sheets around ourselves.
As we start walking down the steps to the sauna we see a sign on the wall with a picture of bottoms (underwear, swim trunks) with a big X through it. We turn to each other and giggle. Back to the changing room where this time we leave the suits and just wrap in the sheets. We walk through the door and all I can see is penis. Yep, I said it, penis (I know Amanda will like this). There is a middle aged man with what appears to be his twelve year old daughter and they are prancing around naked like it’s the garden of eden. Andy and I immediately find a sauna room to run to and burst out laughing. Okay, we have experienced beaches in Europe and try to act oh so chic and natural about the nakedness that occurs there, but this is a whole new level.
After we get ourselves under control we decide to leave this particular sauna and try another one. There are a total of six different rooms with varying temperatures etc. and an open shower in the middle and lounge chairs to relax in. This is one of the more unique experiences we have had in Europe so far. The thing is, it was so relaxing that we can’t wait to go back!
Many hugs and misses!
Sarah
